Nokea
On the third day after a partial thyroidectomy, a client exhibits muscle twitching and hyperirritability of the nervous system. When questioned, the client reports numbness and tingling of the mouth and fingertips. Suspecting a life- threatening electrolyte disturbance, the nurse notifies the surgeon immediately. Which electrolyte disturbance most commonly follows thyroid surgery?
- A. Hypocalcemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Following thyroid surgery, there is a risk of damaging the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia.
2. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle twitching, hyperirritability, numbness, and tingling.
3. These symptoms align with the client's presentation, indicating a probable electrolyte imbalance.
4. Hypocalcemia is a common complication post-thyroidectomy due to parathyroid gland damage.
5. Prompt recognition and treatment of hypocalcemia are essential to prevent severe complications.
Summary:
B: Hyperkalemia - Not typically associated with thyroid surgery, symptoms differ.
C: Hyponatremia - Unlikely post-thyroidectomy, symptoms don't match presentation.
D: Hypermagnesemia - Rare post-thyroidectomy, symptoms and electrolyte disturbance don't align.
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Which scenario best illustrates the nurse using data validation when making a nursing clinical decision for a patient? The nurse determines to remove a wound dressing when the patient reveals the time
- A. of the last dressing change and notices old and new drainage. The nurse administers pain medicine due at 1700 at 1600 because the patient reports
- B. increased pain and the family wants something done. The nurse immediately asks the health care provider for an order of potassium when a
- C. patient reports leg cramps.
- D. The nurse elevates a leg cast when the patient reports decreased mobility.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates data validation in the nursing clinical decision-making process. The nurse assesses the time of the last dressing change and observes old and new drainage, which are relevant data points for wound care. This approach ensures that the decision to remove the dressing is based on accurate and validated information, leading to appropriate patient care.
Choice B is incorrect because it relies on subjective information (increased pain and family request) rather than objective data validation. Choice C is incorrect as it involves a direct request for an order without sufficient data validation. Choice D is incorrect because elevating a leg cast based solely on a patient's report of decreased mobility does not involve thorough data validation related to the specific care needed for the patient's condition.
A client receives a sealed radiation implant to treat cervical cancer. When caring for this client, the nurse should:
- A. Consider the client’s urine, feces, and vomitus to be highly radioactive
- B. Consider the client to be radioactive for 10 days after implant removal
- C. Allow soiled linens to remain in the room until after the client is discharged
- D. Maintain the client on complete bed rest with bathroom privileges only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because bodily fluids and excretions (urine, feces, vomitus) can become contaminated with radiation from the implant. Therefore, they should be considered highly radioactive and handled appropriately.
Choice B is incorrect because the client may remain radioactive for a longer period than 10 days post-implant removal.
Choice C is incorrect because soiled linens should be handled according to radiation safety protocols and removed promptly.
Choice D is incorrect because bed rest is not necessary unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider; the client should be encouraged to move around as tolerated to prevent complications.
The nurse assesses the motor functions during a neurologic examination of a client. Which of the ff steps will help the nurse perform the examination effectively? Choose all that apply
- A. Allow the client to grasp the nurses hand firmly
- B. Check the patient’s sensitivity to heat, cold, touch, and pain.
- C. Ask the client to pick up small and large objects between the thumb and forefinger
- D. Ask questions that require cognition and logic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Allowing the client to grasp the nurse's hand firmly assesses grip strength and motor coordination.
2. This step helps evaluate the client's ability to follow instructions and perform a coordinated motor task accurately.
3. Assessing grip strength is essential in determining any muscle weakness or neurological deficits.
4. It also provides insight into the client's motor function and coordination abilities.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on sensory functions rather than motor functions.
- Choice C assesses fine motor skills, not grip strength and coordination.
- Choice D evaluates cognition and logic, which are not directly related to motor function assessment.
Why should the nurse closely monitor a client to ensure that the venous access device remains in the vein during a transfusion?
- A. It minimizes the risk of phlebitis
- B. It minimizes the risk of circulatory overload
- C. It minimizes the risk of pulmonary
- D. It minimizes the risk of localized edema embolism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: It minimizes the risk of circulatory overload. When a venous access device dislodges during a transfusion, there is a risk of the infusion going into the surrounding tissues instead of the vein, leading to circulatory overload. This can result in fluid overload and potentially lead to serious complications such as heart failure. Monitoring the device ensures that the medication is delivered safely and effectively into the bloodstream.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: Monitoring the device does not directly minimize the risk of phlebitis, which is inflammation of the vein.
C: Monitoring the device does not directly minimize the risk of pulmonary complications, which are not typically associated with a dislodged venous access device.
D: Monitoring the device does not directly minimize the risk of localized edema embolism, which is a blockage caused by a blood clot, air bubble, or other material in a blood vessel.
Just as the nurse was entering the room, the patient who was sitting on his chair begins to have a seizure. Which of the following must the nurse do first?
- A. Ease the patient to the floor
- B. Insert a padded tongue depressor between his jaws
- C. Lift the patient and put him on the bed
- D. Restraint patient’s body movement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ease the patient to the floor. This is the first step because it helps prevent injury during a seizure. Lowering the patient to the floor prevents falls and protects the patient's head. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B can cause injury or obstruct the airway, choice C involves unnecessary movement, and choice D can lead to further harm or injury. It is crucial to prioritize safety and prevent harm during a seizure episode.