Nursing Elites

1. During a home health visit, the nurse notices that an older male client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is wearing loose cloth slippers. The client reports that he cannot comfortably wear other shoes because his toenails get in the way. The nurse inspects the client's feet and finds long thick nails that curl down under some of the toes. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. demonstrate proper foot care to the client and family
• B. have a home health aide assist the client with hygiene weekly
• C. schedule an appointment for the client with a podiatrist
• D. trim the client's toenails gradually over several visits

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Scheduling an appointment with a podiatrist is the most appropriate action in this scenario. For a client with long thick nails that curl under the toes, professional foot care by a podiatrist is necessary to prevent complications, especially in a client with diabetes mellitus. Demonstrating proper foot care (choice A) may not address the immediate need for nail trimming. Having a home health aide assist with hygiene weekly (choice B) may not be sufficient for managing the client's toenail issue effectively. Trimming the client's toenails gradually over several visits (choice D) should be performed by a professional like a podiatrist to avoid potential complications.

2. A client with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Amylase of 120 U/L.
• B. Lipase of 150 U/L.
• C. Calcium of 8.5 mg/dL.
• D. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL.' In a client with acute pancreatitis, elevated blood glucose levels can indicate poor control of diabetes or stress response from the acute illness. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent complications like worsening pancreatitis, infections, or other metabolic issues. Choices A and B, 'Amylase of 120 U/L' and 'Lipase of 150 U/L,' are commonly elevated in pancreatitis but do not require immediate intervention unless significantly elevated. Choice C, 'Calcium of 8.5 mg/dL,' is within the normal range and not a priority in this scenario.

3. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is admitted with unilateral leg swelling. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Elevate the affected leg on a pillow.
• B. Apply a warm compress to the affected leg.
• C. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises on the affected leg.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and unilateral leg swelling is to elevate the affected leg on a pillow. Elevating the affected leg helps reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return and preventing stasis of blood flow. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) may increase inflammation and worsen the condition. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises (Choice C) and encouraging ambulation (Choice D) can dislodge a clot and lead to potential embolism, making these choices contraindicated in a client with DVT.

4. While assessing a client receiving a blood transfusion, which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C).
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
• C. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
• D. Complaints of feeling cold.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 90 beats per minute requires immediate intervention when assessing a client receiving a blood transfusion. This finding can indicate a potential transfusion reaction, such as a hemolytic reaction or fluid overload, which requires prompt evaluation and management to prevent serious complications. While a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) may indicate a mild fever, it is not typically an immediate concern during a blood transfusion. A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not necessitate immediate intervention. Complaints of feeling cold can be addressed but do not indicate an urgent need for intervention compared to the critical nature of a potential transfusion reaction indicated by an elevated heart rate.

5. The school nurse is developing an individualized healthcare plan for a student with type 1 diabetes. Which component is most important to include in the plan?

• A. a schedule for blood glucose monitoring
• B. a list of low-carbohydrate snacks
• C. a contact list of healthcare providers
• D. a log for recording insulin administration

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: a schedule for blood glucose monitoring. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential in managing type 1 diabetes as it helps in monitoring blood sugar levels, adjusting treatment plans, and preventing complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Choice B, a list of low-carbohydrate snacks, while important for managing blood sugar levels, is not as critical as consistent blood glucose monitoring. Choice C, a contact list of healthcare providers, though important for emergency situations, is not the most crucial component in managing daily care. Choice D, a log for recording insulin administration, is valuable for tracking insulin doses but does not directly address the immediate need for monitoring blood glucose levels.

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