The nurse is caring for a client who had a total thyroidectomy. What should the nurse plan to observe the client for immediately after his return to the nursing care unit?
- A. Hoarseness
- B. Signs of hypercalcemia
- C. Loss of reflexes
- D. Mental confusion
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Total thyroidectomy risks parathyroid gland damage, leading to hypocalcemia (not hypercalcemia). However, the question likely intends hypocalcemia signs (tetany, spasms), which are critical to monitor immediately post-surgery. Hoarseness, reflexes, or confusion are less urgent.
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The nurse is caring for a child who has had a tonsillectomy. Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions? Select all that apply.
- A. Anticipate ear pain and give acetaminophen as needed
- B. Educate parents to expect the child to develop bad breath postoperatively
- C. Encourage the child to drink cold liquids through a straw
- D. Notify the health care provider about frequent, increased swallowing
- E. Use an oral suction device regularly to remove secretions from the back of the throat
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Ear pain is common post-tonsillectomy due to referred pain, treated with acetaminophen. Bad breath is expected from healing tissue. Frequent swallowing may indicate bleeding, requiring provider notification. Cold liquids are soothing but straws risk trauma. Routine suctioning is unnecessary and risky.
The nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching on a client with polycythemia vera. Which would be included in the teaching plan?
- A. Avoid large crowds.
- B. Keep the head of the bed elevated at night.
- C. Wear socks and gloves when going outside.
- D. Know the signs and symptoms of thrombosis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Polycythemia vera increases blood viscosity, raising the risk of thrombosis. Teaching the client to recognize signs and symptoms of thrombosis, such as swelling or pain in extremities, is critical. Avoiding large crowds relates to infection risk, not thrombosis. Elevating the head of the bed is unrelated, and wearing socks and gloves is more relevant for conditions like Raynaud's.
The nurse is reinforcing instructions to a client at 34 weeks gestation who is preparing to travel by airplane. Which of the following instructions are appropriate? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoid getting up during the flight unless you need the restroom.
- B. Carry a copy of your most up-to-date prenatal record
- C. Increase fluid intake before and during the flight
- D. Secure the lap belt below the abdomen and across your hips when seated
- E. Wear compression stockings and loose-fitting clothing
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E
Rationale: Pregnant travelers should carry prenatal records for emergencies, stay hydrated to prevent dehydration, secure the lap belt safely, and wear compression stockings to reduce thrombosis risk. Avoiding movement increases clot risk, so periodic walking is recommended.
Based on knowledge of cultural diversity, the nurse knows that obtaining a CBC will be most distressing for the client who is:
- A. Asian
- B. African-American
- C. Latino
- D. Native American
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Some Native American cultures believe blood removal weakens the body or spirit, making a CBC distressing. Other groups typically do not have this belief.
The nurse is collecting data from assigned clients. It would require follow-up if a
- A. 3-week-old client has an anterior fontanel that pulsates slightly and bulges when crying
- B. 4-week-old client has a posterior fontanel that is soft and flat to palpation
- C. 6-month-old client had a birth weight of 7 lb 3 oz (3300 g) and now weighs 12 lb (5400 g)
- D. 12-month-old client had a birth weight of 6 lb 4 oz (2800 g) and now weighs 19 lb 2 oz (8700 g)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A 6-month-old weighing only 12 lb (5400 g) from a birth weight of 7 lb 3 oz (3300 g) indicates failure to thrive, requiring follow-up. Other findings (fontanels, 12-month-old weight) are within normal ranges.
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