Nursing Elites

1. An elderly client with limited mobility reports feeling isolated and lonely. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Arrange for regular visits from a home health aide
• B. Suggest the client join a local senior center
• C. Refer the client to a support group for seniors
• D. Recommend that the client engage in a new hobby

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suggest the client join a local senior center. Joining a local senior center provides the elderly client with opportunities for social interaction, engagement in activities, and access to support systems, which can significantly help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Regular visits from a home health aide (Choice A) may provide physical assistance but may not address the client's need for social connection. Referring the client to a support group for seniors (Choice C) is beneficial, but joining a senior center offers a wider range of activities and social opportunities. Recommending a new hobby (Choice D) may be helpful, but the priority should be addressing the client's immediate need for social interaction and support.

2. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will need to monitor my blood sugar levels daily.
• B. I will follow a diet low in carbohydrates.
• C. I will rotate the injection sites for my insulin.
• D. I will exercise regularly to help manage my diabetes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The statement 'I will follow a diet low in carbohydrates' indicates a need for further teaching. In diabetes mellitus, it is essential to follow a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Carbohydrates are a major source of energy and should be included in moderation to help manage blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood sugar levels daily (A), rotating injection sites for insulin (C), and exercising regularly (D) are all appropriate self-management strategies for individuals with diabetes mellitus.

3. A male client who had abdominal surgery has a nasogastric tube for suction, oxygen via nasal cannula, and complains of dry mouth. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Apply a petroleum-based lubricant to the lips.
• B. Give sips of water.
• C. Provide ice chips.
• D. Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the lips, oral mucosa, and nares.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action is to apply a water-soluble lubricant to the lips, oral mucosa, and nares. This helps in keeping the mucous membranes moist, which is essential for a client with a dry mouth due to the nasogastric tube and oxygen therapy. Choice A, applying a petroleum-based lubricant to the lips, is not suitable as it may not be safe for internal use. Choice B, giving sips of water, is contraindicated as the client has a nasogastric tube in place for suction. Choice C, providing ice chips, is also not recommended as the client needs proper lubrication to address dryness, not cold stimulation.

4. The nurse is providing care for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
• B. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L.
• C. Serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg.
• D. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L. In SIADH, there is excess release of antidiuretic hormone leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates severe hyponatremia, which can result in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and coma. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to prevent further complications. Choice A, a serum sodium of 140 mEq/L, is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention. Choice B, serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L, is also within the normal range and is not directly related to SIADH. Choice C, serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg, is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood and may not be the most critical parameter to address in a client with SIADH and severe hyponatremia.

5. A client is suspected of being poisoned and presents with symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth. The nurse should consider these findings consistent with which potential bioterrorism agent?

• A. ricin
• B. botulism toxin
• C. sulfur mustard
• D. yersinia pestis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: botulism toxin. The symptoms described, including symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth, are classic manifestations of botulism, which is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Choice A, ricin, typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and organ failure. Choice C, sulfur mustard, causes blistering skin and respiratory issues. Choice D, yersinia pestis, is associated with the plague and presents with fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.

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