Nursing Elites

1. During the beginning shift assessment of a client with asthma who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute, the nurse would be most concerned about which unreported finding?

• A. Pulse oximetry reading of 89%
• B. Crackles at the base of the lungs on auscultation
• C. Rapid shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes
• D. Excessive thirst with a dry cracked tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rapid, shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes are concerning as they indicate a potential worsening of the client's asthma. This finding suggests airway narrowing, which can lead to respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is required to address this respiratory distress. A pulse oximetry reading of 89% is low and indicates hypoxemia, but the respiratory pattern described in option C takes priority as it directly reflects the client's respiratory status. Crackles at the base of the lungs suggest fluid accumulation, which is important but not as immediately critical as the respiratory distress in asthma. Excessive thirst and a dry cracked tongue may indicate dehydration, which is relevant but not as urgent as the respiratory compromise presented in option C.

2. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases in a community?

• A. Regular health check-ups
• B. Isolation of infected individuals
• C. Immunization programs
• D. Public health education

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Immunization programs are the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Vaccinations help build immunity against specific diseases, reducing the likelihood of an outbreak. Regular health check-ups (Choice A) are important for individual health but do not directly prevent the spread of diseases on a community level. Isolation of infected individuals (Choice B) is a containment measure rather than prevention for the entire community. Public health education (Choice D) is valuable in raising awareness but may not be as effective as immunization programs in directly preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

3. A community health nurse is conducting a neighborhood discussion group about disaster planning. What information regarding transmission of anthrax should the nurse provide to the group?

• A. Infection is acquired when anthrax spores enter a host.
• B. Mature anthrax bacteria live dormant on inanimate objects.
• C. Spores cannot survive for extended periods outside a living host.
• D. Anthrax is transmitted by respiratory droplets from person to person.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct information the nurse should provide is that anthrax infection occurs when spores enter a host. Choice B is incorrect as mature anthrax bacteria do not live dormant on inanimate objects. Choice C is incorrect as anthrax spores can survive for extended periods outside a living host. Choice D is incorrect as anthrax is not transmitted by respiratory droplets from person to person.

4. The nurse has just admitted a client with severe depression. From which focus should the nurse identify a priority nursing diagnosis?

• A. Nutrition
• B. Elimination
• C. Activity
• D. Safety

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In severe depression, the priority nursing diagnosis is safety. Individuals with severe depression are at risk of self-harm or suicide. Ensuring the client's safety by implementing measures to prevent harm to themselves or others is crucial. While nutrition, elimination, and activity are important aspects of care, ensuring the client's immediate safety takes precedence in this situation.

5. A home health nurse knows that a 70-year-old male client who is convalescing at home following a hip replacement is at risk for developing decubitus ulcers. Which physical characteristic of aging contributes to such a risk?

• A. 16% increase in overall body fat.
• B. Reduced melanin production.
• C. Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.
• D. Calcium loss in the bones.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity is the physical characteristic of aging that contributes to an increased risk of developing decubitus ulcers. As individuals age, the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage from pressure, leading to the formation of pressure ulcers. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly contribute to the development of decubitus ulcers in this context.

Similar Questions