Nursing Elites

1. The home health nurse visits a young male client with AIDS who has Kaposi's sarcoma and peripheral neuropathies. His parents, who are the caregivers, tell the nurse that their son sleeps most of the time. The nurse assesses that the client is semi-conscious with stable vital signs, cries out in pain when turned or moved, has a Duragesic pain patch in place, and skin lesions that are closed and dried. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. remove the Duragesic patch as directed by the prescription
• B. give the client a complete bed bath to further assess the client's condition
• C. discuss end-of-life decisions with the client's parents
• D. call for ambulance transportation to the hospital immediately

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client with AIDS is showing signs of being in a critical condition - semi-conscious, in pain, and with stable vital signs. The appropriate intervention for the nurse to implement is to discuss end-of-life decisions with the client's parents. Given the client's symptoms, the presence of a pain patch, and the closed and dried skin lesions, it is essential to address end-of-life care planning. Removing the Duragesic patch without proper authorization can lead to inadequate pain management and should not be done without consulting the healthcare provider. Giving a complete bed bath is not the priority in this situation as it does not address the immediate needs of the client. Calling for ambulance transportation to the hospital immediately may not be necessary if the client is stable; instead, the focus should be on providing appropriate support and having critical discussions about the client's care preferences.

2. The nurse is preparing a presentation on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for a group of high school students. Which strategy is most effective for this age group?

• A. providing detailed statistical data on STI rates
• B. distributing brochures about STI prevention
• C. showing a documentary on the impact of STIs
• D. facilitating a discussion on safe sex practices

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Facilitating a discussion on safe sex practices is the most effective strategy for high school students when educating about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This approach encourages active participation, allows students to ask questions, share experiences, and engage with the topic in a meaningful way. Providing detailed statistical data may overwhelm the students and not resonate with them effectively. Distributing brochures can be informative but might not promote the same level of interaction and understanding as a discussion. Showing a documentary is a passive method that may not engage the students actively or address their specific questions and concerns.

3. 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.

4. The public health nurse is preparing to administer flu vaccines at a community center. Which group should the nurse prioritize for vaccination?

• A. children under 5 years old
• B. adults aged 50-65
• C. pregnant women
• D. healthcare workers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Pregnant women should be prioritized for flu vaccination as they are at higher risk for complications from the flu. During pregnancy, changes in the immune, heart, and lung functions make pregnant women more susceptible to severe illness from the flu. Vaccinating pregnant women not only protects them but also provides passive immunity to their newborns. Children under 5, adults aged 50-65, and healthcare workers are important groups for vaccination but do not have the same level of increased risk for flu complications as pregnant women.

5. To prepare a presentation on the greatest health concern facing the city, how should the health nurse begin collecting data?

• A. Review morbidity data for the city's population compiled by the Bureau of Vital Statistics
• B. Conduct a random telephone survey to determine the public's perception about health problems
• C. Survey major hospitals in the area to determine the most common reasons for admissions
• D. Call American Medical Association members to determine the most frequently treated diagnoses

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to review morbidity data for the city's population compiled by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Morbidity data provides detailed and accurate information on the health issues prevalent in the city's population. This data is essential as it reflects actual health conditions rather than perceptions or specific hospital data. Conducting a telephone survey (choice B) may provide subjective opinions rather than objective data. Surveying hospitals (choice C) may only capture data on hospitalized cases and may not represent the entire population. Contacting American Medical Association members (choice D) may provide insights into medical treatments but may not reflect the overall health concerns of the city's population.

Similar Questions