Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?

• A. Low serum albumin level
• B. Low serum transferrin level
• C. High hemoglobin level
• D. High cholesterol level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Long-term protein deficiency significantly lowers serum albumin levels. Albumin, derived from protein breakdown, is produced by the liver when adequate amino acids are available. Due to its long half-life, acute protein loss minimally affects serum albumin levels. In contrast, serum transferrin, with a shorter half-life of 8 to 10 days, decreases with acute protein deficiency and is not a reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Elevated hemoglobin levels may occur in conditions like dehydration or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making it an unreliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. High cholesterol levels are not directly linked to protein malnutrition and do not serve as a reliable indicator. Therefore, the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition among the options provided is a low serum albumin level.

2. The nurse is caring for an Asian patient who is being admitted to the hospital. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to take when interviewing this patient?

• A. Avoid eye contact with the patient
• B. Observe the patient's use of eye contact
• C. Look directly at the patient when interacting
• D. Ask the patient's family member about the patient's cultural beliefs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Observing the patient's use of eye contact will be most useful in determining the best way to communicate effectively with the patient. Different cultures have varying norms regarding eye contact, so by observing the patient, the nurse can adapt their communication style accordingly. Looking directly at the patient or avoiding eye contact may not be universally appropriate and could be misinterpreted. Asking a family member about the patient's cultural beliefs is not ideal as cultural beliefs can vary among individuals within the same cultural group. It is best to assess the patient directly to provide culturally sensitive care.

3. While obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading on a client, what action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Stay with the client while the client is standing.
• B. Record the findings on the graphic sheet in the chart.
• C. Keep the blood pressure cuff on the same arm.
• D. Record changes in the client's pulse rate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most crucial action for the nurse to implement when obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading is to stay with the client while the client is standing. This is essential to monitor the client's immediate response to position changes and ensure their safety. Recording the findings on the graphic sheet is important for documentation but is not as critical as staying with the client. Keeping the blood pressure cuff on the same arm helps maintain consistency in readings but is not as vital as ensuring client safety. Recording changes in the client's pulse rate is important for a comprehensive assessment but does not take precedence over monitoring the client during position changes.

4. While communicating with a client, the nurse determines that the client has realized the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and plans to stop drinking within 6 months. Which stage of the transtheoretical model of change would the nurse correlate the client's behavior with?

• A. Action
• B. Preparation
• C. Maintenance
• D. Contemplation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The transtheoretical model of change defines changing patterns in individuals across five stages based on their readiness to change. The stages are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. In the contemplation stage, the client acknowledges the benefits of change and considers making the change within the next 6 months. This aligns with the client's realization of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and intent to stop drinking within 6 months. The action stage involves actively making changes, the preparation stage includes goal-setting with an intention to change within 60 days, and the maintenance stage focuses on sustaining changed behavior for at least 6 months and taking preventive measures to avoid relapse. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's behavior aligns with the contemplation stage of the transtheoretical model of change.

5. The nurse is assessing a young client who presents with recurrent gastrointestinal disorders. On further assessment, the nurse learns that the client is experiencing job-related pressures. Which is the most important nursing intervention for this client?

• A. Educate the client on managing stress.
• B. Teach the client to maintain a balanced diet.
• C. Instruct the client to have regular health checkups.
• D. Ask the client to use sunscreen when working outdoors.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing intervention for a client experiencing job-related pressures and recurrent gastrointestinal disorders is to educate the client on managing stress. Stress is a lifestyle risk factor that can impact both mental health and physical well-being. It is associated with various illnesses, including gastrointestinal disorders. Teaching the client to maintain a balanced diet is important for preventive care and health promotion but is not the priority in this scenario. While instructing the client to have regular health checkups is essential for overall health maintenance, addressing the root cause of stress is crucial in this case. Asking the client to use sunscreen when working outdoors is important for sun protection and skin cancer prevention but not directly related to the client's job-related stress and gastrointestinal issues.

Similar Questions