Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with right lower lobe (RLL) pneumonia. On assessment, the nurse notes crackles over the RLL. The client has significant pleuritic pain and is unable to take in a deep breath in order to cough effectively.

• A. Impaired gas exchange related to acute infection and sputum production
• B. Ineffective airway clearance related to sputum production and ineffective cough
• C. Ineffective breathing pattern related to acute infection
• D. Anxiety related to hospitalization and role conflict

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's inability to effectively clear the airway due to pain and sputum production hinders the cough mechanism, making 'Ineffective airway clearance' the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. Although impaired gas exchange may occur due to the pneumonia, the immediate issue is the inability to clear the airway. 'Ineffective breathing pattern' does not address the specific issue of airway clearance. 'Anxiety' is not the priority when the focus should be on the physical complications of pneumonia.

2. 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. Botulism toxin is associated with symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth, which are consistent with the client's presentation. Ricin (Choice A) typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms. Sulfur mustard (Choice C) is a blistering agent causing skin, eye, and respiratory issues. Yersinia pestis (Choice D) is associated with the bubonic plague, presenting with fever, malaise, and buboes.

3. A client is admitted with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following lab values would be consistent with this diagnosis?

• A. Low serum albumin
• B. High serum cholesterol
• C. Abnormally low white blood cell count
• D. Elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK). Elevated CPK levels indicate muscle damage, including damage to the cardiac muscle, which aligns with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Choice A, low serum albumin, is not directly related to myocardial infarction. Choice B, high serum cholesterol, is more associated with conditions like atherosclerosis rather than acute myocardial infarction. Choice C, abnormally low white blood cell count, is typically not a lab value associated with myocardial infarction; instead, it could suggest other conditions like infections or bone marrow issues.

4. The home health care agency can expect to obtain Medicare reimbursement for which home visit performed by a registered nurse or a practical nurse?

• A. assessment of the speech pattern of a mobile adult who had a mild stroke last year
• B. safety teaching for an older male client whose wife complains that he uses an unsafe ladder while painting
• C. wound care for a client who had postoperative infection following abdominal surgery two weeks ago
• D. evaluation of crutch use by a 65-year-old client who broke his tibia while snow skiing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because wound care for a postoperative infection qualifies for Medicare reimbursement. Medicare typically covers skilled nursing care, like wound care, required due to a postoperative infection. Choices A, B, and D involve assessments, teaching, and evaluation, which may not always be eligible for Medicare reimbursement unless they are directly related to skilled nursing care for a specific medical condition.

5. A 16-year-old client is admitted to a psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of attempted suicide. The nurse is aware that the most frequent cause for suicide in adolescents is

• A. Progressive failure to adapt
• B. Feelings of anger or hostility
• C. Reunion wish or fantasy
• D. Feelings of alienation or isolation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Feelings of alienation or isolation are common triggers for suicidal behavior in adolescents. This sense of being disconnected or isolated from others can lead to despair and hopelessness, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation. Choices A, B, and C are less commonly associated with suicide in adolescents. Progressive failure to adapt may contribute to stress, but it is not typically the primary cause of suicide. Feelings of anger or hostility, while negative emotions, do not always lead to suicidal behavior in adolescents. Reunion wish or fantasy is not a recognized primary cause of suicide in this age group.

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