Nursing Elites

1. A 23-year-old woman at 32-weeks gestation is seen in the outpatient clinic. Which of the following findings, if assessed by the nurse, would indicate a possible complication?

• A. The client's urine test is positive for glucose and acetone
• B. The client has 1+ pedal edema in both feet at the end of the day
• C. The client complains of an increase in vaginal discharge
• D. The client says she feels pressure against her diaphragm when the baby moves

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Positive urine glucose and acetone could indicate gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, both of which are complications. Choice B, pedal edema, is common in pregnancy but may also be a sign of preeclampsia if severe. Choice C, an increase in vaginal discharge, is a normal finding in pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Choice D, pressure against the diaphragm when the baby moves, is a normal sensation due to the growing uterus displacing abdominal contents.

2. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Monitor for leg pain, swelling, and redness
• B. Check for calf tenderness and administer anticoagulants
• C. Check for discoloration and monitor oxygen saturation
• D. Check for numbness and provide thrombolytic therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: The correct way to assess a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to monitor for leg pain, swelling, and redness. These are common clinical manifestations of DVT. Choice B is incorrect because administering anticoagulants should be based on a confirmed diagnosis, not just suspicion. Choice C is incorrect because discoloration and oxygen saturation are not primary indicators of DVT. Choice D is incorrect because numbness is not a typical symptom of DVT, and thrombolytic therapy is not the first-line treatment for suspected DVT.

3. When should a nurse suction a client with a tracheostomy?

• A. Every 6 hours, regardless of distress signs
• B. When the client's respiratory rate drops below 10
• C. When the client shows signs of irritability
• D. When the client begins to cough or show signs of airway blockage

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the client when they show signs of irritability. Signs of irritability, such as restlessness or agitation, can indicate the need for suctioning in a client with a tracheostomy. This early indicator suggests that there may be an accumulation of secretions affecting the client's airway. Suctioning should be performed promptly to maintain a clear airway and prevent complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because suctioning should be based on clinical signs and symptoms indicating the need for intervention, rather than a fixed schedule or specific vital sign parameters.

4. A client is constipated and asks the nurse for advice. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve discomfort
• B. Increase dietary fiber to promote bowel movements
• C. Advise the client to rest until symptoms resolve
• D. Encourage bed rest to allow bowel function to return

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for constipation is to increase dietary fiber to promote bowel movements. Dietary fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass and promoting regular bowel movements. Administering a laxative (Choice A) is not the first-line recommendation and should be used cautiously due to potential side effects. Resting until symptoms resolve (Choice C) and encouraging bed rest (Choice D) are not effective interventions for relieving constipation.

5. A public health nurse working in a rural area is developing a program to improve health for the local population. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Provide anticipatory guidance classes to parents through public schools.
• B. Have a nurse from outside the community provide health lectures at the county hospital.
• C. Encourage rural residents to focus health spending on tertiary health interventions.
• D. Launch a media campaign to increase awareness about industrial pollution.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Providing anticipatory guidance classes to parents through public schools is the most appropriate action for the public health nurse in a rural area. This approach allows the nurse to address early prevention strategies, which are crucial in promoting health in rural populations. Choice B is incorrect because having a nurse from outside the community may not fully understand the local needs and dynamics. Choice C is wrong as focusing health spending on tertiary interventions is not cost-effective or preventive. Choice D is also incorrect because while increasing awareness about industrial pollution is important, it may not directly address the health needs of the local rural population.

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