Nursing Elites

1. An adult client tells the clinic nurse that he is susceptible to middle ear infections. About which risk factor related to infection of the ears does the nurse question this client?

• A. Loud music
• B. Use of power tools
• C. Occupational noise
• D. Exposure to cigarette smoke

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Exposure to cigarette smoke.' Otitis media (middle ear infection) is associated with various factors like colds, allergies, sore throats, and blockage of the eustachian tubes. Risk factors include exposure to cigarette smoke, youth (as otitis media is usually a childhood disease), congenital abnormalities, immune deficiencies, family history of otitis media, recent upper respiratory infections, and allergies. Choices A, B, and C (Loud music, Use of power tools, and Occupational noise) are more likely to cause hearing loss rather than being direct risk factors for middle ear infections.

2. Nurses caring for clients who have cancer and are taking opioids need to assess for all of the following except:

• A. tolerance.
• B. constipation.
• C. sedation.
• D. addiction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'addiction.' When caring for clients with cancer who are taking opioids, nurses need to assess for tolerance, constipation, and sedation as these are common side effects of opioid use. Addiction is not a primary concern when managing pain in terminally ill clients, as the goal is effective pain management rather than addiction prevention. Tolerance refers to the body's adaptation to the opioid over time, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Constipation and sedation are common side effects of opioids that nurses need to monitor and manage. Addiction is not a major concern in this population as the focus is on providing comfort and pain relief.

3. A female client is seen in the clinic for a gynecological examination. The nurse begins collecting subjective data. Which topic does the nurse ask the client about first?

• A. Her sexual history
• B. Her menstrual history
• C. Her obstetrical history
• D. The presence of vaginal drainage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should begin by asking the client about her menstrual history as it is usually nonthreatening. This information can provide insights into the client's reproductive health and any irregularities. Menstrual history is a common starting point for gynecological assessments and can help in understanding the client's overall health status. Asking about sexual history may be more sensitive and personal, not always appropriate to start with. Obstetrical history pertains to pregnancies and may not be relevant if the client has not been pregnant. Inquiring about the presence of vaginal drainage is important but is usually addressed after gathering more general information about the client's health.

4. A 37-year-old female client asks the nurse about contraception options and expresses interest in oral contraception pills. Which of the following statements would indicate that oral contraception is appropriate for this client?

• A. "I quit smoking last year, but I started again recently. Maybe I'll try to quit later this year."?
• B. "I am very diligent in taking my thyroid medications at the same time every day."?
• C. "I was hospitalized for deep vein thrombosis five years ago."?
• D. "I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the statement mentioning a history of deep vein thrombosis five years ago. Oral contraceptives are generally not recommended for individuals with a history of deep vein thrombosis due to the increased risk of blood clots. Choice B, about being diligent in taking thyroid medications, does not directly relate to the safety of using oral contraceptives. Choice D, about a recent breast cancer diagnosis, would contraindicate the use of hormonal contraceptives. Choice A, mentioning a recent return to smoking, raises concerns about using hormonal contraceptives due to the increased risk of cardiovascular complications.

5. A nurse palpates a client’s radial pulse, noting the rate, rhythm, and force, and concludes that the client’s pulse is normal. Which notation would the nurse make in the client’s record to document the force of the client’s pulse?

• A. 4+
• B. 3+
• C. 2+
• D. 1+

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a pulse, the nurse should note the rhythm, amplitude, and symmetry of pulses and should compare peripheral pulses on the two sides for rate, rhythm, and quality. A 4-point scale may be used to assess the force (amplitude) of the pulse: 4+ for a bounding pulse, 3+ for an increased pulse, 2+ for a normal pulse, and 1+ for a weak pulse. In this case, the nurse would grade the client’s pulse as 2+ based on the description of a normal pulse. Therefore, the correct notation for the force of the client’s pulse is '2+' as it indicates a normal pulse. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they represent different levels of pulse force that do not align with the description given in the scenario.

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