Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 180/110 mm Hg. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Atenolol (Tenormin)
• B. Nifedipine (Procardia)
• C. Hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide)
• D. Clonidine (Catapres)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario of severe hypertension (180/110 mm Hg), the nurse should prepare to administer Clonidine (Catapres), which is an antihypertensive medication commonly used to rapidly lower blood pressure in acute situations. Atenolol and Nifedipine are also antihypertensive medications, but Clonidine is more appropriate for immediate blood pressure reduction in this critical situation. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic often used for long-term management of hypertension, not for rapid lowering of severely elevated blood pressure.

2. An older adult client visits the community health clinic and reports the onset of pain, redness, and swelling of the right eye. Which question is most important for the clinic nurse to ask the client?

• A. Do you have any discharge from the eye?
• B. Have you started any new prescriptions?
• C. Are all of your immunizations current?
• D. How often do you wash your hands?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important question for the nurse to ask the client is whether they have started any new prescriptions. New medications can have side effects that include eye issues, so it is crucial to determine if there is a potential link. Asking about discharge from the eye (Choice A) may be relevant but does not address the possibility of medication side effects. Inquiring about immunizations (Choice C) and handwashing frequency (Choice D) is important for overall health but is less directly related to the eye symptoms described by the client.

3. A client who is receiving intravenous heparin therapy has an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 90 seconds. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Continue the heparin infusion as prescribed.
• B. Decrease the heparin infusion rate.
• C. Increase the heparin infusion rate.
• D. Stop the heparin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An aPTT of 90 seconds is significantly elevated, indicating a high risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. In this case, the heparin infusion should be stopped immediately to prevent further anticoagulation and an increased bleeding risk. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential to discuss alternative anticoagulation strategies or interventions. Continuing heparin therapy without action could lead to severe bleeding complications. Decreasing or increasing the heparin infusion rate would exacerbate the risk of bleeding, making options A, B, and C incorrect.

4. A public health nurse is planning a campaign to increase immunization rates among children in a low-income community. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Provide free immunizations at local schools
• B. Create educational materials about vaccine safety
• C. Organize a community forum to discuss immunization concerns
• D. Partner with local media to promote the importance of vaccines

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide free immunizations at local schools. This intervention directly addresses financial barriers and increases accessibility for families in low-income communities. By offering free immunizations at local schools, the nurse can ensure that more children receive the necessary vaccines without worrying about the cost. Choice B, creating educational materials, may be helpful but may not directly address the financial barriers that low-income families face. Choice C, organizing a community forum, can be beneficial for addressing concerns but may not result in immediate action to increase immunization rates. Choice D, partnering with local media, can help raise awareness but may not directly provide the solution of making immunizations more accessible by removing financial barriers.

5. The public health nurse is creating a plan to increase state funding for a local health clinic. Which strategy is likely to be most effective in obtaining funding for the clinic?

• A. Run the health clinic economically and promote the services the clinic provides.
• B. Organize concerned citizens to write letters and call state representatives.
• C. Highlight to the media the valuable services offered by the community clinic.
• D. Hire a professional lobbyist to convince Congress of the local clinic's value.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Organizing concerned citizens to contact state representatives is likely the most effective strategy to secure state funding for the local health clinic. By mobilizing a group of citizens who are directly impacted by the clinic's services, the public health nurse can create a strong advocacy group that can influence decision-makers. Option A, running the health clinic economically and promoting its services, may be necessary but does not directly address the funding aspect. Option C, highlighting services to the media, may raise awareness but does not guarantee funding. Option D, hiring a professional lobbyist, may be costly and may not have the same grassroots impact as organizing citizens.

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