Nursing Elites

1. A client has been admitted for meningitis. In reviewing the laboratory analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the nurse would expect to note

• A. High protein
• B. Clear color
• C. Elevated sed rate
• D. Increased glucose

Correct answer: A

Rationale: High protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid are indicative of bacterial meningitis, as the presence of bacteria in the CSF leads to increased protein production. Elevated protein levels can be seen in inflammatory conditions like meningitis. Choice B, clear color, is not expected in meningitis as it is typically associated with cloudy or turbid CSF. Elevated sed rate (choice C) and increased glucose (choice D) are not typically associated with the laboratory findings seen in meningitis.

2. The nurse is caring for a child who has just returned from surgery following a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Offer ice chips every 2 hours
• B. Place the child in a semi-Fowler's position
• C. Encourage the child to drink from a cup
• D. Observe swallowing patterns

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Observing swallowing patterns is crucial post-tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy to detect signs of bleeding. Offering ice chips instead of ice cream helps prevent throat irritation. Placing the child in a semi-Fowler's position promotes airway patency and reduces the risk of aspiration. Encouraging the child to drink from a cup instead of a straw minimizes the risk of dislodging the surgical site.

3. Which of the following patients should the home care nurse assess first?

• A. A 65-year-old male with known COPD and difficulty breathing after climbing a flight of stairs.
• B. A 78-year-old with CHF who has gained 4 lbs according to her tele-monitoring.
• C. A 50-year-old with bilateral leg swelling and difficulty walking.
• D. A 60-year-old with lower back pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A patient with known COPD and difficulty breathing after physical exertion like climbing stairs requires immediate assessment by the nurse. This could indicate a potential exacerbation of COPD, which needs prompt intervention to prevent respiratory distress. Choices B, C, and D describe important patient situations that also require attention, but the urgency is higher with a COPD patient experiencing difficulty breathing.

4. What is a critical factor in determining community health?

• A. Number of hospitals
• B. Availability of healthcare services
• C. Socioeconomic status
• D. Population density

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The availability of healthcare services is a critical factor in determining community health. While the number of hospitals may contribute to healthcare accessibility, it is the overall availability of healthcare services that encompasses various factors including hospitals, clinics, healthcare providers, and resources. Socioeconomic status and population density are important determinants of health outcomes, but the direct availability of healthcare services plays a more immediate and direct role in promoting community health.

5. A client with a fractured femur is in Buck's traction. The nurse should assess for which of the following complications?

• A. Foot drop
• B. Urinary retention
• C. Constipation
• D. Muscle spasms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Foot drop is a potential complication of prolonged immobility and improper positioning in traction. In Buck's traction, the lower extremity is suspended to immobilize and align the fractured femur. Prolonged suspension of the leg in traction can lead to nerve damage, specifically to the common peroneal nerve, resulting in foot drop. Urinary retention, constipation, and muscle spasms are not directly associated with Buck's traction and a fractured femur.

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