Nokea
A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?
- A. Total calcium 5.0 mg/dL.
- B. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L.
- C. Serum potassium 4.0 mEq/L.
- D. Serum glucose 90 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and could indicate hypoparathyroidism, a possible complication after thyroidectomy. Low calcium levels can lead to tetany, seizures, and cardiac dysrhythmias, requiring immediate intervention. Choices B, C, and D fall within the normal range and do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.
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A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client with heart failure. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Apical pulse of 58 beats per minute
- B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
- C. Presence of a new murmur
- D. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An apical pulse of 58 beats per minute is concerning when administering digoxin because digoxin can further lower the heart rate, leading to bradycardia or heart block. Immediate intervention is required to prevent potential complications. A blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is within normal range and does not require immediate intervention in this context. The presence of a new murmur may indicate valvular issues but does not directly relate to the administration of digoxin. A respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute is also within normal limits and is not a priority concern when administering digoxin.
A client who developed syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with small carcinoma of the lung is preparing for discharge. When teaching the client about self-management with demeclocycline (Declomycin), the nurse should instruct the client to report which condition to the healthcare provider?
- A. Insomnia
- B. Muscle cramping
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Anxiety
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Muscle cramping. SIADH causes dilutional hyponatremia due to increased ADH release. Demeclocycline is used to block the action of ADH. Muscle cramping can indicate electrolyte imbalances related to hyponatremia, which should be reported to the healthcare provider. Insomnia, increased appetite, and anxiety are not typically associated with the side effects or complications of demeclocycline or SIADH.
A client with type 1 diabetes is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which laboratory value is most concerning?
- A. Serum glucose of 300 mg/dl
- B. Serum bicarbonate of 18 mEq/L
- C. Serum potassium of 5.5 mEq/L
- D. Serum sodium of 135 mEq/L
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A serum potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L is concerning in a client with DKA as it may indicate worsening hyperkalemia, requiring immediate intervention. Elevated serum potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. While elevated glucose and low bicarbonate are characteristic of DKA, hyperkalemia poses a higher immediate risk. Serum sodium within the normal range is not typically a primary concern in DKA.
The mother of an adolescent tells the clinic nurse, 'My son has athlete's foot. I have been applying triple antibiotic ointment for two days, but there has been no improvement.' What instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Antibiotics take two weeks to become effective against fungal infections like athlete's foot.
- B. Continue using the ointment for a full week, even after the symptoms disappear.
- C. Applying too much ointment can reduce its effectiveness. Apply a thin layer to prevent maceration.
- D. Stop using the ointment and encourage complete drying of the feet and wearing clean socks.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection, not a bacterial infection that would respond to antibiotics. The primary management involves keeping the feet well-ventilated, dry after bathing, and wearing clean socks to prevent moisture buildup, which promotes fungal growth. Using an antibiotic ointment like triple antibiotic ointment is not effective for treating athlete's foot. Therefore, the nurse should advise the mother to stop using the antibiotic ointment and focus on promoting proper foot hygiene to manage the fungal infection. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not address the fungal nature of athlete's foot and the ineffectiveness of antibiotic ointments in its treatment.
The unit clerk reports to the charge nurse that a healthcare provider has written several prescriptions that are illegible and it appears the healthcare provider used several unapproved abbreviations in the prescriptions. What actions should the charge nurse take?
- A. Call the healthcare provider who wrote the prescription
- B. Attempt to clarify the prescriptions with the pharmacist
- C. Administer the medications as prescribed
- D. Ask another healthcare provider for clarification
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse to take is to call the healthcare provider who wrote the illegible prescriptions. It is crucial to clarify illegible prescriptions directly with the provider to ensure patient safety and prevent medication errors. Option B, attempting to clarify with the pharmacist, may lead to misinterpretation and is not the recommended first step. Administering the medications as prescribed without clarity can jeopardize patient safety, making option C incorrect. Asking another healthcare provider for clarification (option D) may not be effective as the responsibility lies with the provider who wrote the prescription.