Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?

• A. Low serum albumin level
• B. Low serum transferrin level
• C. High hemoglobin level
• D. High cholesterol level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A low serum albumin level is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Serum albumin levels reflect long-term protein status, and a significantly lowered level usually indicates ongoing protein deficiency. Other laboratory values, such as serum transferrin, hemoglobin, or cholesterol levels, may be affected by various factors and conditions, but serum albumin is a more specific marker for chronic protein malnutrition.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing the nutritional status of several clients. Which client has the greatest nutritional need for additional intake of protein?

• A. A college-age track runner with a sprained ankle.
• B. A lactating woman nursing her 3-day-old infant.
• C. A school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes.
• D. An elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A lactating woman (B) has the greatest need for additional protein intake. Lactation increases the metabolic demands for protein to support milk production, making it essential for the mother to have a higher protein intake. While clients in choices A, C, and D also require protein for various reasons, they do not have the same increased protein demands as a lactating woman. Choice A, a college-age track runner with a sprained ankle, may need protein for tissue repair but not at the level required during lactation. Choice C, a school-aged child with Type 2 diabetes, may benefit from protein for overall health but does not have the same increased protein needs as a lactating woman. Choice D, an elderly man being treated for a peptic ulcer, may need protein for healing but not to the extent required by a lactating woman.

3. Twenty minutes after beginning a heat application, the client states that the heating pad no longer feels warm enough. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. That means you have derived the maximum benefit, and the heat can be removed.
• B. Your blood vessels are becoming dilated and removing the heat from the site.
• C. We will increase the temperature by 5 degrees when the pad no longer feels warm.
• D. The body's receptors adapt over time as they are exposed to heat.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice (D) describes thermal adaptation, which occurs 20 to 30 minutes after heat application. The body's receptors adjust to the constant heat exposure, leading to a decreased sensation of warmth. Choices (A) and (B) provide inaccurate information regarding the situation, while choice (C) is not physiologically sound and could potentially harm the client by increasing the temperature unnecessarily.

4. The nursing staff in the cardiovascular intensive care unit is creating a continuous quality improvement project on social media that addresses coronary artery disease (CAD). Which action should the nurse implement to protect client privacy?

• A. Remove identifying information of the clients who participated
• B. Recall that authored content may be legally discoverable
• C. Share material from credible, peer-reviewed sources only
• D. Respect all copyright laws when adding website content

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To protect client privacy on social media, it is essential to remove any identifying information of clients who participated in the project. This ensures that sensitive information is not disclosed without consent and maintains confidentiality. Choice B is incorrect because while authored content may be legally discoverable, it does not directly relate to protecting client privacy on social media. Choice C is incorrect as it pertains to the credibility of sources, not client privacy. Choice D is also incorrect as it focuses on copyright laws rather than client privacy protection.

5. A client being discharged with a prescription for the bronchodilator theophylline is instructed to take three doses of the medication each day. Since timed-release capsules are not available, which dosing schedule should the nurse advise the client to follow?

• A. 9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m.
• B. 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and midnight.
• C. Before breakfast, before lunch, and before dinner.
• D. With breakfast, with lunch, and with dinner.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Theophylline should be administered on a regular around-the-clock schedule to provide the best bronchodilating effect and reduce the potential for adverse effects. The correct dosing schedule of 8 a.m., 4 p.m., and midnight ensures that the client receives consistent dosing throughout the day. Other options do not provide the necessary around-the-clock coverage. It's important to note that food may affect the absorption of the medication, which is why the dosing schedule should not be tied to meal times.

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