Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A parent is receiving discharge teaching following their infant's hypospadias repair. Which instruction should the parent follow?

• A. Apply a warm compress to the infant's surgical site twice daily.
• B. Avoid giving the infant a tub bath for 1 week.
• C. Apply an antibiotic ointment to the infant's penis daily.
• D. Clamp the infant's catheter for 30 minutes every 4 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After hypospadias repair, it is essential to avoid giving the infant a tub bath for 1 week to prevent infection and promote proper healing. Submerging the surgical site in water too soon can increase the risk of infection and compromise the healing process.

3. 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.

4. The healthcare provider discussed strategies with a parent to prevent a recurrence of urinary tract infection in the child. Which statement made by the parent indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. My daughter should wash and wipe the perineal area from front to back.
• B. I am only going to have my daughter wear cotton underwear.
• C. It is acceptable to take frequent bubble baths.
• D. She needs to drink lots of fluids and void frequently.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement 'It is acceptable to take frequent bubble baths' indicates a need for further teaching. Oils in bubble bath and similar products can irritate the urethra, potentially leading to recurrent urinary tract infections. The other choices are correct: wiping from front to back helps prevent the spread of bacteria, wearing cotton underwear promotes breathability and reduces moisture, and drinking fluids and voiding frequently help flush out bacteria.

5. A healthcare provider is planning care for a child with hyperkalemia. Which manifestation associated with the documented hyperkalemia requires immediate intervention by the healthcare provider?

• A. Hyperthermia
• B. Respiratory distress
• C. Seizures
• D. Cardiac arrhythmias

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In hyperkalemia, cardiac arrhythmias are the most critical and life-threatening manifestation that requires immediate intervention. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, potentially resulting in cardiac arrest. Prompt treatment is essential to stabilize the heart rhythm and prevent life-threatening complications. Hyperthermia, respiratory distress, and seizures are not typically associated with hyperkalemia and should be addressed, but cardiac arrhythmias pose the most urgent risk to the patient's life.

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