Nursing Elites

1. A first-grade boy is sent to the school nurse after he fainted while playing tag during recess. When he arrives in the clinic he is alert and oriented and his vital signs include temperature of 97.8°F, pulse 96 bpm, respirations 15 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 80/56 mmHg. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. request transport of the child to his pediatrician's office
• B. call the child's parents and send him home for the day
• C. compare the child's body mass index to normal values
• D. measure the child's pulse and blood pressure every 15 minutes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the most important intervention for the nurse to implement is to measure the child's pulse and blood pressure every 15 minutes. The child experienced a syncopal episode (fainting) which could be due to various reasons, including dehydration or cardiac issues. Monitoring vital signs frequently will help detect any changes that may indicate underlying health issues. Requesting transport to the pediatrician's office or sending the child home without continuous monitoring may not provide immediate assessment and intervention. Comparing the child's body mass index to normal values is not relevant in addressing the immediate concern of monitoring vital signs after a syncopal episode.

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 public health nurse is developing a campaign to promote breast cancer screening. Which population should be the primary target of this campaign?

• A. women aged 20-30
• B. women aged 30-40
• C. women aged 40-50
• D. women aged 50-60

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is women aged 40-50. This age group is at an increased risk for breast cancer and should be the primary target for screening campaigns. Women in this age range are more likely to benefit from regular screening as early detection can lead to better outcomes. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because women aged 20-30 are generally not recommended for routine screening due to their lower risk, women aged 30-40 have a moderate risk but are not the primary target group, and women aged 50-60 should still be screened but targeting the 40-50 age group is more crucial for early detection and intervention.

4. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.
• B. Shortness of breath.
• C. Nausea and vomiting.
• D. Diaphoresis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a critical sign that can indicate heart failure or pulmonary edema, conditions that require immediate intervention in a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not necessitate immediate intervention compared to severe shortness of breath. Nausea and vomiting can be present in myocardial infarction but are not as urgent as shortness of breath. Diaphoresis, or sweating, is a common symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not be as immediately concerning as significant shortness of breath.

5. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client. Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider report before administering the medication?

• A. Apical pulse of 58 beats per minute.
• B. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L.
• C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg.
• D. Client reports seeing halos around lights.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Seeing halos around lights is a classic symptom of digoxin toxicity, known as visual disturbances. This finding indicates an adverse effect of digoxin and should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider. Monitoring for visual changes is crucial as it can progress to more severe toxicity, leading to life-threatening dysrhythmias or other complications. Apical pulse, serum potassium level, and blood pressure are important assessments when administering digoxin, but the presence of visual disturbances, such as seeing halos around lights, takes precedence due to its direct association with digoxin toxicity. Changes in these other parameters should also be noted and addressed, but they are not the priority when compared to a symptom directly linked to potential toxicity.

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