Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of heart failure is admitted with severe dyspnea. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Blood glucose of 150 mg/dL.
• B. Serum potassium of 3.5 mEq/L.
• C. Serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL.
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 20 mg/dL.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range. However, in a client with heart failure and severe dyspnea, fluid retention is a significant concern. An elevated serum creatinine level may indicate impaired kidney function, which can worsen fluid overload. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and not indicative of immediate intervention in this scenario.

2. A public health nurse is assessing a community's readiness for a new smoking cessation program. Which factor is most important to evaluate?

• A. the community's smoking rates
• B. the availability of smoking cessation resources
• C. the community's attitude towards smoking
• D. the local healthcare providers' support for the program

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most critical factor to evaluate when assessing a community's readiness for a smoking cessation program is the community's attitude towards smoking. Understanding the community's perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors related to smoking is crucial as it helps determine the level of receptiveness and potential success of the program. Assessing smoking rates (Choice A) could provide valuable epidemiological data but may not reflect the community's readiness for change. While the availability of smoking cessation resources (Choice B) is important, without considering the community's attitude, the program's effectiveness may be limited. Local healthcare providers' support (Choice D) is valuable but secondary to the community's attitude, which directly influences the program's acceptance and impact.

3. Several employees who have a 10-year or longer smoking history ask for assistance with smoking cessation. A nurse develops a 2-month program that includes weekly group sessions on lifestyle changes and use of over-the-counter nicotine substitute products. Which measurement provides the best indication of the program's effectiveness?

• A. survey employees to determine how many are smoking 2 months after the end of the program
• B. test the employees' knowledge of OTC nicotine substitute products at the end of the program
• C. ask employees to inform the group if they stop smoking and if they start smoking again
• D. design a questionnaire that identifies lifestyle changes contributing to smoking cessation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Surveying employees to determine how many are smoking 2 months after the end of the program provides a direct assessment of the program's effectiveness. This measurement evaluates the actual behavior change related to smoking cessation. Choice B, testing knowledge of OTC nicotine substitute products, does not directly measure smoking cessation outcomes. Choice C relies on self-reporting, which may not be accurate or reliable. Choice D focuses on identifying lifestyle changes but does not directly assess the program's impact on smoking cessation.

4. The nurse is preparing to administer an oral medication to a client with dysphagia. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Crush the medication and mix it with applesauce.
• B. Have the client drink a full glass of water with the medication.
• C. Administer the medication with a small amount of pudding.
• D. Place the medication at the back of the client's tongue.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering oral medication to a client with dysphagia is to administer the medication with a small amount of pudding. This method helps prevent aspiration in clients with dysphagia by ensuring easier swallowing. Crushing the medication and mixing it with applesauce (Choice A) might alter the medication's efficacy. Having the client drink a full glass of water with the medication (Choice B) may not be suitable for a client with dysphagia as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Placing the medication at the back of the client's tongue (Choice D) can also lead to aspiration and is not recommended.

5. The public health nurse is called to investigate a report of several cases of chickenpox at a daycare center. The daycare worker states that five children have been sent home over the past two weeks with fever and itchy blisters. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Validate that the children sent home did develop chickenpox
• B. Report the presence of a viral endemic at the daycare center
• C. Confirm the number of children with symptoms
• D. Determine how many people have been exposed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Validating that the children sent home did develop chickenpox is the most crucial initial step for the nurse. This intervention ensures that the appropriate public health measures are implemented for the containment of chickenpox. Reporting a viral endemic or confirming the number of children with symptoms may be important but are secondary to confirming the diagnosis. Determining the number of people exposed comes after confirming the diagnosis to assess the extent of the outbreak and implement necessary control measures.

Similar Questions