Nokea
The nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted with tetany. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
- A. Total protein
- B. Blood glucose
- C. Ionized calcium
- D. Serum phosphate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tetany is associated with hypocalcemia. The other values would not be useful for this patient in relation to tetany.
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The nurse is interviewing a patient who has a possible thyroid disorder. Which of the following questions will provide the most useful information?
- A. What methods do you use to help cope with stress?
- B. Have you experienced any blurring or double vision?
- C. Do you have to get up at night to empty your bladder?
- D. Have you had any recent unplanned weight gain or loss?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Because thyroid function affects metabolic rate, changes in weight may indicate hyper- or hypofunction of the thyroid gland. Nocturia, visual difficulty, and changes in stress level are associated with other endocrine disorders.
A patient with a possible pituitary adenoma is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast media. Which of the following patient information is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider before the test?
- A. Bilateral poor peripheral vision
- B. Allergies to iodine and shellfish
- C. Recent weight loss of 8.5 kg
- D. History of ongoing headaches
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Since the usual contrast media is iodine-based, the health care provider will need to know about the allergy before the CT scan. The other findings are common with any mass in the brain such as a pituitary adenoma.
The regulation of oxytocin during childbirth is an example of which of the following mechanisms?
- A. Physiological rhythm
- B. Secondary input
- C. Loop regulation
- D. Positive feedback
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An example of the regulation of oxytocin during childbirth is an example of positive feedback. The positive feedback mechanism increases the target organ action beyond normal. The release of oxytocin is stimulated by pressure receptors in the vagina. As the fetus enters the vagina during childbirth, the pressure receptors sense increased pressure and signal the brain to release more oxytocin.
During a physical examination, the nurse finds that a patient's thyroid gland cannot be palpated. Which of the following is the best action for the nurse to take?
- A. Palpate the patient's neck more deeply.
- B. Document that the thyroid was nonpalpable.
- C. Notify the health care provider immediately.
- D. Teach the patient about thyroid hormone testing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The thyroid is frequently nonpalpable. The nurse should simply document the finding. There is no need to notify the health care provider immediately about a normal finding. There is no indication for TSH testing unless there is evidence of thyroid dysfunction. Deep palpation of the neck is not appropriate.
The nurse is caring for a patient who is preparing for a growth hormone stimulation test. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for during the test?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Tachypnea
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During a growth hormone stimulation test, the nurse should continually assess for hypoglycemia and hypotension. There is no indication to monitor for bradycardia or tachypnea.