A nurse reviewing the laboratory of a client who had a total thyroidectomy discovers that his calcium level is 7 mg/dL. Which of the following client findings should the nurse expect?

Hypertension.

Diaphoresis.

Muscle tetany.

Increased thirst.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Hypertension is not typically associated with low calcium levels. Hypertension is more commonly linked to issues with blood pressure regulation and not calcium levels.

Choice B rationale:

Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) is not a direct symptom of low calcium levels. Low calcium can lead to muscle cramps and tetany, but not sweating.

Choice C rationale:

Muscle tetany is a common manifestation of low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). It results from increased neuromuscular excitability, causing muscle spasms and contractions. A calcium level of 7 mg/dL is below the normal range, and this client is at risk for muscle tetany.

Choice D rationale:

Increased thirst is not a typical symptom of low calcium levels. Symptoms of hypocalcemia are primarily related to neuromuscular and cardiovascular changes, such as muscle tetany and cardiac arrhythmias.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Having the client cough and expectorate secretions is a reasonable intervention for managing respiratory distress, but it is not the top priority. The nurse should first assess the client's overall respiratory status to determine the severity of the problem.

Choice B rationale:

Instructing the client to use a pursed-lip breathing technique is a helpful strategy to improve breathing in some cases. However, it should not be the top priority when a client is experiencing difficulty breathing. Assessment should come first.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing the oxygen flow to 3 L/min without a proper assessment is not advisable. It's essential to evaluate the client's respiratory status before making any adjustments to the oxygen therapy.

Choice D rationale:

"Evaluate the client's respiratory status" is the correct response. When a client with COPD and oxygen therapy reports difficulty breathing, the nurse's priority is to assess the client's respiratory status. This assessment will help determine the cause of the breathing difficulty and guide appropriate interventions. The nurse should also check the oxygen saturation levels, respiratory rate, and auscultate lung sounds to assess the severity of the issue.

A. Take the medication on an empty stomach. B. Muscle weakness is an expected adverse effect. C. Increase daily intake of foods high in potassium. D. Take the medication at bedtime.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Taking hydrochlorothiazide on an empty stomach is not a requirement for this medication. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat conditions like hypertension and edema. It can be taken with or without food, and food may help reduce stomach upset for some individuals.

Choice B rationale:

Muscle weakness is an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide. Therefore, it is not an expected outcome. Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic, and one of its common side effects is potassium loss through increased urine output. This can lead to muscle weakness and cramping. The nurse should educate the client about the signs and symptoms of low potassium and the importance of including potassium-rich foods in their diet.

Choice C rationale:

Increasing daily intake of foods high in potassium is essential information to include in the teaching for a client taking hydrochlorothiazide. Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can cause potassium depletion, which may result in adverse effects like muscle weakness, cramping, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, advising the client to consume potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, oranges, and potatoes, can help counteract the potassium loss associated with the medication.

Choice D rationale:

Taking the medication at bedtime is not a specific requirement for hydrochlorothiazide. Thiazide diuretics can be taken at various times of the day, depending on the client's preferences and when they are most compliant with their medication regimen. The timing of administration should be consistent to maintain the medication's effectiveness.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse reviewing the laboratory of a client who had a total thyroidectomy discovers that his calcium level is 7 mg/dL. Which of the following client findings should the nurse expect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A home health nurse is visiting a client who has COPD and is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula.The client tells the nurse she has been having difficulty breathing.Which of the following actions is the nurse's priority at this time?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who is taking hydrochlorothiazide.Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a heart-healthy diet with a group of clients who have hypertension. Which of the following statements by the clients indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has emphysema.Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.).

A nurse is collecting data from an older adult who is postoperative and receiving IV therapy at 125 mL/hr. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume overload? (Select all that apply.).

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about self-management strategies with a client who has emphysema. Which of the following client statements indicates that the client understands the instructions?

A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure.Before administering this medication, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has peripheral vascular disease (PVD). The nurse should recognize that which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A nurse is reinforcing discharge teaching on actions that improve gas exchange to a client diagnosed with emphysema.Which of the following instructions should be included in the teaching?

A nurse is collecting data from a client prior to administering atenolol. For which of the following findings should the nurse withhold the medication?