Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of seizures is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Gingival hyperplasia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gingival hyperplasia. Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, characterized by an overgrowth of gum tissue. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client for this side effect as it can lead to oral health issues. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Phenytoin does not typically cause hypertension, hyperglycemia, or hypokalemia as common side effects.

2. The school RN is assessing a group of middle school students for signs of scoliosis and discovers a female student with noticeable unequal symmetry of the upper and lower back. Which intervention is most important for the RN to implement?

• A. Send the student home
• B. Make a referral to have the scoliosis further evaluated.
• C. Withdraw the student from all physical activities
• D. Tell the student not to carry her backpack on her back

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Referring the student for further evaluation of scoliosis is crucial to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate management plan. Sending the student home (choice A) without proper assessment and intervention is not the best course of action. Withdrawing the student from all physical activities (choice C) is not necessary and may cause unnecessary distress. Instructing the student not to carry her backpack on her back (choice D) does not address the underlying issue of scoliosis and is not the most important intervention at this point.

3. Which intervention should the public health nurse implement to address one of the leading health indicators of Healthy People 2020?

• A. Lead a weekly water aerobics class for the elderly at a community center.
• B. Teach a class on cultural awareness to nursing students at the university.
• C. Design and implement a no smoking campaign at the local high school.
• D. Write a grant to help provide glucometers to individuals who cannot afford one.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Designing and implementing a no smoking campaign aligns with the objective of reducing tobacco use, which is one of the leading health indicators of Healthy People 2020. This intervention directly targets a significant public health concern. Leading a water aerobics class, teaching cultural awareness, or providing glucometers, while beneficial in other contexts, do not specifically address the leading health indicators outlined by Healthy People 2020.

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

• A. Encourage the employees to disclose if they have joined another smoking cessation group.
• B. Ask the employees to inform the group if they stop smoking and if they start back up again.
• C. Survey the employees about their smoking habits.
• D. Observe if the employees are smoking in the designated smoking areas.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Surveying the employees about their smoking habits provides measurable data on program effectiveness. By collecting data directly from the employees through surveys, the occupational nurse can track changes in smoking habits, frequency, and quantity of cigarettes smoked. This direct feedback allows for a more accurate assessment of the program's impact on smoking cessation. Choices A and B rely on self-disclosure and may not provide reliable or objective data. Choice D does not directly measure changes in smoking habits but rather observes behavior in designated areas, which may not reflect overall smoking cessation progress.

5. The school nurse is called to the playground for an episode of mouth trauma. The nurse finds that the front tooth of a 9-year-old child has been avulsed (knocked out). After recovering the tooth, the initial response should be to

• A. Rinse the tooth in water before placing it in the socket
• B. Place the tooth in a clean plastic bag for transport to the dentist
• C. Hold the tooth by the roots until reaching the emergency room
• D. Ask the child to replace the tooth even if the bleeding continues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct immediate action after recovering an avulsed tooth is to rinse it with water and place it back in the socket. This helps preserve the tooth and increases the chances of successful re-implantation. Placing the tooth in a clean plastic bag for transport to the dentist (choice B) is not ideal as immediate re-implantation is preferred. Holding the tooth by the roots until reaching the emergency room (choice C) can further damage the tooth. Asking the child to replace the tooth even if bleeding continues (choice D) is incorrect and may lead to improper re-implantation.

Similar Questions