Following a thyroidectomy, a patient complains of "a tingling feeling around my mouth." Which assessment should the nurse complete immediately?
a. Presence of the Chvostek's sign
b. Abnormal serum potassium level
c. Decreased thyroid hormone level
d. Bleeding on the patient's dressing
ANS: A
The patient's symptoms indicate possible hypocalcemia, which can occur secondary to parathyroid injury/removal during thyroidectomy. There is no indication of a need to check the potassium level, the thyroid hormone level, or for bleeding.
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A patient is ordered to receive cyclosporine intravenously. The medication is prepared with castor oil. Which adverse effect should the nurse be aware of when administering this medication?
A) Rash B) Anaphylaxis C) Hypertension D) Bradycardia
5 pt = _____ gal
a. 5/8 b. 1 1/4 c. 2 1/2 d. 10
The patient is admitted with a suspected acute myocardial infarction (MI)
In assessing the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, which findings would indicate to the nurse that the patient is in the process of an evolving Q wave myocardial infarction(MI)? a. ST-segment elevation on ECG and elevated CPK-MB or troponin levels b. Depressed ST-segment on ECG and elevated total CPK c. Depressed ST-segment on ECG and normal cardiac enzymes d. Q wave on ECG with normal enzymes and troponin levels
A patient needs to change an unwanted or undesired behavior. Which response indicates to the nurse that the patient is in the pre-contemplation stage of the stages of change model? (Select all that apply.)
1. The patient denies having a problem. 2. The patient acknowledges the problem. 3. The patient has no desire to change the problem. 4. The patient begins to make plans to change the problem. 5. The patient begins to seriously consider changing the problem.