ATI RN
Test Bank Pharmacology and the Nursing Process Questions
Question 1 of 4
On the third day after a partial thyroidectomy, a client exhibits muscle twitching and hyperirritability of the nervous system. When questioned, the client reports numbness and tingling of the mouth and fingertips. Suspecting a life- threatening electrolyte disturbance, the nurse notifies the surgeon immediately. Which electrolyte disturbance most commonly follows thyroid surgery?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Following thyroid surgery, there is a risk of damaging the parathyroid glands, leading to hypocalcemia. 2. Symptoms of hypocalcemia include muscle twitching, hyperirritability, numbness, and tingling. 3. These symptoms align with the client's presentation, indicating a probable electrolyte imbalance. 4. Hypocalcemia is a common complication post-thyroidectomy due to parathyroid gland damage. 5. Prompt recognition and treatment of hypocalcemia are essential to prevent severe complications. Summary: B: Hyperkalemia - Not typically associated with thyroid surgery, symptoms differ. C: Hyponatremia - Unlikely post-thyroidectomy, symptoms don't match presentation. D: Hypermagnesemia - Rare post-thyroidectomy, symptoms and electrolyte disturbance don't align.
Question 2 of 4
The nurse is assigned to care for a postoperative client who has diabetes mellitus. During the assessment interview, the client reports that he’s impotent and says he’s concerned about its effect on his marriage. In planning this client’s care, the most appropriate intervention would be to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suggest referral to a sex counselor or other appropriate professional. This is the most appropriate intervention as it addresses the client's concern about impotence affecting his marriage by offering specialized help from a professional who can provide counseling and guidance on managing sexual issues related to diabetes. Referring the client to a sex counselor ensures that he receives expert support in addressing his specific concerns and helps improve his overall well-being and quality of life. A: Encouraging the client to ask questions about personality sexuality may not address the underlying issue of impotence and its impact on the marriage. B: Providing time for privacy is important but may not directly address the client's concerns about impotence. C: Providing support for the spouse or significant other is beneficial, but the primary focus should be on addressing the client's specific concerns about impotence.
Question 3 of 4
The Glasgow coma scale is used to .evaluate the level of consciousness in the neurological and neurological patients. The three assessment factors included in this scale are:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Eye opening, verbal response, motor response. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses a patient's level of consciousness using these three factors. Eye opening measures arousal, verbal response assesses communication abilities, and motor response evaluates motor function. In the case of J.E., since he is alert and oriented, his eye opening is intact. His ability to communicate verbally and move his limbs appropriately would be crucial in determining his neurological status. Choices A and B are incorrect as they do not include the necessary assessment factor of eye opening. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions "response to pain" instead of verbal response, which is a key component of the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Question 4 of 4
The nurse will assess a loss of ability in which of the following areas?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Balance. Loss of ability in balance can indicate various health issues like neurological disorders or musculoskeletal problems. The nurse can assess this by observing the patient's gait, balance while standing, and coordination. Speech (B) relates to communication abilities, judgment (C) involves decision-making skills, and endurance (D) is related to stamina and physical capacity, which are not directly linked to loss of ability.