which action by the nurse will be most effective in decreasing the spread of pertussis in a community setting

NCLEX-RN

Exam Cram NCLEX RN Practice Questions

1. What action by the nurse will be most effective in decreasing the spread of pertussis in a community setting?

A. Providing supportive care to patients diagnosed with pertussis
B. Teaching family members about the importance of careful handwashing
C. Teaching patients about the necessity of adult pertussis immunizations
D. Encouraging patients to complete the prescribed course of antibiotics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective action by the nurse to decrease the spread of pertussis in a community setting is to teach patients about the necessity of adult pertussis immunizations. The increased rate of pertussis in adults is often attributed to waning immunity after childhood immunization. Immunization is highly effective in protecting communities from infectious diseases. While teaching about handwashing is important for overall infection control, pertussis is primarily spread through respiratory droplets and contact with secretions. Providing supportive care does not significantly impact the disease course or transmission risk. Encouraging completion of antibiotics may help reduce transmission, but patients likely have already spread the disease by the time the diagnosis is made. Therefore, the emphasis should be on prevention through immunization to reduce the spread of pertussis.

2. At the beginning of her shift in a long-term care facility, which of the following clients should a nurse check on first?

A. A 91-year-old man who needs help eating breakfast
B. An 86-year-old man who has been incontinent in his bed
C. An 82-year-old woman who needs IV antibiotics
D. A 75-year-old man who is recovering from an injury and needs an ice pack

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When prioritizing care in a long-term care facility, the nurse must consider tasks that require their immediate attention and cannot be delegated. Administering IV antibiotics is a critical nursing task that only the nurse can perform, ensuring the timely and correct delivery of medication to the patient. While assisting with breakfast, managing incontinence, and providing an ice pack are important, these tasks can be delegated to other healthcare team members, allowing the nurse to address the client needing IV antibiotics first to ensure effective treatment and patient safety.

3. Which of the following is an example of a living will?

A. A client's son has been appointed to make his healthcare decisions if he becomes incapacitated
B. A client has designated which of his children will receive his home and property before he dies
C. A client has instructions that he does not want to be resuscitated through chest compressions if his heart stops beating
D. A client designates what type of burial or cremation services he would want after his death

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A living will is a type of advanced directive that a client develops to stipulate his preferences for healthcare in the event that he is unable to do so. This includes specific instructions about medical treatments in certain situations. Choice C is the correct answer as it reflects a scenario where the client has clearly outlined their preference regarding resuscitation through chest compressions. Choices A, B, and D do not pertain to a living will. Choice A involves a healthcare proxy or agent, choice B involves a will or estate planning, and choice D involves funeral or burial arrangements, which are not part of a living will.

4. Which of the following is an example of low health literacy skills?

A. A nurse is unable to explain the dose, indications, side effects, and structural formula of carbamazepine
B. A client cannot read an admission form to sign it
C. A nurse cannot calculate the correct IV rate for Ringer's lactate
D. A nurse is unable to explain the dose, indications, side effects, and structural formula of carbamazepine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Low health literacy skills are exemplified by an individual's inability to comprehend health-related information. In this scenario, a client's inability to read an admission form to sign it indicates low health literacy. This lack of understanding can hinder their ability to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The other choices involve healthcare professionals and their knowledge or skills, not the health literacy of individuals seeking care.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client who had back surgery. All of the following indicate that the client is ready for discharge EXCEPT:

A. The client still has sutures at the incision site
B. The client is able to take a shower
C. The client must still use an ice pack at the wound site
D. The client has a temperature of 100.8°F

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When determining if a client is ready for discharge after back surgery, it is essential to ensure that there are no signs of complications or emerging issues. A postoperative temperature of 100.8°F may indicate a developing infection, and the client should not be discharged until this is further evaluated by the physician. Choices A, B, and C are indicators that the client is progressing well and ready for discharge, as having sutures, being able to shower, and using an ice pack are typically expected postoperative activities without indicating a need for further hospitalization.