A client with hyperthyroidism is experiencing palpitations. What intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Encourage the client to rest and limit activity.
- B. Administer a beta-blocker to reduce heart rate.
- C. Encourage the client to drink cool fluids.
- D. Provide the client with a cool environment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In clients with hyperthyroidism experiencing palpitations, administering a beta-blocker is the appropriate intervention. Beta-blockers help reduce heart rate and control symptoms in hyperthyroidism. Encouraging rest (Choice A) may be helpful but does not directly address the palpitations. Drinking cool fluids (Choice C) and providing a cool environment (Choice D) are more focused on temperature regulation and comfort, which are not the primary interventions for palpitations in hyperthyroidism.
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After a thyroidectomy, which vital sign is the most important for the nurse to monitor closely?
- A. Monitor respiratory rate and rhythm.
- B. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia.
- C. Monitor for elevated body temperature.
- D. Check blood pressure every 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess for signs of hypocalcemia. After a thyroidectomy, monitoring for hypocalcemia is crucial because damage to the parathyroid glands during surgery can result in low calcium levels, which may cause life-threatening complications. Monitoring respiratory rate and rhythm (choice A) is important but not the most critical in this situation. Monitoring for elevated body temperature (choice C) is less of a priority post-thyroidectomy. Checking blood pressure every 30 minutes (choice D) is not as vital as monitoring for hypocalcemia in this context.
A client admitted to the ICU with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) has developed osmotic demyelination. What is the first intervention the nurse should implement?
- A. Evaluate the client's swallowing ability.
- B. Reorient the client frequently.
- C. Patch one eye to minimize confusion.
- D. Perform range of motion exercises.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to evaluate the client's swallowing ability. Osmotic demyelination can cause dysphagia, putting the client at risk for aspiration. Assessing swallowing function is crucial to prevent complications such as aspiration pneumonia. Reorienting the client frequently (Choice B) is more suitable for confusion related to conditions like delirium. Patching one eye (Choice C) is a technique used for diplopia or double vision, not specifically indicated for osmotic demyelination. Performing range of motion exercises (Choice D) may be beneficial for preventing complications of immobility but is not the priority intervention for osmotic demyelination.
A client receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer reports dry, peeling skin at the treatment site. What action should the nurse recommend?
- A. Apply lotion to the treatment area.
- B. Use mild soap and water to cleanse the area.
- C. Cover the area with a sterile dressing.
- D. Allow the skin to air dry after washing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with dry, peeling skin at a radiation therapy treatment site is to use mild soap and water to cleanse the area. This approach helps in preventing skin irritation and reduces the risk of infection. Applying lotion (Choice A) may further irritate the skin due to the chemicals present in the lotion. Covering the area with a sterile dressing (Choice C) is not necessary unless there is an open wound that needs protection. Allowing the skin to air dry after washing (Choice D) may lead to further dryness and peeling.
A client with cirrhosis is admitted with jaundice, fatigue, and a distended abdomen. Which laboratory result is most important for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Ammonia level
- B. White blood cell count
- C. Albumin level
- D. Hemoglobin level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: In clients with cirrhosis, elevated ammonia levels can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a serious complication. Monitoring ammonia levels is crucial to assess for changes in mental status and initiate treatment if needed. White blood cell count (choice B) is not the most important parameter to monitor in this scenario as it does not directly relate to the complications of cirrhosis. Albumin level (choice C) and hemoglobin level (choice D) are also important in cirrhosis, but in this case, monitoring ammonia level takes precedence due to its direct association with hepatic encephalopathy.
Before administering digoxin to a client with heart failure, what is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?
- A. Check the client's blood pressure
- B. Monitor the client's heart rate
- C. Assess the client's respiratory rate
- D. Review the client's potassium level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's heart rate. Digoxin slows the heart rate, so it is crucial to assess the heart rate before administering the medication. If the heart rate is below 60 beats per minute, the dose should be held, and the healthcare provider should be notified. Checking the blood pressure (Choice A) is important but not as crucial as monitoring the heart rate in this case. Assessing the respiratory rate (Choice C) is not directly related to the action of digoxin. Reviewing the client's potassium level (Choice D) is important for clients taking digoxin due to the risk of hypokalemia, but assessing the heart rate takes priority.