Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). The client is complaining of chest pain. The nurse knows that pain related to an MI is due to

• A. Insufficient oxygenation of the cardiac muscle
• B. Potential circulatory overload
• C. Left ventricular overload
• D. Electrolyte imbalance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Insufficient oxygenation of the cardiac muscle. Myocardial infarction pain is primarily caused by inadequate oxygen reaching the heart muscle, leading to ischemia and tissue damage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because circulatory overload, left ventricular overload, and electrolyte imbalance are not the primary causes of chest pain in myocardial infarction. Circulatory overload may lead to other symptoms like edema, left ventricular overload can result in heart failure symptoms, and electrolyte imbalance may present with various manifestations, but none of these directly cause the characteristic chest pain associated with an MI.

2. The nurse is reviewing a depressed client's history from an earlier admission. Documentation of anhedonia is noted. The nurse understands that this finding refers to:

• A. Reports of difficulty falling and staying asleep
• B. Expression of persistent suicidal thoughts
• C. Lack of enjoyment in usual pleasures
• D. Reduced senses of taste and smell

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lack of enjoyment in usual pleasures. Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities. Choice A, reports of difficulty falling and staying asleep, is more indicative of insomnia rather than anhedonia. Choice B, expression of persistent suicidal thoughts, is related to suicidal ideation and not anhedonia. Choice D, reduced senses of taste and smell, is more associated with disturbances in the sense of taste and smell, not anhedonia.

3. A client with asthma has low-pitched wheezes present on the final half of exhalation. One hour later the client has high-pitched wheezes extending throughout exhalation. This change in assessment indicates to the nurse that the client

• A. Has increased airway obstruction
• B. Has improved airway obstruction
• C. Needs to be suctioned
• D. Exhibits hyperventilation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Has increased airway obstruction.' High-pitched wheezes extending throughout exhalation indicate a worsening airway obstruction, leading to increased resistance in the airways. Low-pitched wheezes present on the final half of exhalation may suggest some level of obstruction, but the change to high-pitched wheezes throughout exhalation indicates a progression in the obstruction. Choice B is incorrect as the change in wheeze characteristics signifies deterioration rather than improvement. Choice C is incorrect as suctioning is not indicated based on the wheeze assessment findings. Choice D is incorrect as hyperventilation does not typically present with wheezes and is not supported by the information provided.

4. What is the primary goal of community health nursing?

• A. Promote health and prevent disease
• B. Provide care to the sick
• C. Conduct research
• D. Develop health policies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of community health nursing is to promote health and prevent disease. Community health nurses focus on preventive care, health promotion, and education to improve the overall health of the community. Providing care to the sick (Choice B) is part of nursing but not the primary goal of community health nursing. While research (Choice C) and developing health policies (Choice D) may be components of community health nursing, they are not the primary goal, which is centered around promoting health and preventing disease.

5. The multidisciplinary home health care team is discussing a female client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The home health care nurse reports the client is getting worse, and her husband is no longer able to care for her in the home. Which action should the home health nurse implement first?

• A. Request a chaplain to counsel the couple.
• B. Assign a home health care aide to provide daily care.
• C. Discuss placing the wife in a nursing home with the husband.
• D. Contact the client's children to discuss the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In situations where a client's condition worsens and the caregiver is no longer able to provide sufficient care, the first action to implement is to assign a home health care aide to provide daily care. This ensures that the client's immediate needs are met and that they receive proper care and support. Requesting a chaplain for counseling (Choice A) may be beneficial but is not the most urgent action. Discussing placing the wife in a nursing home (Choice C) should only be considered after assessing the client's needs and exploring all other options. Contacting the client's children (Choice D) can be helpful but does not address the immediate need for daily care that the client requires.

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