Nursing Elites

1. A home health nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for several clients with heart failure. Which client finding would the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?

• A. Total cholesterol 190
• B. Glycosylated hemoglobin of 7%
• C. B-type natriuretic peptide 550 pg/ml (more than 100 is concerning)
• D. Potassium 3.7

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated B-type natriuretic peptide level indicates worsening heart failure, requiring immediate attention. This biomarker reflects the severity of heart failure and helps guide treatment decisions. Total cholesterol and glycosylated hemoglobin are important for assessing cardiovascular risk and diabetes management but are not indicative of acute heart failure exacerbation. A potassium level of 3.7 falls within the normal range and does not suggest an immediate concern in the context of heart failure.

2. A nurse is developing a community health education program focused on preventing childhood obesity. Which intervention should be prioritized?

• A. Creating a school-based exercise program
• B. Distributing educational pamphlets on healthy eating
• C. Organizing a community health fair
• D. Partnering with local restaurants to offer healthy meal options

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Creating a school-based exercise program. This intervention directly addresses the need to increase physical activity among children, a crucial aspect in preventing childhood obesity. While distributing educational pamphlets on healthy eating (choice B) can be beneficial, promoting physical activity through a structured program is more effective in combating obesity. Organizing a community health fair (choice C) may raise awareness but may not lead to sustained behavior change like a structured exercise program. Partnering with local restaurants to offer healthy meal options (choice D) addresses nutrition but does not directly impact physical activity levels, which are essential in obesity prevention.

3. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with a blood pressure of 200/120 mm Hg. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Metoprolol (Lopressor).
• B. Furosemide (Lasix).
• C. Lisinopril (Zestril).
• D. Nitroprusside (Nipride).

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Nitroprusside (Nipride). In this scenario of severe hypertension (200/120 mm Hg), a hypertensive emergency is present, requiring rapid reduction of blood pressure. Nitroprusside is a vasodilator that acts quickly to lower blood pressure in such emergencies. Options A, B, and C are incorrect: A) Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure but is not indicated for hypertensive emergencies requiring rapid reduction. B) Furosemide is a diuretic that helps with fluid retention but does not rapidly lower blood pressure. C) Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor used for long-term management of hypertension, not for immediate reduction in hypertensive emergencies.

4. During a 2-week postoperative follow-up home visit, a female client who had gastric bypass surgery exhibits abdominal tenderness, shoulder pain, and describes feelings of malaise. Her vital signs are: T 101.8, BP 100/50, HR 104, and RR 18. Which action should the RN take?

• A. have the client transported via ambulance to the hospital
• B. recheck the client's vital signs in 30 minutes
• C. instruct the client to drive to the hospital for admission
• D. assess the client's current symptoms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client is presenting with signs of a potential postoperative complication, such as fever, low blood pressure, and tachycardia, which could indicate sepsis or another serious issue. These symptoms require immediate hospital evaluation and management. Option B of rechecking vital signs in 30 minutes could delay crucial intervention in a potentially life-threatening situation. Option C is unsafe as the client should not drive herself due to her condition. Option D is vague and does not address the urgency of the situation.

5. 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.

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