A patient develops an irregular heart rate, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea after a thyroidectomy. Which emergency medication should the nurse anticipate being prescribed?
a. Furosemide (Lasix)
b. Calcium gluconate
c. Potassium chloride
d. Diazepam (Valium)
ANS: B
These are initial signs of hypocalcemia, which can occur with accidental removal of the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. A, C, and D will not raise serum calcium levels.
You might also like to view...
Select the desirable outcome for the initial stage of a nurse-patient relationship. The patient will demonstrate behaviors that indicate:
a. a greater sense of independence. b. rapport and trust with the nurse. c. resolved transference. d. self-responsibility.
A patient is admitted to the unit for vitamin B12 deficiency. Which clinical finding would the nurse monitor in a patient taking cyanocobalamin for treatment of pernicious anemia?
a. Hyperkalemia b. Hypokalemia c. Hypocalcemia d. Hypercalcemia
The nurse is preparing to care for a newborn receiving phototherapy. Which interventions are appropriate? (Select all that apply.)
a. Avoid stimulation. b. Decrease fluid intake. c. Expose all the newborn's skin. d. Monitor skin temperature closely. e. Reposition the newborn every 2 hours. f. Cover the newborn's eyes with eye shields or patches.
What statement about the comorbidity of depression is accurate?
A. Depression most often exists in an individual as a single entity. B. Depression is commonly seen among individuals with medical disorders. C. Substance abuse and depression are seldom seen as comorbid disorders. D. Depression may coexist with other disorders but is rarely seen with schizophrenia.