Nokea
The nurse is caring for the client who had a thyroidectomy 2 days ago. Based on the findings of the client's serum laboratory report, which medication should the nurse plan to administer first?
- A. Potassium chloride 20 mEq oral bid
- B. Calcium gluconate 4.5 mEq IV once
- C. Dolasetron 12.5 mg IV as needed
- D. Levothyroxine 50 mcg oral daily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The serum calcium is critically low (6 mg/dL). Calcium gluconate addresses hypocalcemia from parathyroid gland damage during thyroidectomy.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is preparing to administer a.m. medications to clients. Which medication should the nurse question before administering?
- A. Pancreatic enzymes to the client who has finished breakfast.
- B. The pain medication, morphine, to the client who has a respiratory rate of 20.
- C. The loop diuretic to the client who has a serum potassium level of 3.9 mEq/L.
- D. The beta blocker to the client who has an apical pulse of 68 bpm.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes should be taken with meals, not after, to aid digestion. Morphine, diuretics, and beta blockers are appropriate based on the data.
The nurse is admitting the client tentatively diagnosed with possible hyperaldosteronism. What should be the nurse's priority?
- A. Prepare for a computed tomography (CT) scan
- B. Give prn prescribed analgesic to treat headache
- C. Obtain an ECG to evaluate for dysrhythmias
- D. Assess for generalized weakness and fatigue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Obtaining an ECG is priority to detect dysrhythmias from hypokalemia caused by potassium wasting in hyperaldosteronism.
After the client returns from surgery and resumes eating, the nurse should encourage the client to eat foods from which food group?
- A. Bread and cereals
- B. Milk and cheese
- C. Meat and seafood
- D. Fruit and vegetables
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Milk and cheese are rich in calcium, essential for clients post-parathyroidectomy to prevent hypocalcemia.
The nurse should assess for hypocalcemia based on which client statements after a subtotal thyroidectomy?
- A. I feel tingling in my hands and feet.
- B. I have a headache.
- C. I feel sleepy.
- D. I have a sore throat.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tingling in the hands and feet indicates hypocalcemia, a potential complication due to parathyroid gland damage during thyroidectomy.
If a regular diet is ordered, which between-meal snack should the nurse offer to help regulate the client's blood glucose level?
- A. A small carton of milk
- B. A small apple
- C. A handful of raisins
- D. A slice of bread
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A small carton of milk provides a balance of carbohydrates and protein to stabilize blood glucose in hypoglycemia.