Nursing Elites

1. The nurse obtains a heart rate of 92 and a blood pressure of 110/76 before administering a scheduled dose of verapamil (Calan) for a client with atrial flutter. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Administer the dose as prescribed.
• B. Hold the medication.
• C. Call the healthcare provider.
• D. Repeat the vital signs in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action is to administer the dose as prescribed. Verapamil slows sinoatrial nodal automaticity and delays atrioventricular nodal conduction, which helps in slowing the ventricular rate. The heart rate of 92 and blood pressure of 110/76 are within an acceptable range for administering verapamil in a client with atrial flutter. Holding the medication, calling the healthcare provider, or repeating the vital signs in 30 minutes are not necessary based on the vital signs obtained and the action of verapamil in this scenario.

2. On a day when the temperature is expected to drop below freezing during the night, the nurse is asked to determine which homeless adults are most in need of the limited spaces available in a shelter. It is most important for which person to be admitted at night?

• A. an adult who was hit by a car 3 weeks ago
• B. a young person with diabetes mellitus
• C. a middle-aged person who has hypertension
• D. an older person who is malnourished

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnourished individuals are at higher risk of severe complications from cold exposure due to their weakened immune system and decreased ability to regulate body temperature. This places them at a greater risk of hypothermia and other cold-related conditions, making them the most vulnerable group in need of shelter. Choice A is not the most critical as the injury is from 3 weeks ago and should have received appropriate medical care by now. Choice B, a young person with diabetes mellitus, while vulnerable, can manage their condition with proper medication and care. Choice C, a middle-aged person with hypertension, may need monitoring but is less susceptible to immediate harm from cold exposure compared to a malnourished individual.

3. The nurse is documenting the medical history of a young adult who was recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client smokes 2 packs of cigarettes a day, and his father died of a heart attack at the age of 45. Which annual screening is most important for the nurse to include?

• A. peripheral neuropathy
• B. renal insufficiency
• C. retinopathy
• D. hyperlipidemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important annual screening for the nurse to include is hyperlipidemia. Given the client's smoking history, family history of premature heart disease, and the increased risk of cardiovascular complications associated with diabetes, screening for hyperlipidemia is crucial. This screening is essential in assessing the client's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which is a significant concern in this case. Peripheral neuropathy (choice A) is a common long-term complication of diabetes but may not be the most immediate concern in this scenario. Renal insufficiency (choice B) is also a complication of diabetes, but given the client's high cardiovascular risk, hyperlipidemia screening takes priority. Retinopathy (choice C) is an important complication of diabetes affecting the eyes, but in this case, focusing on cardiovascular risk assessment through hyperlipidemia screening is more critical.

4. The nurse identifies a client's needs and formulates the nursing problem of 'Imbalance nutrition: Less than body requirements, related to mental impairment and decreased intake, as evidenced by increasing confusion and weight loss of more than 30 pounds over the last 6 months.' Which short-term goal is best for this client?

• A. Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.
• B. Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month.
• C. Have increased caloric intake.
• D. Show improved nutritional status.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct short-term goal for the client in this scenario is option A: 'Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.' This goal is specific, measurable, and time-bound, which aligns with the SMART criteria for goal setting in nursing care. It addresses the client's nutritional needs directly, focusing on increasing meal frequency to meet body requirements and counteract weight loss. Option B, 'Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month,' is not as suitable as it lacks specificity and a short-term timeline, making it less achievable within the immediate care plan. Option C, 'Have increased caloric intake,' is vague and does not provide a measurable target for the client to work towards. Option D, 'Show improved nutritional status,' is a broad goal that lacks the specificity needed for effective short-term goal setting in nursing care. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for this client's short-term goal.

5. The healthcare provider is planning a health education session for new parents on infant care. Which topic should be prioritized?

• A. signs of infant dehydration
• B. proper diaper changing techniques
• C. immunization schedule
• D. breastfeeding positions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Recognizing signs of infant dehydration is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of infants. Dehydration can be life-threatening for infants if not addressed promptly. Proper diaper changing techniques, while important for hygiene, can be learned incrementally. The immunization schedule and breastfeeding positions are also essential topics, but identifying signs of dehydration takes precedence as it requires immediate attention to prevent serious complications.

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