Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is performing a physical assessment on a client with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Which client complaint calls for immediate nursing action?

• A. Diaphoresis and shakiness
• B. Reduced sensation in the lower leg
• C. Intense thirst and hunger
• D. Painful hematoma on thigh

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Diaphoresis and shakiness are classic signs of hypoglycemia in a client with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. The nurse should address this complaint promptly by providing a fast-acting source of glucose to raise the client's blood sugar levels. Reduced sensation in the lower leg may indicate peripheral neuropathy, which is a common complication of diabetes but does not require immediate action unless there are signs of injury. Intense thirst and hunger are symptoms of hyperglycemia, which also requires intervention but not as urgently as hypoglycemia. A painful hematoma on the thigh may require assessment and management, but it is not as urgent as addressing hypoglycemia.

2. A child and his family were exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis about 2 months ago. To confirm the presence or absence of an infection, it is most important for all family members to have a

• A. Chest x-ray
• B. Blood culture
• C. Sputum culture
• D. PPD intradermal test

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The PPD (purified protein derivative) intradermal test is the standard screening method for detecting tuberculosis infection. It helps identify individuals who have been infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A chest x-ray (Choice A) is used to assess the extent of active disease, not for screening purposes. Blood culture (Choice B) is not typically used for tuberculosis screening. Sputum culture (Choice C) is used to confirm active tuberculosis in symptomatic individuals, not for initial screening purposes.

3. Which one of the following statements, if made by the client, indicates teaching about Inderal (propranolol) has been effective?

• A. ''I may experience seizures if I stop the medication abruptly.''
• B. ''I may experience an increase in my heart rate for a few weeks.''
• C. ''I can expect to feel nervousness the first few weeks.''
• D. ''I can have a heart attack if I stop this medication suddenly.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Stopping Inderal (propranolol) abruptly can cause rebound hypertension, angina, and even a myocardial infarction (heart attack), so it is crucial to taper off the medication under medical supervision. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not reflect the serious consequences associated with abrupt discontinuation of propranolol.

4. A client with acute pancreatitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The nurse should implement which of the following interventions?

• A. Encourage oral intake
• B. Administer opioid analgesics
• C. Apply a heating pad to the abdomen
• D. Place the client in a supine position

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis experiencing severe abdominal pain is to administer opioid analgesics. Opioids are effective in managing the severe pain associated with acute pancreatitis. Encouraging oral intake may exacerbate the symptoms and is contraindicated due to the need for bowel rest. Applying a heating pad to the abdomen can worsen inflammation and should be avoided. Placing the client in a supine position may not provide relief and could potentially lead to increased discomfort.

5. A community health nurse is conducting a neighborhood discussion group about disaster planning. What information regarding the transmission of anthrax should the nurse provide to the group?

• A. Infection is acquired when anthrax spores enter a host.
• B. Mature anthrax bacteria live dormant on inanimate objects.
• C. Spores cannot survive for extended periods outside of a living host.
• D. Anthrax is transmitted by respiratory droplets from person to person.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct information that the nurse should provide to the group is that anthrax infection occurs when spores enter a host. Choice B is incorrect because mature anthrax bacteria do not live dormant on inanimate objects. Choice C is incorrect because anthrax spores can survive for extended periods outside of a living host. Choice D is incorrect because anthrax is not transmitted by respiratory droplets from person to person; it is acquired through spores entering a host.

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