Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with cirrhosis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Jaundice.
• B. Ascites.
• C. Peripheral edema.
• D. Spider angiomas.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Peripheral edema in a client with cirrhosis can indicate fluid overload and worsening liver function, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent further complications such as respiratory distress, cardiac issues, or renal impairment. Jaundice (choice A) is a common manifestation of cirrhosis but may not require immediate intervention unless severe. Ascites (choice B) is also a common complication of cirrhosis that may require intervention but is not as urgent as addressing peripheral edema. Spider angiomas (choice D) are typically benign skin lesions associated with cirrhosis but do not require immediate intervention unless bleeding or rupture occurs.

2. A female client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being treated at home and is currently receiving oxygen at 2 liters via nasal cannula. The spouse, who is the caregiver, reports that the client requires assistance when ambulating short distances, including going to the bathroom. Which suggestion should the health care nurse provide to the caregiver?

• A. disconnect oxygen when ambulating to the bathroom
• B. administer a breathing treatment prior to ambulation
• C. suggest obtaining a bedside commode for toileting
• D. ask for additional assistance to reduce the risk of falls

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a client with COPD requiring assistance for short-distance ambulation, suggesting a bedside commode for toileting is the most appropriate intervention. This recommendation helps reduce the need for the client to walk long distances, thereby minimizing the risk of exertion and potential falls. Disconnecting oxygen during ambulation (Choice A) is not safe for a client with COPD, as oxygen therapy should be continuous. Administering a breathing treatment before ambulation (Choice B) may not directly address the client's need for assistance with toileting. Asking for additional assistance (Choice D) can be beneficial but providing a bedside commode specifically addresses the current issue of ambulating short distances for toileting.

3. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client. Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider report before administering the medication?

• A. Apical pulse of 58 beats per minute.
• B. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L.
• C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg.
• D. Client reports seeing halos around lights.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Seeing halos around lights is a classic symptom of digoxin toxicity, known as visual disturbances. This finding indicates an adverse effect of digoxin and should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider. Monitoring for visual changes is crucial as it can progress to more severe toxicity, leading to life-threatening dysrhythmias or other complications. Apical pulse, serum potassium level, and blood pressure are important assessments when administering digoxin, but the presence of visual disturbances, such as seeing halos around lights, takes precedence due to its direct association with digoxin toxicity. Changes in these other parameters should also be noted and addressed, but they are not the priority when compared to a symptom directly linked to potential toxicity.

4. A community health nurse is planning an intervention to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the community. Which strategy is most effective?

• A. Hosting cooking classes on preparing healthy meals
• B. Offering free blood glucose screenings
• C. Distributing pamphlets on diabetes prevention
• D. Organizing a community walking program

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most effective strategy to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes in the community is hosting cooking classes on preparing healthy meals. This intervention provides practical skills and education that can directly impact dietary habits, leading to a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Offering free blood glucose screenings (Choice B) may help in early detection but does not address prevention. Distributing pamphlets on diabetes prevention (Choice C) provides information but lacks the interactive and hands-on approach of cooking classes. Organizing a community walking program (Choice D) promotes physical activity, which is beneficial, but dietary changes have a more significant impact on preventing type 2 diabetes.

5. While screening all children in the third grade for head lice, the school nurse observes that one girl has a brownish thickening on her neck. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

• A. review the child's medical folder for a list of allergies
• B. instruct the child's parents to begin treatment
• C. advise the child's parents to obtain a medical evaluation of the child
• D. none of the above

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to advise the child's parents to obtain a medical evaluation of the child. This is important because a medical professional needs to properly diagnose and treat the brownish thickening observed on the child's neck. Reviewing the child's medical folder for allergies (Choice A) is not appropriate in this situation as it does not address the specific concern. Instructing the child's parents to begin treatment (Choice B) without a proper diagnosis can be harmful and ineffective. Choosing 'none of the above' (Choice D) is not the best option when a potential health issue is identified; seeking a medical evaluation is the most appropriate course of action.

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