Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the following implementations should the nurse recommend?
A. Check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck.
Choice A: Check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck. This is an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy, which is a surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland. The nurse should check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck because this is where blood can pool and go unnoticed. Bleeding can cause hematoma, compression of the airway, and respiratory distress.
B. Ensure that acetylcysteine IV is readily available.
Choice B: Ensure that acetylcysteine IV is readily available. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Acetylcysteine IV is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, which can cause liver damage, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.
C. Place the client in a side-lying position.
Choice C: Place the client in a side-lying position. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. The nurse should place the client in a semi-Fowler’s position, which is a position with the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees. This position can facilitate breathing, reduce edema, and prevent aspiration.
D. Check the client for asterixis.
Choice D: Check the client for asterixis. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Asterixis is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a condition caused by liver failure, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.
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Full Explanation
Choice A: Check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck. This is an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy, which is a surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland. The nurse should check for bleeding on the dressing at the back of the client’s neck because this is where blood can pool and go unnoticed. Bleeding can cause hematoma, compression of the airway, and respiratory distress.
Choice B: Ensure that acetylcysteine IV is readily available. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Acetylcysteine IV is an antidote for acetaminophen overdose, which can cause liver damage, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.
Choice C: Place the client in a side-lying position. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. The nurse should place the client in a semi-Fowler’s position, which is a position with the head of the bed elevated to 30 to 45 degrees. This position can facilitate breathing, reduce edema, and prevent aspiration.
Choice D: Check the client for asterixis. This is not an implementation that the nurse should recommend for a client who is 4 hr postoperative from a subtotal thyroidectomy. Asterixis is a sign of hepatic encephalopathy, which is a condition caused by liver failure, but it is not related to thyroid surgery.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The client asks the nurse if there will be a lot of pain during the procedure. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. “You shouldn’t feel any pain since the local area is anesthetized.”
Choice A: “You shouldn’t feel any pain since the local area is anesthetized.” This is not a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse should not tell the client that they will not feel any pain, as this may create unrealistic expectations and increase anxiety if they do experience discomfort. The nurse should also not tell the client that the local area is anesthetized, as this is not true. The client does not receive local anesthesia for a colonoscopy, but rather sedation and pain medication.
B. “Don’t worry, you won’t remember anything about the procedure due to the effects of the medication.”
Choice B: “Don’t worry, you won’t remember anything about the procedure due to the effects of the medication.” This is not a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse should not tell the client not to worry, as this may sound dismissive and insensitive to their concerns. The nurse should also not tell the client that they will not remember anything about the procedure, as this is not true. The client may receive conscious sedation for a colonoscopy, which means that they are awake but drowsy and relaxed. They may have some memory loss of the procedure, but they are not completely unconscious.
C. “Most clients report more discomfort from the preparation than from the procedure itself.”
Choice C: “Most clients report more discomfort from the preparation than from the procedure itself.” This is not a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse should not compare the client’s experience to other clients, as this may minimize their feelings and individual differences. The nurse should also not focus on the preparation, which involves drinking a large amount of liquid laxative to empty the colon, as this may increase anxiety and dread for the client. The nurse should instead focus on providing information and support for both the preparation and the procedure.
D. “You may feel some cramping during the procedure.”
Choice D: “You may feel some cramping during the procedure.” This is a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy, which is a diagnostic test that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon and rectum. The nurse should inform the client that they may feel some cramping during the procedure as the tube is inserted and moved through the colon. The nurse should also reassure the client that they will receive sedation and pain medication to make them comfortable and relaxed.
Full Explanation
Choice A: “You shouldn’t feel any pain since the local area is anaesthetized.” This is not a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse should not tell the client that they will not feel any pain, as this may create unrealistic expectations and increase anxiety if they do experience discomfort. The nurse should also not tell the client that the local area is anaesthetized, as this is not true. The client does not receive local anesthesia for a colonoscopy, but rather sedation and pain medication.
Choice B: “Don’t worry, you won’t remember anything about the procedure due to the effects of the medication.” This is not a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse should not tell the client not to worry, as this may sound dismissive and insensitive to their concerns. The nurse should also not tell the client that they will not remember anything about the procedure, as this is not true. The client may receive conscious sedation for a colonoscopy, which means that they are awake but drowsy and relaxed. They may have some memory loss of the procedure, but they are not completely unconscious.
Choice C: “Most clients report more discomfort from the preparation than from the procedure itself.” This is not a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse should not compare the client’s experience to other clients, as this may minimize their feelings and individual differences. The nurse should also not focus on the preparation, which involves drinking a large amount of liquid laxative to empty the colon, as this may increase anxiety and dread for the client. The nurse should instead focus on providing information and support for both the preparation and the procedure.
Choice D: “You may feel some cramping during the procedure.” This is a response that the nurse should make to the client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy, which is a diagnostic test that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the colon and rectum. The nurse should inform the client that they may feel some cramping during the procedure as the tube is inserted and moved through the colon. The nurse should also reassure the client that they will receive sedation and pain medication to make them comfortable and relaxed.
A nurse is assessing a client who has advanced cirrhosis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?
A. Weak pulse
Choice A: Weak pulse. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis. A weak pulse may indicate hypovolemia, shock, or cardiac dysfunction, but it is not directly related to liver disease.
B. Dark colored stools
Choice B: Dark colored stools. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis. Dark colored stools may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from esophageal varices or peptic ulcers, but they are not specific to liver disease.
C. Spider angioma
Choice C: Spider angioma. This is a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis, which is a chronic liver disease that causes scarring and impaired liver function. Spider angioma is a type of vascular lesion that appears as a red spot with radiating branches on the skin, usually on the face, neck, chest, or upper arms. It is caused by increased estrogen levels due to reduced liver metabolism of hormones.
D. Increased body hair
Choice D: Increased body hair. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis. Increased body hair may indicate hypertrichosis, which is excessive hair growth due to genetic, hormonal, or metabolic factors, but it is not related to liver disease.
Full Explanation
Choice A: Weak pulse. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis. A weak pulse may indicate hypovolemia, shock, or cardiac dysfunction, but it is not directly related to liver disease.
Choice B: Dark colored stools. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis. Dark colored stools may indicate bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, such as from esophageal varices or peptic ulcers, but they are not specific to liver disease.
Choice C: Spider angioma. This is a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis, which is a chronic liver disease that causes scarring and impaired liver function. Spider angioma is a type of vascular lesion that appears as a red spot with radiating branches on the skin, usually on the face, neck, chest, or upper arms. It is caused by increased estrogen levels due to reduced liver metabolism of hormones.
Choice D: Increased body hair. This is not a manifestation that the nurse should expect to find in a client who has advanced cirrhosis. Increased body hair may indicate hypertrichosis, which is excessive hair growth due to genetic, hormonal, or metabolic factors, but it is not related to liver disease.
A nurse is caring for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection following antibiotic therapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Implement neutropenia isolation.
Choice A: Implement neutropenia isolation. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Neutropenia isolation is a type of protective isolation that is used for clients who have low white blood cell counts and are at risk of infection from others. It is not indicated for clients who have Clostridium difficile infection, which is not transmited through the air.
B. Use alcohol hand sanitizer following client care.
Choice B: Use alcohol hand sanitizer following client care. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Alcohol hand sanitizer is ineffective against Clostridium difficile spores and can increase the risk of transmission. The nurse should wash their hands with soap and water, which can remove the spores from the skin.
C. Monitor the client for manifestations of fluid overload.
Choice C: Monitor the client for manifestations of fluid overload. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Fluid overload is a condition that occurs when the body retains excess fluid and causes symptoms such as edema, dyspnea, and hypertension. It is not related to Clostridium difficile infection, which can cause fluid loss due to diarrhea and dehydration. The nurse should monitor the client for manifestations of fluid deficit, such as dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and hypotension.
D. Disinfect equipment with bleach solution
Choice D: Disinfect equipment with bleach solution. This is an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection, which is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to most disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for a long time. The nurse should disinfect equipment with bleach solution, which can kill the spores and prevent transmission.
Full Explanation
Choice A: Implement neutropenia isolation. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Neutropenia isolation is a type of protective isolation that is used for
clients who have low white blood cell counts and are at risk of infection from others. It is not indicated for clients who have Clostridium difficile infection, which is not transmited through the air.
Choice B: Use alcohol hand sanitizer following client care. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Alcohol hand sanitizer is ineffective against Clostridium difficile spores and can increase the risk of transmission. The nurse should wash their hands with soap and water, which can remove the spores from the skin.
Choice C: Monitor the client for manifestations of fluid overload. This is not an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection. Fluid overload is a condition that occurs when the body retains excess fluid and causes symptoms such as edema, dyspnea, and hypertension. It is not related to Clostridium difficile infection, which can cause fluid loss due to diarrhea and dehydration. The nurse should monitor the client for manifestations of fluid deficit, such as dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and hypotension.
Choice D: Disinfect equipment with bleach solution. This is an action that the nurse should take for a client who has developed a Clostridium difficile infection, which is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to most disinfectants and can survive on surfaces for a long time. The nurse should disinfect equipment with bleach solution, which can kill the spores and prevent transmission.