Nursing Elites

1. The nurse at a health fair has taken a client's blood pressure twice, 10 minutes apart, in the same arm while the client is seated. The nurse records the two blood pressures of 172/104 mm Hg and 164/98 mm Hg. What is the appropriate nursing action in response to these readings?

• A. Refer the client to a nutritionist after providing health teaching about a low-sodium diet.
• B. Place the client in a recumbent position and call the paramedics for transport to the hospital.
• C. Talk with the client to assess whether there is stress in the client's life and refer to a counseling service.
• D. Take the client's blood pressure in the other arm and then schedule a healthcare practitioner's appointment for as soon as possible.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The appropriate nursing action in response to significantly high blood pressure readings like 172/104 mm Hg and 164/98 mm Hg is to confirm the readings by taking the blood pressure in the other arm. This can help rule out any error or issue specific to that arm. The nurse should then schedule a healthcare practitioner's appointment for as soon as possible to further assess the client's condition and determine the appropriate intervention. Choice A is incorrect because solely referring the client to a nutritionist for a low-sodium diet without further assessment or confirmation of the blood pressure readings is premature. Choice B is incorrect as the client is already seated, and calling paramedics for immediate transport to the hospital is not warranted based solely on the blood pressure readings provided. Choice C is incorrect as stress may not be the sole reason for the high blood pressure readings, and further assessment is required before referring the client to counseling services.

2. What is the primary function of a public health nurse?

• A. Provide bedside care
• B. Administer medications
• C. Promote and protect the health of populations
• D. Perform surgical procedures

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary function of a public health nurse is to promote and protect the health of populations. Public health nurses focus on preventing diseases, promoting healthy behaviors, and addressing health disparities within communities. Providing bedside care (choice A) is typically done by nurses in clinical settings, not public health nurses. Administering medications (choice B) is part of nursing practice but not the primary role of a public health nurse. Performing surgical procedures (choice D) is usually the responsibility of surgical nurses or healthcare providers specializing in surgery, not public health nurses.

3. The Healthy People project is designed to:

• A. track health care trends to anticipate insurance liabilities, especially for poor and urban populations
• B. demonstrate that social factors have a significant impact on individual and community health
• C. follow health indicators such as activity, substance use, mental health, and environmental issues
• D. demonstrate that access to health care in the United States is adequate for all populations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The Healthy People project is designed to follow health indicators such as activity, substance use, mental health, and environmental issues to improve public health outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because the project focuses on public health indicators rather than insurance liabilities. Choice B is incorrect as the project actually acknowledges the significant impact of social factors on health. Choice D is incorrect because one of the main goals of the Healthy People project is to identify and address disparities in access to healthcare, not to demonstrate that access is adequate for all populations.

4. Which ethnic group has the highest risk for diabetes?

• A. African Americans
• B. Hispanic Americans
• C. Asian Americans
• D. Native Americans

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Native Americans have the highest risk for diabetes compared to other ethnic groups. This is due to genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors, and limited access to healthcare. African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans also have an increased risk of developing diabetes, but statistically, Native Americans have the highest prevalence of the disease. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are incorrect.

5. A child and his family were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis about 2 months ago. To confirm the presence or absence of an infection, it is most important for all family members to have a

• A. Chest x-ray
• B. Blood culture
• C. Sputum culture
• D. PPD intradermal test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The PPD (purified protein derivative) intradermal test is the standard screening method for detecting tuberculosis infection. It helps identify individuals who have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A chest x-ray (Choice A) is used to assess the extent of active disease, not for screening purposes. Blood culture (Choice B) is not typically used for tuberculosis screening. Sputum culture (Choice C) is used to confirm active tuberculosis in symptomatic individuals, not for initial screening purposes.

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