Nursing Elites

1. A client with chronic congestive heart failure should be instructed to contact the home health nurse if which finding occurs?

• A. Weight gain of 2 pounds or more in a 48-hour period
• B. Urinating 4 to 5 times a day
• C. A significant decrease in appetite
• D. Appearance of non-pitting ankle edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A rapid weight gain of 2 pounds or more in a 48-hour period may indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring prompt medical evaluation and intervention. This finding is crucial in managing chronic congestive heart failure as it signifies a potential exacerbation of the condition. Choices B, C, and D are less concerning in this context. Urinating 4 to 5 times a day is within the normal range for most individuals and may not be directly related to heart failure. A significant decrease in appetite may be due to various factors and might not be an immediate cause for concern in heart failure patients. The appearance of non-pitting ankle edema, although related to heart failure, is a more chronic and less urgent symptom when compared to a rapid weight gain, which requires immediate attention.

2. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?

• A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
• B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
• C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
• D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.

3. A community health RN believes that immunization rates in a lower socioeconomic section of the city are probably below the target set by the state health department. What action should the RN take FIRST to intervene with this health problem?

• A. Take a health history of the members of the community
• B. Initiate an immunization program for the community
• C. Review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate
• D. Refer all clients to the local health department

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the community health RN to take in this situation is to review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate. By doing so, the RN can gather evidence to support further intervention strategies. Option A is incorrect because taking a health history would not provide immediate data on immunization rates in the community. Option B is incorrect as initiating an immunization program without confirming the actual immunization rates may not address the specific needs of the community. Option D is incorrect as a blanket referral without assessing the situation may not be the most effective first step.

4. What does the nurse perform to determine the family nursing problems/needs?

• A. goal setting
• B. family health care plan formulation
• C. assessment
• D. evaluation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: assessment. Assessment is the initial step in identifying family nursing problems/needs. During assessment, the nurse collects data to understand the family's health status, strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for intervention. This process helps in developing an accurate picture of the family's situation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because goal setting, family health care plan formulation, and evaluation come after the assessment phase. Goal setting occurs once the issues are identified, the family health care plan is developed based on assessment findings, and evaluation is the final step to assess the effectiveness of the interventions implemented.

5. In order to be effective as an occupational health nurse, you should be equipped with knowledge and skills in which of the following:

• A. public health science
• B. research process
• C. interviewing and counseling
• D. oral and written communication

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To be effective as an occupational health nurse, having knowledge and skills in public health science, the research process, interviewing and counseling, and oral and written communication are all important. However, communication skills, both oral and written, are crucial for conveying information, educating employees, documenting findings, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. While public health science, research process, interviewing, and counseling are essential, oral and written communication is fundamental for effective communication and coordination in the workplace, making it the most critical skill for an occupational health nurse.

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