Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has returned from hemodialysis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Weight gain of 1 pound.
• B. Dizziness.
• C. Fatigue.
• D. Muscle cramps.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After hemodialysis, muscle cramps can indicate an electrolyte imbalance, such as low potassium or magnesium levels, which requires immediate intervention to prevent potential complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Weight gain of 1 pound, dizziness, and fatigue are common post-hemodialysis symptoms that may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless they are severe or persisting.

2. 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.

3. An adolescent tells the school nurse that she is pregnant. Her last menstrual period was 4 months ago. She has not received any medical care. She smokes but denies any other substance use. What is the priority nursing action?

• A. notify her parents
• B. refer her for prenatal care
• C. teach breastfeeding methods
• D. offer nutritional instructions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to refer her for prenatal care. Prenatal care is essential to monitor the health of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. While notifying her parents may be important for support and involvement, the priority is ensuring the adolescent receives medical care. Teaching breastfeeding methods and offering nutritional instructions are important but are not the immediate priority in this situation where prenatal care is urgently needed.

4. A community health nurse is working with a local organization to address food insecurity. Which action should the nurse prioritize?

• A. organizing a food drive to collect non-perishable items
• B. creating a community garden to grow fresh produce
• C. establishing a weekly meal program for those in need
• D. partnering with local businesses to donate food

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is establishing a weekly meal program for those in need. This action prioritizes providing consistent and reliable access to food for individuals experiencing food insecurity. While organizing a food drive (Choice A) and partnering with local businesses to donate food (Choice D) are helpful, they may not offer a sustainable solution for ongoing food needs. Creating a community garden (Choice B) may promote self-sufficiency and access to fresh produce, but it may not address the immediate food needs of individuals who are food insecure. Therefore, establishing a weekly meal program is the most effective choice to ensure regular access to food for those in need.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 88%.
• B. Use of accessory muscles for breathing.
• C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute.
• D. Barrel-shaped chest.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute is an abnormal finding and indicates that the client is experiencing respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention. This rapid respiratory rate can signify inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Oxygen saturation of 88% is low but not as immediately concerning as a high respiratory rate, which indicates the body is compensating for respiratory distress. The use of accessory muscles for breathing and a barrel-shaped chest are typical findings in clients with COPD but do not indicate an immediate need for intervention as they are more chronic in nature and may be seen in stable COPD patients.

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