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.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates data validation in nursing clinical decision-making. In this scenario, the nurse considers the patient's self-reported information (time of last dressing change and observation of old and new drainage) as key data points to validate the need for changing the wound dressing. This aligns with the principles of evidence-based practice and ensures that the decision is based on accurate and relevant information. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not involve the systematic validation of data to inform the nursing decision-making process. Choice B relies on family input rather than objective data, Choice C jumps to a treatment decision without confirming the underlying cause, and Choice D does not involve validating the patient's reported symptom before taking action.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diet and exercise program. This is because a client's diet and exercise program directly impact their physical health and well-being, making it an important factor to consider when determining assessment priorities. Understanding their dietary habits and level of physical activity can help identify potential health risks or areas for improvement. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the client's physical health and well-being, which are crucial factors in determining assessment priorities. Standing in the community (B) may influence social interactions but does not necessarily impact assessment priorities. Ability to pay for services (C) relates to financial considerations rather than health assessment priorities. Developmental stage (D) may be important for understanding the client's cognitive and emotional development, but it is not as directly relevant to assessment priorities as diet and exercise.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because "Unable to palpate femoral pulse in left leg" is an objective finding that can be measured or observed without interpretation or bias. It provides concrete, measurable information about the patient's condition. Choices A, B, and C are subjective data as they rely on the patient's feelings, emotions, and perceptions, which can vary and are open to interpretation. Objective data is crucial in making accurate assessments and decisions in healthcare.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Would you like to talk to a psychologist about your thoughts and feelings?" This response acknowledges the client's emotional distress and offers professional support. A psychologist can provide counseling and help the client explore their feelings and concerns about end-of-life decisions. Choice B is incorrect because it assumes the client's spiritual beliefs are the primary concern, neglecting the emotional and psychological aspects. Choice C involves more people in the decision-making process without addressing the client's individual needs. Choice D is dismissive and does not offer any support or explore the client's feelings further. In summary, choice A is the best response because it prioritizes the client's emotional well-being and offers appropriate support through professional counseling.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perforation of the colon caused by the liver biopsy. The symptoms of fever, severe abdominal pain, and confusion are indicative of peritonitis, which can result from a bowel perforation during the liver biopsy procedure. Perforation of the colon can lead to leakage of bowel contents into the peritoneal cavity, causing inflammation, infection, and systemic symptoms. This is a serious complication that requires immediate medical attention. Incorrect options: A: Bleeding in the liver caused by the liver biopsy would present with symptoms such as hypotension and signs of internal bleeding, not confusion and severe abdominal pain. C: An allergic reaction to contrast media would typically present with symptoms such as rash, itching, or respiratory distress, not fever, severe abdominal pain, and confusion. D: Normal post procedural pain would not cause confusion and a change in the level of consciousness, which indicates a more serious underlying issue like bowel perforation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: The potential complication. In a collaborative problem, the focus of a diagnostic statement should be on identifying any potential complications that may arise due to the client's condition or treatment. This allows nurses and other healthcare professionals to anticipate and address these complications proactively. A: The client problem - While important, the client problem is usually addressed in the nursing diagnosis rather than the diagnostic statement for a collaborative problem. C: The nursing diagnosis - The nursing diagnosis focuses on the actual or potential health problems that the client is experiencing, which is different from the focus of a diagnostic statement for a collaborative problem. D: The medical diagnosis - The medical diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by a healthcare provider, which is not the focus when identifying potential complications in a collaborative problem.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors in the liver. Step 2: A splenectomy increases the risk of bleeding due to decreased platelet sequestration. Step 3: Preoperative Vitamin K injection helps correct any clotting deficiencies. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect as Vitamin K does not prevent infection. - Choice C is incorrect as Vitamin K does not directly promote healing. - Choice D is incorrect as Vitamin K does not dry secretions.