Nursing Elites

1. A home health nurse knows that a 70-year-old male client who is convalescing at home following a hip replacement is at risk for developing decubitus ulcers. Which physical characteristic of aging contributes to such a risk?

• A. 16% increase in overall body fat.
• B. Reduced melanin production.
• C. Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.
• D. Calcium loss in the bones.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity is the physical characteristic of aging that contributes to an increased risk of developing decubitus ulcers. As individuals age, the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage from pressure, leading to the formation of pressure ulcers. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly contribute to the development of decubitus ulcers in this context.

2. Which of the following is an example of a social determinant of health?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Genetic mutations
• C. Housing conditions
• D. Age

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Housing conditions. Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Housing conditions directly impact health outcomes as they can affect exposure to toxins, safety, and overall well-being. Choice A, blood pressure, is a physiological measure and not a social determinant. Choice B, genetic mutations, relates to an individual's genetic makeup and is not influenced by social factors. Choice D, age, is a demographic factor and not a social determinant of health.

3. During the care of a client with Legionnaire's disease, which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?

• A. Pleuritic pain on inspiration
• B. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth
• C. A decrease in respiratory rate from 34 to 24
• D. Decrease in chest wall expansion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A decrease in chest wall expansion suggests that the client may be experiencing a serious complication, such as worsening pneumonia or respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical attention. This finding indicates a potential decrease in lung function, which could lead to respiratory distress. Pleuritic pain on inspiration may be related to the disease process but does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth may require attention but are not as critical as a decrease in chest wall expansion. A decrease in respiratory rate could be concerning but is not as urgent as a decrease in chest wall expansion, which directly impacts respiratory function.

4. During an initial clinic visit, the nurse is taking the history for a client who wants to confirm her pregnancy. The client's last child has a history of low-birth-weight (LBW). Which additional finding is most important for the nurse to consider?

• A. Cigarette smoking.
• B. African American ethnicity.
• C. Poor nutritional status.
• D. Limited maternal education.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cigarette smoking. Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for low birth weight. Smoking during pregnancy reduces the amount of oxygen available to the baby, leading to LBW. Choice B, African American ethnicity, while it may be a risk factor, is not as directly linked to LBW as cigarette smoking. Choice C, poor nutritional status, can contribute to LBW but is not as significant as cigarette smoking in this case. Choice D, limited maternal education, is an important social determinant of health but is not as directly related to LBW as cigarette smoking.

5. The RN at a migrant health center notes an increased incidence of dermatitis in seasonal farm workers at a local fruit farm. In response to this finding, what is the most important information for the RN to obtain as part of the community assessment?

• A. Availability of clean fresh water to wash hands after work.
• B. Proper housing
• C. Access to health care services
• D. Access to transportation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Availability of clean fresh water to wash hands after work. Proper hand hygiene, including washing hands with clean water, is crucial in preventing dermatitis, especially in farm workers who are exposed to potential irritants in their work environment. While proper housing (choice B), access to health care services (choice C), and access to transportation (choice D) are important factors in overall community health, they are not directly linked to preventing dermatitis in this scenario.

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