Nursing Elites

1. What are the signs and symptoms of a pulmonary embolism?

• A. Sudden shortness of breath
• B. Chest pain
• C. Cough with blood
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A pulmonary embolism can manifest with sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing up blood. These symptoms are classic presentations of a pulmonary embolism due to the blockage of blood flow to the lungs. Therefore, the correct answer is 'All of the above.' Each symptom alone can be seen in various other conditions, but when occurring together, they strongly suggest a pulmonary embolism. Sudden shortness of breath is due to decreased oxygenation, chest pain can result from the strain on the heart, and coughing with blood may indicate damage to the lung tissue. Choosing any single symptom would not encompass the full range of presentations seen in a pulmonary embolism.

2. A public health nurse working in a rural area is developing a program to improve health for the local population. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

• A. Provide anticipatory guidance classes to parents through public schools.
• B. Have a nurse from outside the community provide health lectures at the county hospital.
• C. Encourage rural residents to focus health spending on tertiary health interventions.
• D. Launch a media campaign to increase awareness about industrial pollution.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Providing anticipatory guidance classes to parents through public schools is the most appropriate action for the public health nurse in a rural area. This approach allows the nurse to address early prevention strategies, which are crucial in promoting health in rural populations. Choice B is incorrect because having a nurse from outside the community may not fully understand the local needs and dynamics. Choice C is wrong as focusing health spending on tertiary interventions is not cost-effective or preventive. Choice D is also incorrect because while increasing awareness about industrial pollution is important, it may not directly address the health needs of the local rural population.

3. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a central venous catheter?

• A. Monitor for infection and change the dressing regularly
• B. Ensure the catheter is patent and flush as needed
• C. Educate the patient on self-care and proper hygiene
• D. Monitor blood glucose levels and administer IV fluids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Regular monitoring for infection and dressing changes are essential aspects of caring for a patient with a central venous catheter. Infections are a significant risk with these catheters, so vigilant monitoring and timely dressing changes help prevent complications. Choice B is important too, but ensuring catheter patency and flushing are more focused on maintaining the functionality of the catheter rather than infection prevention. Choice C is also important for patient education, but the immediate concern for a healthcare professional is monitoring and preventing infections related to the catheter. Choice D is not directly related to the care of a central venous catheter.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has hypokalemia. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Hyperactive reflexes.
• B. Strong, bounding pulse.
• C. Decreased bowel sounds.
• D. Increased deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased bowel sounds. In hypokalemia, decreased bowel sounds are common due to slowed peristalsis. Hyperactive reflexes (choice A) and increased deep tendon reflexes (choice D) are more indicative of hyperkalemia. A strong, bounding pulse (choice B) is not typically associated with hypokalemia.

5. Which intervention is most important for a client with rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Massage inflamed joints with creams and oils
• B. Provide support to flexed joints with pillows and pads
• C. Position the client on their abdomen several times a day
• D. Assist with heat application and range of motion exercises

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important intervention for a client with rheumatoid arthritis is to assist with heat application and range of motion exercises. Heat application helps reduce stiffness and improve joint flexibility, while range of motion exercises help maintain mobility and prevent contractures. Massaging inflamed joints with creams and oils may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of stiffness and limited mobility in rheumatoid arthritis. Providing support to flexed joints with pillows and pads can be helpful for comfort but does not actively promote mobility. Positioning the client on their abdomen several times a day is not a standard intervention for managing rheumatoid arthritis.

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