Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a calcium level of 8 mg/dL. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Tetany
A calcium level of 8 mg/dl is low and can be associated with tetany.
B. Constipation
Constipation: Elevated calcium levels can lead to constipation, as calcium has inhibitory effects on smooth muscle contraction.
C. Negative Chvostek sign
Negative Chvostek sign: A positive Chvostek sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia.
D. Elevated blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure: Elevated calcium levels are not typically associated with elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is not a common manifestation of hypercalcemia.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Medsurg Final Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
a. Tetany: A calcium level of 8 mg/dl is low and can be associated with tetany.
b. Constipation:This is associated with hypercalcemia as opposed to hypocalcemia
c. Negative Chvostek sign: A positive Chvostek sign is associated with hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia.
d. Elevated blood pressure: Elevated calcium levels are not typically associated with elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is not a common manifestation of hypercalcemia.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who develops a pulmonary embolism. Which of the following interventions is the priority for the nurse to take?
A. Begin oxygen therapy.
Begin oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxemia.
B. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s.
Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s: While fluid resuscitation may be needed, oxygen therapy takes precedence to address the immediate respiratory compromise.
C. Initiate cardiac monitoring.
Initiate cardiac monitoring: Cardiac monitoring is important, but addressing oxygenation is the priority in a client with a pulmonary embolism.
D. Administer IV morphine.
Administer IV morphine: Pain management may be necessary, but the priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential hypoxemia associated with a pulmonary embolism.
Full Explanation
a. Begin oxygen therapy: Oxygen therapy is the priority intervention for a client with a pulmonary embolism to improve oxygenation and prevent hypoxemia.
b. Start an IV infusion of lactated Ringer’s: While fluid resuscitation may be needed, oxygen therapy takes precedence to address the immediate respiratory compromise.
c. Initiate cardiac monitoring: Cardiac monitoring is important, but addressing oxygenation is the priority in a client with a pulmonary embolism.
d. Administer IV morphine: Pain management may be necessary, but the priority is to address the respiratory distress and potential hypoxemia associated with a pulmonary embolism.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching a client who is scheduled for a barium swallow to evaluate dysphagia. Which of the following statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the instructions?
A. “I will drink plenty of fluids after the test.”
The statement "I will drink plenty of fluids after the test" indicates the client's understanding that hydration is important after the procedure, which is also a crucial aspect of post-procedure care. This response suggests the client understands the need to stay hydrated after ingesting barium, which helps eliminate the contrast material from the body and prevents constipation.
B. “I will expect my stool to be black after this procedure.”
“I will expect my stool to be black after this procedure.”: The statement is related to the potential side effects of barium, but it does not address the pre-test instructions.
C. “I will expect a warm feeling when the dye is injected.”
“I will expect a warm feeling when the dye is injected.”: This statement may relate to the sensation during the test but does not address the pre-test instructions.
D. “I will maintain a clear liquid diet 24 hours before the test.”
While fasting may be required before the test, a clear liquid diet is not typically maintained for 24 hours prior to the procedure.
Full Explanation
a. The statement "I will drink plenty of fluids after the test" indicates the client's understanding that hydration is important after the procedure, which is also a crucial aspect of post-procedure care. This response suggests the client understands the need to stay hydrated after ingesting barium, which helps eliminate the contrast material from the body and prevents constipation.
b. “I will expect my stool to be black after this procedure.”: The statement is related to the potential side effects of barium, but it does not address the pre-test instructions.
c. “I will expect a warm feeling when the dye is injected.”: This statement may relate to the sensation during the test but does not address the pre-test instructions.
d. while fasting may be required before the test, a clear liquid diet is not typically maintained for 24 hours prior to the procedure.
A nurse is caring for a child following an open reduction and internal fixation of a fractured femur and application of a cast. The cast has a window cut in it for viewing of the incision. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Turn the client so the cast will dry on all sides.
Turn the client so the cast will dry on all sides: While ensuring the cast is dry is important, the first priority following a surgical procedure is to assess neurovascular status to detect anycomplications.
B. Remove the window and view the incision.
Remove the window and view the incision: Removing the window may compromise the cast's integrity, and the priority is to assess neurovascular status before inspecting the incision.
C. Medicate the client for pain.
Medicate the client for pain: Pain management is important, but assessing neurovascular status is the initial priority to ensure there are no complications affecting circulation.
D. Perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity.
Perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity: Neurovascular checks are the priority to detect any signs of impaired circulation or nerve function.
Full Explanation
a. Turn the client so the cast will dry on all sides: While ensuring the cast is dry is important, the first priority following a surgical procedure is to assess neurovascular status to detect any
complications.
b. Remove the window and view the incision: Removing the window may compromise the cast's integrity, and the priority is to assess neurovascular status before inspecting the incision.
c. Medicate the client for pain: Pain management is important, but assessing neurovascular status is the initial priority to ensure there are no complications affecting circulation.
d. Perform neurovascular checks of the affected extremity: Neurovascular checks are the priority to detect any signs of impaired circulation or nerve function.