A client with right-sided heart failure is being assessed by a nurse. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse most likely observe in this client?

• A. Weight loss and vomiting
• B. Coughing and 3+ pitting edema
• C. Muscle cramps and hyperreflexia
• D. Lethargy and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

Correct Answer: B: Coughing and 3+ pitting edema
Rationale: In right-sided heart failure (cor pulmonale), the right side of the heart struggles to pump blood to the lungs. This leads to symptoms related to fluid buildup in the body, such as coughing due to respiratory distress and 3+ pitting edema, commonly seen in the feet and ankles. Weight loss and vomiting (Choice A) are not typical symptoms of right-sided heart failure. Muscle cramps and hyperreflexia (Choice C) are more indicative of electrolyte imbalances or neurological issues. Lethargy and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (Choice D) are commonly associated with left-sided heart failure, not right-sided heart failure.

The public health nurse is creating a plan to increase state funding for a local health clinic. Which strategy is likely to be most effective in obtaining funding for the clinic?

• A. Run the health clinic economically and promote the services the clinic provides.
• B. Organize concerned citizens to write letters and call state representatives.
• C. Highlight to the media the valuable services offered by the community clinic.
• D. Hire a professional lobbyist to convince Congress of the local clinic's value.

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Organizing concerned citizens to contact state representatives is likely the most effective strategy to secure state funding for the local health clinic. By mobilizing a group of citizens who are directly impacted by the clinic's services, the public health nurse can create a strong advocacy group that can influence decision-makers. Option A, running the health clinic economically and promoting its services, may be necessary but does not directly address the funding aspect. Option C, highlighting services to the media, may raise awareness but does not guarantee funding. Option D, hiring a professional lobbyist, may be costly and may not have the same grassroots impact as organizing citizens.

A 9-year-old is hospitalized for neutropenia and is placed in reverse isolation. The child asks the nurse, 'Why do you have to wear a gown and mask when you are in my room?' How should the nurse respond?

• A. To protect myself from your germs.
• B. To protect you because you can get an infection very easily.
• C. Until your white blood cell count increases.
• D. To keep others from getting your infection.

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Reverse isolation precautions protect the client from exposure to microorganisms from others.

The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation indicates that the chest tube is functioning properly?

• A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
• B. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber.
• C. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber.
• D. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube.

Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube is an indication of proper chest tube functioning. Clear, pale yellow fluid signifies normal drainage from the pleural space without any signs of infection or complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber, no fluctuation in the water-seal chamber, and intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber are all indications of potential issues or malfunctioning of the chest tube system, which would require further assessment and intervention.