Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider at an urgent care clinic is assessing an adolescent client who has an upper respiratory tract infection. Which of the following findings should the provider recognize as a manifestation of pertussis?

• A. Inflamed throat with exudate
• B. Purulent eye drainage
• C. Dry, hacking cough
• D. Koplik spots on buccal mucosa

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Dry, hacking cough.' A dry, hacking cough is a classic manifestation of pertussis. Pertussis typically presents with symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection, starting with a persistent, severe, and uncontrollable cough that can worsen at night. This cough is often followed by a high-pitched 'whoop' sound as the patient tries to catch their breath, hence the term 'whooping cough.' In contrast, options A, B, and D are not typically associated with pertussis. Inflamed throat with exudate may suggest a bacterial throat infection like streptococcal pharyngitis, purulent eye drainage is more indicative of a bacterial conjunctivitis, and Koplik spots on the buccal mucosa are specific to measles. Therefore, recognizing the dry, hacking cough as a manifestation of pertussis is crucial for early identification and appropriate management of the disease.

2. A patient with Parkinson’s disease who takes levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) comes to the clinic for a semi-annual physical examination. Which question is the most important for that nurse to ask?

• A. Have you noticed any swelling in your feet?
• B. Are you having vivid dreams or hallucination?
• C. Have you noticed any changes in your stool?
• D. Have you had your flu vaccine?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients taking levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) are at increased risk for the psychiatric side effects of levodopa, including visual hallucinations, vivid dreams, nightmares, and paranoid ideation. The other questions are not directly related to problems that are likely to occur with this drug.

3. During a home care visit for an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux, which parental action observed requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. The infant's formula is mixed with rice cereal.
• B. The mother positions the infant in a high Fowler position while feeding.
• C. After feeding, the infant is placed in a car seat.
• D. The mother administers ranitidine (Zantac) to the infant using a syringe.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing an infant diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux in a car seat after feeding can increase the risk of reflux and aspiration. The semi-upright or high Fowler position is recommended to help reduce reflux symptoms during feeding. Adding rice cereal to formula can help thicken it and reduce reflux episodes. Administering ranitidine using a syringe is a common method of oral medication administration. Therefore, the action of placing the infant in a car seat after feeding is the one that requires intervention due to the increased risk it poses.

4. The therapist engages a teen in a game of cards to improve his hand skills for schoolwork. Which statement best reflects this session?

• A. Playfulness as an approach
• B. Play as an occupation
• C. Play as a tool
• D. Play as a reward

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Play as a tool.' In this session, the therapist is using play as a tool to integrate therapeutic goals into a playful activity, which helps engage the teen and improve specific skills, in this case, hand skills for schoolwork.

5. The nurse is reviewing the prescriber’s orders and notes that omeprazole has been order for a patient admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The nurse should be concerned if this medication is combined with which medication noted on the patient’s record.

• A. Aspirin 81mg daily
• B. Clopidogrel (Plavix) 75mg daily
• C. Heparin 5000 units subQ q12hrs
• D. Metoprolol 50mg q8hrs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For patients who lack risk factors for GI bleeding, combined use of clopidogrel with a PPI, may reduce the effects of clopidogrel without offering any real benefits and thus should be avoided.

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