The nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism who had a parathyroidectomy 4 hours ago. Which technique should the nurse use to check for complications in this client?
- A. Ask the client to place the backs of the hands against each other to provide hyperextension of the wrist while the elbows remain flexed
- B. Perform the Romberg test by asking the client to stand with the eyes closed and the feet together
- C. Place a blood pressure (BP) cuff on the client's arm, inflate to pressure greater than systolic BP, and monitor for carpal spasm
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Post-parathyroidectomy, hypocalcemia is a potential complication due to reduced parathyroid hormone levels. Trousseau’s sign (C), elicited by inflating a BP cuff to induce carpal spasm, indicates hypocalcemia, a critical complication requiring prompt intervention. The wrist hyperextension test (A) is unrelated to hypocalcemia, and the Romberg test (B) assesses balance, not relevant to this scenario.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is reviewing new medication prescriptions for a client with an acute exacerbation of asthma. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse clarify?
- A. Albuterol 2.5 mg via nebulizer every 4 hours
- B. Potassium chloride 20 mEq (20 mmol) IV every 24 hours
- C. Enoxaparin 40 mg subcutaneously every 24 hours
- D. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate 20 mg IV every 6 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Potassium chloride (B) is not indicated for asthma exacerbation unless hypokalemia is documented, requiring clarification. Albuterol (A), methylprednisolone (D) treat asthma, and enoxaparin (C) may prevent thrombosis in immobile patients.
In assessing a post partum client, the nurse palpates a firm fundus and observes a constant trickle of bright red blood from the vagina. What is the most likely cause of these findings?
- A. Uterine atony
- B. Genital lacerations
- C. Retained placenta
- D. Clotting disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Genital lacerations. Continuous bleeding in the absence of a boggy fundus indicates undetected genital tract lacerations.
The nurse is providing dietary teaching for an elderly client living on fixed income. Which food choices would provide the client with needed nutrients and be cost effective?
- A. Potatoes, green beans, bacon
- B. Spinach, dried beans, tomatoes
- C. Ham, corn, strawberries
- D. Beef, cheese, milk
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spinach, dried beans, and tomatoes are nutrient-rich (vitamins, protein, fiber) and cost-effective. Bacon , ham , and beef/cheese/milk are more expensive and less balanced.
The nurse is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is hospitalized for an acute manic episode. Which of the following actions would the nurse expect to be included in the client's plan of care? Select all that apply.
- A. Ask the client to plan an outing for the unit
- B. Assign the client to a private room
- C. Assist client in choosing appropriate clothing
- D. Include the client in group therapy sessions
- E. Schedule the client for physical activity with a staff member
- F. Seat the client with other clients in the dining room for meals
Correct Answer: B,C,D,E,F
Rationale: During a manic episode, a private room (B) minimizes stimuli, appropriate clothing (C) supports dignity, group therapy (D) fosters socialization, physical activity (E) channels energy, and dining with others (F) promotes normalcy. Planning an outing (A) is inappropriate due to impulsivity risks.
A client in labor with a history of a previous cesarean birth has chosen to attempt a vaginal birth. During labor, which finding would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Cessation of contractions and maternal tachycardia
- B. Fetal tachycardia with moderate variability
- C. Increased anxiety and discomfort with contractions
- D. Painful, strong contractions every 3-4 minutes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cessation of contractions with maternal tachycardia (A) suggests uterine rupture, a life-threatening emergency in VBAC due to scar dehiscence. Fetal tachycardia (B) is concerning but less specific, anxiety (C) is expected, and regular contractions (D) are normal.