Nursing Elites

1. The nurse identifies a client's needs and formulates the nursing problem of 'Imbalance nutrition: Less than body requirements, related to mental impairment and decreased intake, as evidenced by increasing confusion and weight loss of more than 30 pounds over the last 6 months.' Which short-term goal is best for this client?

• A. Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.
• B. Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month.
• C. Have increased caloric intake.
• D. Show improved nutritional status.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct short-term goal for the client in this scenario is option A: 'Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.' This goal is specific, measurable, and time-bound, which aligns with the SMART criteria for goal setting in nursing care. It addresses the client's nutritional needs directly, focusing on increasing meal frequency to meet body requirements and counteract weight loss. Option B, 'Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month,' is not as suitable as it lacks specificity and a short-term timeline, making it less achievable within the immediate care plan. Option C, 'Have increased caloric intake,' is vague and does not provide a measurable target for the client to work towards. Option D, 'Show improved nutritional status,' is a broad goal that lacks the specificity needed for effective short-term goal setting in nursing care. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for this client's short-term goal.

2. A client with a history of alcoholism is admitted with pancreatitis. Which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Nausea and vomiting.
• B. Epigastric pain radiating to the back.
• C. Temperature of 102°F (38.9°C).
• D. Mild jaundice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A temperature of 102°F (38.9°C) is the most important assessment finding to report to the healthcare provider in a client with pancreatitis and a history of alcoholism. Fever in this context can indicate infection, which is a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. Nausea and vomiting (choice A) are common symptoms of pancreatitis but may not require immediate intervention unless severe. Epigastric pain radiating to the back (choice B) is a classic symptom of pancreatitis and should be addressed, but a fever takes precedence. Mild jaundice (choice D) may be present in pancreatitis but is not as urgent as a high temperature signaling possible infection.

3. A community health nurse is conducting a needs assessment in a rural area. Which data source is most likely to provide comprehensive information about the community's health status?

• A. Focus groups with community members
• B. Local hospital admission records
• C. State health department reports
• D. Surveys conducted by healthcare providers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: State health department reports are the most likely data source to provide comprehensive information about the community's health status. These reports offer a broad overview of health statistics and trends that can guide community health interventions. Focus groups with community members, although valuable for gathering qualitative insights, may not provide comprehensive health status data. Local hospital admission records are limited to specific healthcare utilization data and do not capture the overall health status of the entire community. Surveys conducted by healthcare providers may offer some insights but may not provide the breadth and depth of information available in state health department reports.

4. A public health nurse is working with a community to improve access to mental health services. Which intervention is most likely to be effective?

• A. Setting up mental health clinics in accessible locations
• B. Distributing flyers with information about mental health services
• C. Offering transportation vouchers for mental health appointments
• D. Partnering with local businesses to promote mental health

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Setting up mental health clinics in accessible locations. This intervention is the most effective as it directly addresses the issue of access to mental health services by physically bringing the services closer to the community members. Distributing flyers (choice B) may raise awareness but does not guarantee improved access. Offering transportation vouchers (choice C) helps with transportation but does not address the primary issue of service availability. Partnering with local businesses (choice D) may help promote mental health awareness but does not ensure improved access to services like setting up clinics in accessible locations.

5. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with hypokalemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Muscle weakness.
• B. Irregular heart rate.
• C. Increased urinary output.
• D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a critical finding in hypokalemia that indicates severe potassium deficiency affecting neuromuscular function. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias. Muscle weakness, irregular heart rate, and increased urinary output are also associated with hypokalemia but do not pose the same level of urgency as decreased deep tendon reflexes.

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