The nurse is caring for a client who had a thyroidectomy and is at risk for hypocalcemia. What should the nurse do?

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Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 10th Edition Test Bank Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a client who had a thyroidectomy and is at risk for hypocalcemia. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes. After a thyroidectomy, the parathyroid glands may be inadvertently damaged, leading to hypocalcemia. Muscle twitching and numbness/tingling are early signs of hypocalcemia. The nurse should monitor for these symptoms to detect and address hypocalcemia promptly. Choice A is incorrect as monitoring thyroid-stimulating hormone levels is not related to hypocalcemia. Choice B is incorrect as it describes signs of potential complications like bleeding or airway obstruction, not hypocalcemia. Choice C is incorrect as changes in voice quality and gastric issues are not specific to hypocalcemia.

Question 2 of 5

Nurse Raymond is giving instructions to an elderly client on diabetic foot care. Which teaching is not part of foot care?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because washing feet in hot water can lead to burns or skin damage for those with diabetes. A: Proper footwear is essential for preventing foot injuries. B: Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown nails. D: Wearing shoes on hot surfaces prevents burns or blisters. Overall, C is incorrect due to the potential harm it can cause to diabetic feet.

Question 3 of 5

A client was brought to the emergency room with complains of difficulty of breathing. What can lead the nurse to suspect that the client is experiencing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C being correct: 1. Restlessness: Indicates increased work of breathing and hypoxia. 2. Suprasternal retractions: Sign of respiratory distress. 3. paO2 of 62: Indicates severe hypoxemia, common in ARDS. Summary: A: Enlarged heart on x-ray does not directly indicate ARDS. B: Thick green sputum suggests infection, not specific to ARDS. D: Wheezes and slow respirations are not typical of ARDS, and pCO2 is normal in ARDS.

Question 4 of 5

Mr. Santos a 59-year old businessman was diagnosed with angina pectoris. The nurse understands that the cause of angina pectoris is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: inadequate supply of oxygen to the myocardium. Angina pectoris is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This lack of oxygenated blood supply to the myocardium leads to ischemia, resulting in the characteristic chest pain. Choice A is incorrect as it refers to a decrease in alveolar surface area for gas exchange, which is related to conditions like emphysema, not angina. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains to pulmonary circulation, not coronary circulation. Choice D is incorrect as an increase in alveolar surface area would not be a cause of angina pectoris.

Question 5 of 5

Nurse Karen is caring for a client with chronic renal failure. Which is a correct intervention for hyperkalemia?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because hyperkalemia presents with symptoms such as muscle weakness, diarrhea, and ECG changes. Muscle weakness is a common sign due to potassium's effect on neuromuscular function. Diarrhea can lead to potassium loss. ECG changes, such as peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes, indicate cardiac involvement. Assessing for these symptoms helps monitor the severity of hyperkalemia and guide treatment. Other choices are incorrect because assessing for fever and chest pain (choice A) are not specific to hyperkalemia. Encouraging fluid restriction (choice C) may not directly address hyperkalemia. Preparing for a cardiac ultrasound (choice D) is not an immediate intervention for hyperkalemia.

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