Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing an older adult client and determines that the client's left upper eyelid droops, covering more of the iris than the right eyelid. Which description should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Ptosis on the left eyelid.
• B. Nystagmus.
• C. Astigmatism.
• D. Exophthalmos.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Ptosis on the left eyelid.' Ptosis is the term used to describe an eyelid droop that covers a large portion of the iris, which may be caused by issues with the oculomotor nerve or eyelid muscles. Choice B, 'Nystagmus,' refers to involuntary eye movements and is not related to eyelid drooping. Choice C, 'Astigmatism,' is a refractive error affecting vision due to an irregularly shaped cornea or lens, not an eyelid condition. Choice D, 'Exophthalmos,' is a protrusion of the eyeball associated with conditions like hyperthyroidism, not eyelid drooping.

2. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which laboratory result indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. International normalized ratio (INR) of 1.0.
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds.
• C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 60 seconds.
• D. International normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.5 indicates that warfarin therapy is within the therapeutic range for a client with atrial fibrillation. A lower INR (such as 1.0) would suggest subtherapeutic levels, risking blood clots. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) are not specific to monitoring warfarin therapy.

3. A client is suspected of being poisoned and presents with symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth. The nurse should consider these findings consistent with which potential bioterrorism agent?

• A. ricin
• B. botulism toxin
• C. sulfur mustard
• D. yersinia pestis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: botulism toxin. The symptoms described, including symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth, are classic manifestations of botulism, which is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Choice A, ricin, typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and organ failure. Choice C, sulfur mustard, causes blistering skin and respiratory issues. Choice D, yersinia pestis, is associated with the plague and presents with fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.

4. When planning a scoliosis screening clinic, which age group should be included?

• A. early adolescent girls
• B. late adolescent boys
• C. 7-10 year old boys
• D. preschoolers of both genders

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is early adolescent girls. Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed during early adolescence, with girls being more affected than boys. Including early adolescent girls in the screening clinic aligns with the age group that is at higher risk for scoliosis. Late adolescent boys (choice B) are less likely to develop scoliosis compared to early adolescent girls. 7-10 year old boys (choice C) are typically younger than the age group where scoliosis is commonly diagnosed. Preschoolers of both genders (choice D) are too young for scoliosis screening as the condition usually manifests during adolescence.

5. 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.

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