Nursing Elites

1. A client was re-admitted to the hospital following a recent skull fracture. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?

• A. Lethargy
• B. Agitation
• C. Ataxia
• D. Hearing loss

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lethargy is a critical finding that requires the nurse's immediate attention when a client with a recent skull fracture is readmitted to the hospital. It can indicate increased intracranial pressure or other serious complications such as hemorrhage or infection. Addressing lethargy promptly is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Agitation, ataxia, and hearing loss are important to assess but do not signify the same level of urgency as lethargy in this context.

2. The nurse is planning care for a client with pneumococcal pneumonia. Which of the following would be most effective in removing respiratory secretions?

• A. Administration of cough suppressants
• B. Increasing oral fluid intake to 3000 cc per day
• C. Maintaining bed rest with bathroom privileges
• D. Performing chest physiotherapy twice a day

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increasing oral fluid intake to 3000 cc per day is the most effective in removing respiratory secretions in a client with pneumococcal pneumonia. Adequate hydration helps thin secretions, making them easier to expectorate. Administration of cough suppressants (Choice A) may hinder the removal of secretions by suppressing the cough reflex. Maintaining bed rest with bathroom privileges (Choice C) is important but does not directly address the removal of respiratory secretions. Performing chest physiotherapy (Choice D) is beneficial for mobilizing secretions but may not be as effective as increasing fluid intake in thinning and facilitating the removal of secretions.

3. With an alert of an internal disaster and the need for beds, the charge nurse is asked to list clients who are potential discharges within the next hour. Which client should the charge nurse select?

• A. An elderly client who has had type 2 diabetes for over 20 years, admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis 24 hours ago
• B. An adolescent admitted the prior night with Tylenol intoxication
• C. A middle-aged client with an internal automatic defibrillator and complaints of 'passing out at unknown times' admitted yesterday
• D. A school-age child diagnosed with suspected bacterial meningitis and was admitted at the change of shifts

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) that is being well-managed and has shown improvement within 24 hours is more stable and can be considered for discharge sooner than those with more acute or unstable conditions. Choice B is incorrect as Tylenol intoxication may require further monitoring and intervention. Choice C is incorrect as a client with an automatic defibrillator and episodes of passing out needs careful evaluation and monitoring. Choice D is incorrect as suspected bacterial meningitis is a serious condition that typically requires a longer hospital stay for treatment and observation.

4. When designing a community health project based on a report provided by the World Health Organization that describes healthcare problems in the United States, which healthcare issue should the nurse prioritize the highest when planning the project?

• A. Overuse of diagnostic technology.
• B. Government-based health insurance.
• C. The neonatal and infant mortality rates.
• D. Number of people without access to health care.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The neonatal and infant mortality rates should be given the highest priority when planning the project because they are critical indicators of the overall health and healthcare system's effectiveness. High neonatal and infant mortality rates signify underlying issues in prenatal care, access to healthcare services, and quality of care for newborns and infants. Choice A, overuse of diagnostic technology, though important, may not be as critical as addressing neonatal and infant mortality rates. Choice B, government-based health insurance, is significant but may not directly impact neonatal and infant mortality rates. Choice D, the number of people without access to healthcare, is a crucial issue, but addressing neonatal and infant mortality rates should take precedence due to their immediate impact on the health and well-being of the most vulnerable population.

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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