Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of alcoholism is admitted with pancreatitis. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Nausea and vomiting.
• B. Epigastric pain radiating to the back.
• C. Temperature of 102°F (38.9°C).
• D. Mild jaundice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) is the most important assessment finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client with pancreatitis and a history of alcoholism. Fever in this context can indicate infection, which is a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. Nausea and vomiting (choice A) are common symptoms of pancreatitis but may not require immediate intervention unless severe. Epigastric pain radiating to the back (choice B) is a classic symptom of pancreatitis and should be addressed, but a fever takes precedence. Mild jaundice (choice D) may be present in pancreatitis but is not as urgent as a high temperature signaling possible infection.

2. An adolescent tells the school nurse that she is pregnant. Her last menstrual period was 4 months ago. She has not received any medical care. She smokes but denies any other substance use. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. notify her parents
• B. refer her for prenatal care
• C. teach breastfeeding methods
• D. offer nutritional instructions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to refer her for prenatal care. Prenatal care is essential to monitor the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. While notifying her parents may be important for support and involvement, the priority is ensuring the adolescent receives medical care. Teaching breastfeeding methods and offering nutritional instructions are important but are not the immediate priority in this situation where prenatal care is urgently needed.

3. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which laboratory result indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. International normalized ratio (INR) of 1.0.
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds.
• C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 60 seconds.
• D. International normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.5 indicates that warfarin therapy is within the therapeutic range for a client with atrial fibrillation. A lower INR (such as 1.0) would suggest subtherapeutic levels, risking blood clots. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) are not specific to monitoring warfarin therapy.

4. A public health nurse is planning an educational campaign to reduce the incidence of hypertension in the community. Which group should be the primary target of this campaign?

• A. adolescents
• B. young adults
• C. middle-aged adults
• D. older adults

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, middle-aged adults. Middle-aged adults are at a higher risk for developing hypertension due to lifestyle factors and aging. Targeting this group for preventive measures such as dietary changes, exercise, and stress management can have a significant impact on reducing the incidence of hypertension. Choices A, B, and D are less appropriate targets as adolescents generally have lower rates of hypertension, young adults are less likely to be affected by hypertension at this stage, and older adults may already have established hypertension or comorbidities that could make prevention more challenging.

5. A female adult walks into a local community health clinic and tells the nurse that she is homeless and cannot seem to find help. Which statement indicates to the nurse that a client is feeling separated from society and helpless?

• A. "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared."
• B. "I feel like I cannot get enough food to live any longer."
• C. "I know that I will always be poor so what's the use of trying?"
• D. "People like me are never respected, no matter how well we do."

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because the statement reflects a sense of isolation and helplessness, indicating a profound emotional and social disconnect. The client expresses feeling separated from others and scared, highlighting a deep emotional distress. Choices B, C, and D touch on different issues such as food insecurity, hopelessness about poverty, and lack of respect, but they do not specifically address the feelings of isolation and helplessness mentioned in the client's statement.

Similar Questions