A patient who is one day postoperative thyroidectomy reports feeling numb around the mouth and is experiencing random muscle twitches. Which intravenous (IV) medication should the nurse anticipate that the physician will prescribe?
a. Iodine
b. Calcium gluconate
c. Potassium chloride
d. Sodium bicarbonate
ANS: B
In the absence of parathyroid hormone, serum calcium levels drop, and tetany results. IV calcium gluconate is given to treat acute tetany. A. C. D. Sodium, potassium, and iodine will not help restore calcium level.
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An expectant parent says to the nurse, "When my sister's baby was born, it was covered in a cheeselike coating. What is the purpose of this coating?" The correct response by the nurse is to explain that the purpose of vernix caseosa is to:
a. regulate fetal temperature. b. protect the fetal skin from amniotic fluid. c. promote normal peripheral nervous system development. d. allow the transport of oxygen and nutrients across the amnion.
A patient with a myocardial infarction is withdrawing from alcohol. The patient is nauseated and having tremors despite receiving medications for withdrawal. The nurse suspects the patient is experiencing which electrolyte imbalance?
1. Serum magnesium 2.5 mEq/dL 2. Serum phosphate 2.7 mEq/dL 3. Serum potassium 3.1 mEq/dL 4. Total calcium 9.0 mg/dL
The nurse and a home health patient have established this expected outcome: "The patient will be free from adverse effects of administration of verapamil (Calan)." Which finding indicates this outcome has not been met?
1. The patient complains of headache at each visit by the nurse. 2. The patient has 3+ edema in the ankles and feet. 3. The patient says, "Everything I eat tastes like metal." 4. The patient says, "I got so dizzy yesterday that I had to lie down for a while." 5. The patient's face is flushed.
The physician orders insulin NovoLog 14 units subcutaneous. The medication is supplied in 100 units/mL
What will be an ideal response?