An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports that a client’s right hand and fingers spasm when taking the blood pressure using the same arm.
After confirming the presence of the spasms, which action should the nurse take?

Ask the UAP to take the blood pressure in the other arm.

Tell the UAP to use a different sphygmomanometer.

Review the client’s serum calcium level.

Administer a PRN antianxiety medication.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
While taking the blood pressure in the other arm might avoid the spasms, it does not address the underlying cause of the spasms. Therefore, this is not the best action for the nurse to take.
Choice B rationale

Using a different sphygmomanometer would not necessarily prevent the spasms from occurring. The spasms are likely not caused by the equipment itself, but rather a physiological issue within the client.
Choice C rationale
The spasms in the client’s hand and fingers could be a sign of hypocalcemia, a condition where there is not enough calcium in the blood. One of the symptoms of hypocalcemia is muscle spasms or tetany. Therefore, reviewing the client’s serum calcium level would be an appropriate action to take.
Choice D rationale
Administering a PRN antianxiety medication would not address the underlying cause of the spasms. While anxiety can cause muscle tension and spasms, there is no indication in the scenario that anxiety is the cause of this client’s symptoms.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Anticipating and monitoring for hypothermia is the most crucial nursing intervention to include in the care plan for a patient who is 12 hours post-thyroidectomy. The thyroid gland plays a significant role in regulating the body’s metabolism, including temperature regulation. After a thyroidectomy, the body may struggle to regulate temperature, leading to hypothermia. The nurse should monitor the patient’s temperature regularly and provide warming measures as needed.

Choice B rationale
Preparing to administer radioactive iodine treatments is not the most crucial intervention at this time. Radioactive iodine is typically used as a treatment for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, not as an immediate post-operative intervention.

Choice C rationale
Resuming antithyroid drug therapy is not the most crucial intervention at this time. Antithyroid drugs are used to treat hyperthyroidism, and their use would need to be evaluated based on the reason for the thyroidectomy and the patient’s post-operative thyroid hormone levels.

Choice D rationale
Maintaining a semi-Fowler position can be beneficial for comfort and respiratory function post-operatively, but it is not the most crucial intervention. The nurse should assist the patient to a comfortable position and encourage regular deep breathing and coughing exercises to prevent respiratory complications.

A. Monitor capillary refill distal to the infusion site. B. Apply a topical anesthetic at the infusion site for burning. C. Assess IV site frequently for signs of extravasation. D. Explain that temporary burning at the IV site may occur.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Monitoring capillary refill distal to the infusion site is a general nursing intervention during IV therapy. However, it is not specific to the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent.

Choice B rationale
Applying a topical anesthetic at the infusion site for burning is not a standard intervention during the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent. The burning sensation is not due to the IV site but due to the vesicant agent itself.

Choice C rationale
Assessing the IV site frequently for signs of extravasation is the most appropriate intervention during the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent. Extravasation, the leakage of the vesicant into the surrounding tissue, can cause severe local tissue damage. Early detection and intervention are crucial to minimize harm.

Choice D rationale
While it is important to explain potential side effects to the client, explaining that temporary burning at the IV site may occur is not the most crucial intervention. The priority is to monitor for and prevent extravasation.

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An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports that a client’s right hand and fingers spasm when taking the blood pressure using the same arm. After confirming the presence of the spasms, which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

What is the most crucial nursing intervention to include in the care plan for a patient who is 12 hours post- thyroidectomy?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which intervention should the nurse implement during the administration of a vesicant chemotherapeutic agent via an intravenous (IV) site in the client’s arm?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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An unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports that a client’s right hand and fingers spasm when taking the blood pressure using the same arm.
After confirming the presence of the spasms, which action should the nurse take?