Nursing Process Test Questions

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administering an oral dose of levothyroxine (Synthroid). In myxedema coma, there is severe hypothyroidism leading to altered mental status, hypothermia, and organ failure. Administering levothyroxine is crucial to replace the deficient thyroid hormone rapidly and restore metabolic function. Warming the client (B) is important but secondary to addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance. Measuring intake and output (C) is essential for overall assessment but not the most critical intervention. Maintaining a patent airway (D) is always important in any medical emergency but does not directly address the primary issue of hypothyroidism in myxedema coma.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Offering emotional support. In the preoperative phase, a nurse's role includes comforting and reassuring the patient to reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being. This is crucial for the patient's overall experience and can positively impact their recovery. Obtaining preoperative orders (A) is typically the responsibility of the physician. Explaining the surgical procedure (C) is usually done by the surgeon. Providing informed consent (D) involves ensuring the patient understands the risks and benefits of the procedure, which is typically the responsibility of the healthcare provider performing the procedure.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because cathartics can exacerbate ulcerative colitis symptoms by increasing bowel motility and causing further inflammation. Giving an oil retention enema (choice B) is not necessary for a barium enema. Ingesting radiopaque tablets (choice C) is not typically part of the preparation for a barium enema. Positioning the patient in a high Fowler's position (choice D) is not a specific requirement following the procedure. Overall, avoiding cathartics is crucial in patients with acute ulcerative colitis to prevent worsening of symptoms during the barium enema.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: General to specific assessment. In this scenario, the nurse is starting the assessment by examining a specific aspect (surgical dressing with drainage) and will likely proceed to gather more detailed information based on the initial findings. This approach involves moving from a broad overview to specific details, which is essential in assessing postoperative patients for complications. A: Gordon�s Functional Health Patterns is a comprehensive assessment framework that covers various aspects of an individual's health, not specifically focusing on the progression from general to specific assessments in this situation. B: Activity-exercise pattern assessment focuses on the patient's activity levels and exercise routines, which is not the primary focus of the scenario described. D: Problem-oriented assessment is a method that involves identifying and addressing specific health issues or concerns, which is not the primary aim of the assessment approach used by the nurse in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Weighing the client before and after the procedure. This is crucial as it helps monitor fluid removal during dialysis, ensuring the process is effective and safe. Weighing helps determine if the correct amount of fluid has been removed. A: Keeping dialysis supplies in a clean area is important for infection control but not a direct responsibility during the procedure. B: Inspecting the catheter insertion site for signs of infection is essential for monitoring the site's health but not a direct responsibility during dialysis. D: Washing hands before and after handling the catheter is a general infection control measure but not specific to the dialysis procedure itself.