Exam 1 w/ ChatGPT

A nurse is teaching a patient newly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about dietary recommendations. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? A. I will eat six full meals with snacks between meals. B. I should avoid caffeine and spicy foods. C. I should reduce my carbohydrate intake to manage energy levels. D. I will meet with a dietitian for help managing my nutrition.

C. I should reduce my carbohydrate intake to manage energy levels. Rationale: Patients with hyperthyroidism require a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate diet due to increased metabolism. Reducing carbs is inappropriate.

Which clinical finding supports a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism? A. Bradycardia and cold intolerance B. Weight loss despite increased appetite C. Dry skin and brittle nails D. Constipation and menstrual irregularities

B. Weight loss despite increased appetite. Rationale: Hyperthyroidism increases metabolism causing weight loss despite increased appetite; other options are signs of hypothyroidism.

A patient is recovering from a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding is most concerning? A. Hoarseness when speaking B. Pain at the surgical site C. Laryngeal stridor and difficulty breathing D. Slight swelling around the incision

C. Laryngeal stridor and difficulty breathing. Rationale: Stridor indicates airway obstruction, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.

Which statement by a patient with hypothyroidism indicates a need for further teaching? A. I will take my thyroid hormone with meals to avoid stomach upset. B. I understand I need to take this medication for the rest of my life. C. I should not stop taking the medication suddenly. D. I will report symptoms of hyperthyroidism like palpitations.

A. I will take my thyroid hormone with meals to avoid stomach upset. Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, 30-60 minutes before breakfast for optimal absorption.

A nurse is assessing a patient with Cushing syndrome. Which finding is expected? A. Muscle hypertrophy and bradycardia B. Hypoglycemia and hypotension C. Buffalo hump and thin extremities D. Hyperpigmentation and bronze skin

C. Buffalo hump and thin extremities. Rationale: Cushing syndrome causes fat redistribution (buffalo hump) and muscle wasting; hyperpigmentation is typical of Addison’s disease.

A nurse is caring for a patient with Addison’s disease. Which clinical manifestation requires immediate attention? A. Blood pressure of 80/42 mm Hg and confusion B. Craving for salty foods C. Tanned appearance to skin D. Nausea and decreased appetite

A. Blood pressure of 80/42 mm Hg and confusion. Rationale: Hypotension and altered mental status indicate Addisonian crisis, a life-threatening emergency needing urgent treatment.

A nurse is teaching a patient about prednisone therapy for Addison’s disease. Which statement requires follow-up? A. I will take my medication every morning. B. I’ll stop taking it once I feel better. C. I need to carry an emergency steroid injection kit. D. I will wear a medical alert bracelet.

B. I’ll stop taking it once I feel better. Rationale: Abruptly stopping corticosteroids can cause adrenal insufficiency; medication must never be stopped suddenly.

Which of the following is a priority nursing diagnosis for a patient in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? A. Risk for unstable blood glucose B. Risk for injury C. Deficient fluid volume D. Imbalanced nutrition

C. Deficient fluid volume. Rationale: Severe dehydration due to osmotic diuresis in DKA requires immediate fluid replacement.

A nurse is teaching a newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic about insulin therapy. Which statement indicates correct understanding? A. I’ll skip my dose if I’m feeling sick and not eating. B. I should stop my long-acting insulin if I start using a pump. C. If I feel shaky and sweaty, I should wait 30 minutes to recheck my sugar. D. If I feel dizzy and my sugar is low, I’ll take 15 grams of carbs and recheck in 15 minutes.

D. If I feel dizzy and my sugar is low, I’ll take 15 grams of carbs and recheck in 15 minutes. Rationale: The Rule of 15 is the recommended treatment for hypoglycemia.

A nurse is caring for a diabetic patient with suspected hypoglycemia. Which intervention is most appropriate if the patient is unconscious? A. Give 4 oz of juice by mouth B. Administer 1 mg glucagon IM C. Recheck blood glucose in 15 minutes D. Encourage carbohydrate snack

B. Administer 1 mg glucagon IM. Rationale: Glucagon IM is used when patient is unconscious and unable to safely take oral carbohydrates.

A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). Which finding is most characteristic of HHS? A. Kussmaul respirations B. Fruity breath odor C. Blood glucose >600 mg/dL with neurologic symptoms D. Presence of ketones in urine

C. Blood glucose >600 mg/dL with neurologic symptoms. Rationale: HHS presents with very high glucose and neurologic symptoms but little ketosis.

The nurse enters a diabetic patient’s room and finds them diaphoretic, confused, and unable to swallow. What is the priority action? A. Administer IV regular insulin B. Administer 50% dextrose IV push C. Recheck blood glucose in 30 minutes D. Offer fruit juice

B. Administer 50% dextrose IV push. Rationale: Unconscious patients with suspected hypoglycemia need immediate IV dextrose; oral intake is unsafe.

Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient with a tracheostomy? A. Small amount of clear secretions around stoma B. Pink, moist mucosa at the stoma site C. Sudden onset of difficulty breathing and no airflow through trach D. Tracheostomy tube secured with new ties

C. Sudden onset of difficulty breathing and no airflow through trach. Rationale: Sudden airway obstruction or displacement is a medical emergency.

The nurse is suctioning a tracheostomy. Which action is appropriate? A. Suction continuously for 15 seconds while inserting B. Apply suction only while withdrawing the catheter C. Use tap water to lubricate the catheter D. Hyperoxygenate only if the patient is cyanotic

B. Apply suction only while withdrawing the catheter. Rationale: Suction should be applied intermittently during withdrawal to reduce trauma.

Which of the following findings requires immediate action in a patient with oxygen therapy? A. SaO2 of 92% B. Oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 L/min C. Sudden confusion and SaO2 drop to 84% on non-rebreather D. Mild dry nasal passages

C. Sudden confusion and SaO2 drop to 84% on non-rebreather. Rationale: Sudden drop in SpO2 and confusion may indicate respiratory failure or device malfunction.

A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. Which finding requires the most immediate action? A. No tidaling in the water-seal chamber after several days B. Drainage of 250 mL in 1 hour C. Mild bubbling in the suction chamber D. Clear, yellow drainage of 50 mL/hour

B. Drainage of 250 mL in 1 hour. Rationale: Drainage >200 mL/hr may indicate bleeding and requires immediate reporting.

Which of the following is a priority nursing action immediately after chest tube insertion? A. Encourage coughing and deep breathing B. Ensure the chest drainage system is below chest level and not kinked C. Begin suction at maximum pressure D. Tape all connections and clamp the tubing

B. Ensure the chest drainage system is below chest level and not kinked. Rationale: To prevent complications, system must be below chest level and patent.

Which breath sound is most associated with fluid in the alveoli? A. Wheezing B. Rhonchi C. Crackles D. Stridor

C. Crackles. Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid in alveoli and are common in pneumonia and pulmonary edema.

Which respiratory assessment finding requires immediate notification of the provider? A. Respiratory rate of 22 B. Stridor after thyroid surgery C. SpO2 of 94% on room air D. Bilateral vesicular breath sounds

B. Stridor after thyroid surgery. Rationale: Stridor signals airway obstruction, a medical emergency after thyroid surgery.

The nurse is teaching a patient with COPD about pursed-lip breathing. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding? A. It will help me cough up mucus B. It helps me exhale trapped air and control my breathing C. It increases the oxygen I breathe in D. I only need to do this during exercise

B. It helps me exhale trapped air and control my breathing. Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing prolongs exhalation and prevents air trapping in COPD.

A nurse is caring for a patient with DKA. Which laboratory value requires the most immediate intervention? A. Blood glucose 450 mg/dL B. Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L C. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L D. Serum bicarbonate 22 mEq/L

B. Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L. Rationale: Hypokalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias; potassium must be corrected before insulin therapy.

The nurse is teaching a patient with hypothyroidism about medication management. Which instruction is essential? A. Take medication with food to reduce nausea B. Stop medication when symptoms improve C. Take medication early in the morning on an empty stomach D. Increase dietary fiber to prevent diarrhea

C. Take medication early in the morning on an empty stomach. Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.

Which finding in a patient with Cushing syndrome indicates effective treatment? A. Weight gain B. Hypertension C. Decreased serum cortisol D. Increased blood glucose

C. Decreased serum cortisol. Rationale: Reduction in cortisol levels indicates effective therapy.

A nurse is caring for a patient with Addisonian crisis. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect? A. Hypertension B. Hypernatremia C. Hypoglycemia D. Fluid overload

C. Hypoglycemia. Rationale: Addisonian crisis is characterized by low cortisol leading to hypoglycemia, hypotension, and hyponatremia.

What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with respiratory distress and a tracheostomy? A. Suction airway B. Increase oxygen flow C. Assess breath sounds D. Prepare for intubation

A. Suction airway. Rationale: Maintaining a patent airway by suctioning is critical in respiratory distress with a tracheostomy.

A patient with COPD is prescribed pursed-lip breathing. Which outcome indicates effective teaching? A. Increased respiratory rate B. Decreased oxygen saturation C. Prolonged exhalation and improved ventilation D. Increased use of accessory muscles

C. Prolonged exhalation and improved ventilation. Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps reduce air trapping and improves ventilation.

Which complication is the nurse most concerned about in a patient with a chest tube? A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber B. No drainage in the collection chamber C. Drainage of 100 mL in 24 hours D. Subcutaneous emphysema

A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber. Rationale: Continuous bubbling may indicate an air leak in the system.

Which assessment finding indicates a pneumothorax in a postoperative patient? A. Bilateral breath sounds B. Tracheal deviation away from affected side C. Normal oxygen saturation D. Symmetrical chest expansion

B. Tracheal deviation away from affected side. Rationale: Tracheal deviation is a late sign of tension pneumothorax and requires immediate intervention.

A nurse is teaching a patient about oxygen therapy safety. Which statement indicates understanding? A. Smoking is allowed if oxygen is off B. Keep oxygen at least 10 feet away from flames C. Use petroleum-based lotions near oxygen D. Ensure electrical equipment is grounded

D. Ensure electrical equipment is grounded. Rationale: Grounded equipment reduces risk of fire or sparks around oxygen therapy.

Which statement by a patient with asthma indicates the need for further teaching? A. I will use my rescue inhaler before exercise B. I should avoid triggers like smoke and pollen C. I will stop using my inhaler once I feel better D. I will monitor my peak expiratory flow regularly

C. I will stop using my inhaler once I feel better. Rationale: Asthma management requires continued use of prescribed inhalers even when symptoms improve to prevent exacerbations.

A nurse is caring for a patient after a thyroidectomy. Which complication requires immediate intervention? A. Mild hoarseness B. Hypocalcemia C. Low-grade fever D. Fatigue

B. Hypocalcemia. Rationale: Hypocalcemia can cause tetany and cardiac dysrhythmias; monitor for signs like tingling and muscle spasms.

What is the primary purpose of cuff inflation in a tracheostomy tube? A. Prevent infection B. Secure the tube C. Prevent aspiration D. Facilitate speech

C. Prevent aspiration. Rationale: Inflating the cuff seals the airway to prevent aspiration of secretions.

A nurse is teaching a patient about corticosteroid therapy. Which statement indicates understanding? A. I can stop taking steroids if I feel better B. I should take steroids in the morning C. I will avoid increasing salt intake D. Steroids decrease blood sugar levels

B. I should take steroids in the morning. Rationale: Taking steroids in the morning mimics the body’s natural cortisol rhythm and reduces side effects.

Which symptom is most characteristic of hypothyroidism? A. Weight loss B. Heat intolerance C. Cold intolerance D. Diarrhea

C. Cold intolerance. Rationale: Hypothyroidism slows metabolism, causing intolerance to cold and weight gain.

A patient with Cushing syndrome is at risk for which complication? A. Hypotension B. Infection C. Hypoglycemia D. Weight loss

B. Infection. Rationale: Excess cortisol suppresses immune response, increasing infection risk.

What is the priority nursing action when a chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system? A. Clamp the tube B. Submerge the tube in sterile water C. Notify the physician D. Increase suction

B. Submerge the tube in sterile water. Rationale: This prevents air from entering the pleural space, reducing risk of pneumothorax.

A nurse is monitoring a patient with COPD. Which assessment finding indicates worsening condition? A. Clear sputum B. Respiratory rate of 18 C. Use of accessory muscles D. Pink skin

C. Use of accessory muscles. Rationale: Accessory muscle use indicates increased work of breathing and respiratory distress.

Which of the following is a sign of respiratory failure? A. Restlessness B. Tachypnea C. Bradypnea D. Bradycardia

C. Bradypnea. Rationale: Bradypnea indicates respiratory depression and impending failure.

What is the best position to promote lung expansion in a patient with respiratory distress? A. Supine B. High Fowler’s C. Trendelenburg D. Left lateral

B. High Fowler’s. Rationale: Upright position maximizes lung expansion and ease of breathing.

Which intervention is appropriate for a patient experiencing hypoglycemia? A. Administer insulin B. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate C. Restrict fluid intake D. Encourage exercise

B. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate. Rationale: Quick carbohydrate intake is essential to raise blood glucose levels promptly.

A nurse is caring for a patient with hypothyroidism who reports fatigue and cold intolerance. Which lab test is most important to evaluate? A. TSH B. Blood glucose C. Serum calcium D. Liver enzymes

A. TSH. Rationale: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the primary test to diagnose hypothyroidism.

Which sign indicates a patient with Cushing syndrome is developing fluid volume excess? A. Weight loss B. Edema C. Hypotension D. Dry skin

B. Edema. Rationale: Excess cortisol causes sodium and water retention, leading to edema.

A patient with Addison’s disease is admitted with severe weakness and hypotension. What is the nurse’s priority action? A. Administer oral corticosteroids B. Encourage fluid restriction C. Initiate IV fluids and corticosteroids D. Monitor blood glucose

C. Initiate IV fluids and corticosteroids. Rationale: Addisonian crisis requires immediate fluid resuscitation and steroid replacement.

Which symptom is most characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)? A. Bradycardia B. Kussmaul respirations C. Hypoglycemia D. Bradyypnea

B. Kussmaul respirations. Rationale: Kussmaul breathing is a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis in DKA.

A nurse is teaching a patient about insulin administration. Which statement indicates correct technique? A. Inject insulin into muscle B. Rotate injection sites C. Use the same site every time D. Mix long-acting and short-acting insulin in one syringe

B. Rotate injection sites. Rationale: Rotating sites prevents lipodystrophy and improves absorption.

What is the purpose of a chest tube in a patient with pneumothorax? A. Deliver oxygen B. Drain air or fluid from pleural space C. Measure lung capacity D. Prevent infection

B. Drain air or fluid from pleural space. Rationale: Chest tubes remove air or fluid to re-expand the lung.

Which breath sound is heard with asthma exacerbation? A. Crackles B. Wheezing C. Rhonchi D. Stridor

B. Wheezing. Rationale: Wheezing is due to narrowed airways from bronchospasm in asthma.

What is the most important nursing intervention for a patient receiving oxygen via nasal cannula? A. Monitor for skin breakdown B. Limit oxygen to 10 L/min C. Keep humidifier off D. Administer mouth care every 8 hours

A. Monitor for skin breakdown. Rationale: Nasal cannula can cause pressure ulcers on the nose and ears.

Which electrolyte imbalance is common in Addison’s disease? A. Hyperkalemia B. Hypokalemia C. Hypernatremia D. Hypocalcemia

A. Hyperkalemia. Rationale: Low aldosterone in Addison’s leads to potassium retention.

A nurse is caring for a patient with thyroid storm. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect? A. Hypothermia B. Bradycardia C. Fever D. Weight gain

C. Fever. Rationale: Thyroid storm causes hypermetabolism with high fever and tachycardia.

A nurse is caring for a patient post-thyroidectomy who develops tingling around the mouth and muscle twitching. What is the priority assessment? A. Blood pressure B. Serum calcium C. Oxygen saturation D. Blood glucose

B. Serum calcium. Rationale: Tingling and twitching suggest hypocalcemia due to possible parathyroid damage.

Which symptom would the nurse expect in a patient with myxedema coma? A. Hyperthermia B. Bradycardia C. Tachypnea D. Hypertension

B. Bradycardia. Rationale: Myxedema coma is severe hypothyroidism causing decreased heart rate and hypothermia.

A patient with Cushing syndrome is prescribed ketoconazole. What is the nurse’s priority teaching? A. Avoid grapefruit juice B. Increase salt intake C. Use sunscreen D. Report weight gain

C. Use sunscreen. Rationale: Ketoconazole can increase photosensitivity; sun protection is important.

Which of the following symptoms is a classic sign of Addison’s disease? A. Weight gain B. Hyperpigmentation C. Hypertension D. Hyperglycemia

B. Hyperpigmentation. Rationale: Increased ACTH causes skin darkening in Addison’s disease.

A nurse is teaching a diabetic patient how to prevent hypoglycemia. Which instruction is correct? A. Skip meals if taking insulin B. Exercise immediately after eating C. Carry fast-acting carbs at all times D. Avoid all physical activity

C. Carry fast-acting carbs at all times. Rationale: Quick carbs are needed to treat hypoglycemia promptly.

What is the primary purpose of humidified oxygen therapy? A. Decrease oxygen concentration B. Prevent drying of mucous membranes C. Increase oxygen flow D. Reduce carbon dioxide levels

B. Prevent drying of mucous membranes. Rationale: Humidification keeps airways moist and prevents irritation.

Which of the following is a priority nursing assessment in a patient with a chest tube? A. Level of water in the chamber B. Patient’s pain level C. Amount and color of drainage D. Oxygen saturation

C. Amount and color of drainage. Rationale: Changes in drainage may indicate bleeding or infection.

Which assessment finding in a patient with asthma indicates worsening status? A. Increased peak flow B. Use of accessory muscles C. Clear breath sounds D. Decreased respiratory rate

B. Use of accessory muscles. Rationale: Accessory muscle use indicates increased work of breathing.

A nurse is teaching a patient how to use a peak flow meter. Which statement indicates understanding? A. Use the meter after taking medication B. Blow into the meter as hard and fast as possible C. Use the meter once a week D. Record the highest of three attempts

B. Blow into the meter as hard and fast as possible. Rationale: Proper technique requires maximal effort to assess airway obstruction.

Which symptom would the nurse expect in a patient experiencing respiratory acidosis? A. Hyperventilation B. Confusion C. Lightheadedness D. Hypocapnia

B. Confusion. Rationale: Elevated CO2 causes CNS depression resulting in confusion and lethargy.

A nurse is caring for a patient with an acute asthma attack. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer first? A. Inhaled corticosteroids B. Short-acting beta2 agonists C. Leukotriene modifiers D. Long-acting beta2 agonists

B. Short-acting beta2 agonists. Rationale: These provide rapid bronchodilation and are first-line in acute asthma attacks.

Which electrolyte imbalance is a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy? A. Hyperkalemia B. Hypokalemia C. Hypercalcemia D. Hyponatremia

B. Hypokalemia. Rationale: Corticosteroids increase potassium excretion, causing hypokalemia.

A patient with thyroid storm presents with tachycardia and high fever. What is the nurse’s priority action? A. Administer antipyretics and beta blockers B. Initiate thyroid hormone therapy C. Restrict fluids D. Encourage activity

A. Administer antipyretics and beta blockers. Rationale: Controlling fever and heart rate reduces metabolic demand.

Which nursing diagnosis is priority for a patient with Addison’s disease? A. Risk for infection B. Deficient fluid volume C. Risk for impaired skin integrity D. Activity intolerance

B. Deficient fluid volume. Rationale: Patients with Addison’s are at high risk for hypovolemia due to aldosterone deficiency.

What is the best position to facilitate breathing in a patient with COPD exacerbation? A. Supine B. Tripod position C. Prone D. Left lateral

B. Tripod position. Rationale: This position optimizes accessory muscle use and eases breathing.

Which assessment finding suggests a patient is experiencing a pneumothorax? A. Equal chest expansion B. Diminished breath sounds on one side C. Pink, moist mucous membranes D. Bradycardia

B. Diminished breath sounds on one side. Rationale: Pneumothorax causes air in pleural space, reducing breath sounds.

What is the priority intervention for a patient with hypoglycemia who is awake and alert? A. Administer glucagon IM B. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate C. Start IV dextrose D. Call the healthcare provider

B. Provide 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate. Rationale: Oral carbs are first-line for conscious patients.

Which of the following is a sign of respiratory distress in an infant? A. Nasal flaring B. Sleeping through feedings C. Normal skin color D. Quiet breathing

A. Nasal flaring. Rationale: Nasal flaring is a compensatory mechanism indicating respiratory distress.

A nurse is preparing to suction a tracheostomy tube. Which action should the nurse take first? A. Hyperoxygenate the patient B. Insert the catheter without suction C. Suction while inserting the catheter D. Use sterile water to irrigate the tube

A. Hyperoxygenate the patient. Rationale: Pre-oxygenation prevents hypoxia during suctioning.

Which lab value should be monitored closely in a patient receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy? A. Blood glucose B. Hemoglobin C. Sodium D. Platelets

A. Blood glucose. Rationale: Corticosteroids can cause hyperglycemia by increasing gluconeogenesis.

A nurse is caring for a patient with thyroiditis. Which symptom is most commonly reported? A. Weight gain B. Fever and neck pain C. Heat intolerance D. Increased appetite

B. Fever and neck pain. Rationale: Thyroiditis typically causes inflammation with fever and pain in the neck area.

What is the recommended action if a chest tube becomes accidentally disconnected from the drainage system? A. Clamp the tube immediately B. Submerge the tube end in sterile water C. Call the healthcare provider D. Tape the tube to the chest wall

B. Submerge the tube end in sterile water. Rationale: This prevents air from entering the pleural space and causing pneumothorax.

Which condition is characterized by excessive cortisol production? A. Addison’s disease B. Cushing syndrome C. Hypothyroidism D. Hyperthyroidism

B. Cushing syndrome. Rationale: Cushing syndrome results from prolonged exposure to high cortisol levels.

A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient with hypothyroidism. Which statement indicates the patient understands medication management? A. I will take my medication with meals to avoid stomach upset. B. I will stop medication once I feel better. C. I will take my medication every morning on an empty stomach. D. I will increase my calcium intake while on medication.

C. I will take my medication every morning on an empty stomach. Rationale: Levothyroxine absorption is best on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes before breakfast.

Which symptom is an early sign of thyroid storm? A. Bradycardia B. Hypothermia C. Tachycardia D. Weight gain

C. Tachycardia. Rationale: Thyroid storm causes hypermetabolism, leading to tachycardia.

A nurse is teaching a patient about Addison’s disease. Which dietary instruction should the nurse include? A. Decrease sodium intake B. Increase potassium intake C. Increase sodium intake D. Decrease fluid intake

C. Increase sodium intake. Rationale: Patients with Addison’s disease may need increased sodium due to aldosterone deficiency.

What is the primary goal in managing diabetic ketoacidosis? A. Lower blood glucose slowly B. Correct electrolyte imbalances C. Prevent dehydration D. Treat infection

C. Prevent dehydration. Rationale: Fluid replacement is the priority to restore circulating volume.

Which breath sound indicates narrowing of the airways? A. Crackles B. Rhonchi C. Wheezing D. Stridor

C. Wheezing. Rationale: Wheezing results from airway narrowing and bronchospasm.

What is the proper way to care for a new tracheostomy site? A. Use sterile technique when changing dressings B. Clean with tap water daily C. Apply petroleum jelly around the site D. Leave the site uncovered

A. Use sterile technique when changing dressings. Rationale: Sterile technique reduces infection risk at the tracheostomy site.

Which medication is used to treat hypothyroidism? A. Methimazole B. Levothyroxine C. Prednisone D. Insulin

B. Levothyroxine. Rationale: Levothyroxine is synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism.

A nurse is caring for a patient with hyperthyroidism who is experiencing tremors and anxiety. Which medication is most likely prescribed? A. Levothyroxine B. Propranolol C. Prednisone D. Insulin

B. Propranolol. Rationale: Propranolol is a beta-blocker used to manage symptoms like tremors and tachycardia in hyperthyroidism.

Which lab test is most useful to monitor in a patient with Addison’s disease? A. Blood glucose B. Serum potassium C. Serum sodium D. Serum calcium

B. Serum potassium. Rationale: Addison’s disease often causes hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency.

What is the expected finding in a patient with untreated hypothyroidism? A. Weight loss B. Heat intolerance C. Bradycardia D. Diarrhea

C. Bradycardia. Rationale: Hypothyroidism slows metabolism causing bradycardia and cold intolerance.

A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis is admitted. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention? A. Kussmaul respirations B. Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L C. Blood glucose of 350 mg/dL D. Polyuria

B. Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L. Rationale: Hypokalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and must be corrected promptly.

Which nursing action is most important for a patient undergoing a thyroidectomy? A. Monitor for hypoglycemia B. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia C. Encourage coughing and deep breathing D. Administer antithyroid medications

B. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia. Rationale: Parathyroid damage can cause hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy.

A nurse is caring for a patient with a tracheostomy. Which action prevents accidental decannulation? A. Secure the ties properly B. Remove the inner cannula daily C. Deflate the cuff frequently D. Suction every 15 minutes

A. Secure the ties properly. Rationale: Proper securing of ties prevents tube displacement.

Which symptom is associated with Cushing syndrome? A. Hypotension B. Weight loss C. Moon face D. Hyperpigmentation

C. Moon face. Rationale: Fat redistribution causes moon face and buffalo hump in Cushing syndrome.

A nurse is teaching a patient with asthma about medication use. Which medication is a rescue inhaler? A. Fluticasone B. Montelukast C. Albuterol D. Salmeterol

C. Albuterol. Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2 agonist used for quick relief of asthma symptoms.

Which assessment finding indicates airway obstruction in a patient with a tracheostomy? A. Clear breath sounds B. Presence of secretions C. Stridor D. Stable oxygen saturation

C. Stridor. Rationale: Stridor is a high-pitched sound indicating airway obstruction.

What is the most important teaching for a patient starting corticosteroid therapy? A. Stop medication if feeling ill B. Take medication with food C. Avoid gradual dose reduction D. Report signs of infection

B. Take medication with food. Rationale: Taking corticosteroids with food reduces gastrointestinal irritation.

A nurse is caring for a patient with hypothyroidism who complains of fatigue and constipation. Which lab test is most important to evaluate? A. Serum calcium B. TSH C. Blood glucose D. Hemoglobin

B. TSH. Rationale: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the key test for diagnosing and monitoring hypothyroidism.