ATI LPN
Test Bank for Medical Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Interprofessional Collaborative Care 10th Edition
Chapter 63 : Care of Patients with Problems of the Thyroid and Parathyroid Glands Questions
Question 1 of 5
A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a parathyroidectomy. When taking the client's blood pressure, the nurse notes that the client's hand has gone into flexion contractions. Which laboratory result does the nurse correlate with this condition?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hypocalcemia, indicated by a serum calcium level of 6 mg/dL, destabilizes excitable membranes, leading to muscle spasms and tetany, such as Trousseau's sign (flexion contractions). Potassium, magnesium, and sodium levels listed are not directly related to this condition.
Question 2 of 5
After teaching a client who is recovering from a complete thyroidectomy, the nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which statement by the client indicates a need for additional instruction?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After a complete thyroidectomy, clients require lifelong thyroid hormone replacement due to the removal of the thyroid gland. The statement indicating no need for thyroid medication is incorrect and requires further teaching.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse plans care for a client who has hypothyroidism and is admitted for pneumonia. Which priority intervention should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clients with hypothyroidism and concurrent illness like pneumonia are at risk for myxedema coma, where maintaining an airway is critical. Ensuring working suction equipment is available is a priority to manage potential airway obstruction.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse evaluates the following laboratory results for a client who has hypoparathyroidism: Calcium 7.2 mg/dL, Sodium 144 mEq/L, Magnesium 1.2 mEq/L, Potassium 5.7 mEq/L. Based on these results, which medications should the nurse anticipate administering?
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: The client has hypocalcemia (calcium 7.2 mg/dL) and hypomagnesemia (magnesium 1.2 mEq/L), requiring intravenous calcium chloride and magnesium sulfate. Potassium is elevated, so potassium chloride is not needed. Sodium is normal, so saline is unnecessary, and no vitamin D deficiency is indicated.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse teaches a client who is prescribed an unsealed radioactive isotope. Which statements should the nurse include in this client's education?
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Clients receiving unsealed radioactive isotopes must avoid sharing utensils, contact with pregnant women and children, and take laxatives on days 2 and 3 to excrete radiation. Playing with grandchildren and eating specific fruits are not recommended due to radiation safety concerns.