Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
• C. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute.
• D. Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week in a client with hyperthyroidism is concerning as it may indicate severe hypermetabolism, leading to potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other metabolic disturbances. Rapid weight loss in hyperthyroidism indicates an accelerated metabolic rate and increased energy expenditure, which can be detrimental to the client's health. The other assessment findings (heart rate of 100 beats per minute, blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg, respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute) are commonly seen in clients with hyperthyroidism and may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless they are significantly outside the normal range or causing distress to the client.

2. The nurse is teaching a group of high school adolescents about safety associated with traumatic injuries. Which factor causing spinal cord injuries should the nurse discuss with the adolescents?

• A. motor vehicle accidents
• B. violent assault
• C. sports injuries
• D. falls

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: motor vehicle accidents. Motor vehicle accidents are a significant cause of spinal cord injuries among adolescents due to the high impact forces involved. While violent assault, sports injuries, and falls can also lead to spinal cord injuries, statistics show that motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause in this age group. Educating adolescents about the risks and preventive measures related to motor vehicle accidents is crucial in promoting their safety and well-being.

3. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) to a client with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which assessment is most important before initiating the infusion?

• A. Lung sounds and respiratory status.
• B. Skin integrity and color.
• C. Neurological status and level of consciousness.
• D. Cardiac rate and rhythm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "Cardiac rate and rhythm." Monitoring cardiac rate and rhythm is crucial before initiating IVIG because bradycardia is a common side effect associated with this therapy. Assessing lung sounds and respiratory status (Choice A) is important, but cardiac monitoring takes precedence due to the risk of bradycardia. Skin integrity and color (Choice B) are important assessments, but they are not directly related to potential complications of IVIG infusion. Neurological status and level of consciousness (Choice C) are also vital assessments, but monitoring cardiac function is more pertinent in this scenario.

4. A community health nurse is applying for a federal grant to support a smoking cessation educational program. In which order should the nurse prioritize these nursing activities? Arrange in order top to bottom.

• A. Determine the target aggregate that will be served by the program
• B. Consider pros and cons of different methods of data gathering
• C. Select and train the data collection personnel
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D' - All of the above. The nurse should first determine the target aggregate that will be served by the program to understand the specific population in need. Subsequently, they should consider the pros and cons of different methods of data gathering to ensure the most appropriate data collection strategies are employed. Finally, selecting and training the data collection personnel is essential for the successful implementation of the program. These steps provide a logical progression from identifying the target group to analyzing the collected data. Choices A, B, and C are all crucial steps that must be taken in sequence to effectively develop and implement the smoking cessation educational program.

5. 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.

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