Nursing Elites

1. A patient presents with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) characterized by shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough. An appropriate nursing diagnosis would be:

• A. Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions.
• B. Ineffective airway clearance related to dry, hacking cough.
• C. Ineffective individual coping with COPD.
• D. Pain related to immobilization of affected leg.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of shortness of breath, orthopnea, thick, tenacious secretions, and a dry hacking cough all point towards a potential airway clearance issue. This makes option A, 'Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, tenacious secretions,' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. It directly addresses the thick secretions and suggests a potential cause of the breathing difficulty the patient is experiencing.

2. A healthcare professional is monitoring a group of clients for increased risk of developing pneumonia. Which of the following clients should the healthcare professional NOT expect to be at risk?

• A. Client who has dysphagia
• B. Client who has AIDS
• C. Client who was vaccinated for pneumococcus and influenza 6 months ago
• D. Client who has a closed head injury and is receiving ventilation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A client who was vaccinated for pneumococcus and influenza 6 months ago would have a reduced risk of developing pneumonia compared to those who have not been vaccinated. Vaccination helps protect individuals from specific pathogens, thereby lowering the risk of infection. Clients with dysphagia, AIDS, or a closed head injury and receiving ventilation are at higher risk for pneumonia due to compromised immunity, respiratory function, or protective airway reflexes, respectively.

3. A patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Which of the following would immediately alert the healthcare provider that the patient has bleeding from the GI tract?

• A. Complete blood count
• B. Guaiac test
• C. Vital signs
• D. Abdominal girth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A positive guaiac test is used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, suggesting bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rapid screening test that can provide immediate information to the healthcare provider about possible gastrointestinal bleeding in patients presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.

4. Which term is best described as a systematic, rational method of planning and providing nursing care for individuals, families, groups, and communities?

• A. Assessment
• B. Nursing Process
• C. Diagnosis
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nursing Process. The nursing process is a systematic, rational method that guides nurses in planning and delivering patient care. It involves a series of steps including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. By utilizing the nursing process, nurses can provide individualized care tailored to the specific needs of patients, families, groups, and communities. Choice A, Assessment, is a step within the nursing process but does not encompass the entire process itself. Choice C, Diagnosis, is another step within the nursing process and focuses on identifying the patient's health problems. Choice D, Implementation, is also a step in the nursing process where the care plan is put into action, but it does not solely describe the entire systematic and rational method of planning and providing nursing care.

5. A public health nurse is managing several projects for the community. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as a primary prevention strategy?

• A. Teaching parenting skills to expectant mothers and their partners.
• B. Conducting mental health screenings at the local community center
• C. Referring clients with obesity to community exercise programs
• D. Providing crisis intervention through a mobile counseling unit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is teaching parenting skills to expectant mothers and their partners. This intervention is a primary prevention strategy aimed at educating individuals before a problem or condition develops. By teaching parenting skills, the nurse is promoting healthy behaviors and relationships, which can prevent future issues. The other options involve secondary or tertiary prevention strategies by identifying and treating existing conditions or providing interventions after a problem has occurred.

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