Nursing Elites

1. While assessing an Rh-positive newborn whose mother is Rh-negative, the nurse recognizes the risk for hyperbilirubinemia. Which of the following should be reported immediately?

• A. Jaundice evident at 26 hours
• B. Hematocrit of 55%
• C. Serum bilirubin of 12 mg/dL
• D. Positive Coombs test

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum bilirubin level of 12 mg/dL in a newborn is concerning and can indicate a significant risk of hyperbilirubinemia, which requires immediate medical intervention to prevent complications like kernicterus. Jaundice at 26 hours (Choice A) is a symptom, not a laboratory result, and needs monitoring but not an immediate report. Hematocrit of 55% (Choice B) may be elevated but is not indicative of hyperbilirubinemia. A positive Coombs test (Choice D) indicates the presence of antibodies on the newborn's red blood cells but does not directly correlate with the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.

2. A client with chronic congestive heart failure should be instructed to contact the home health nurse if which finding occurs?

• A. Weight gain of 2 pounds or more in a 48-hour period
• B. Urinating 4 to 5 times a day
• C. A significant decrease in appetite
• D. Appearance of non-pitting ankle edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A rapid weight gain of 2 pounds or more in a 48-hour period may indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring prompt medical evaluation and intervention. This finding is crucial in managing chronic congestive heart failure as it signifies a potential exacerbation of the condition. Choices B, C, and D are less concerning in this context. Urinating 4 to 5 times a day is within the normal range for most individuals and may not be directly related to heart failure. A significant decrease in appetite may be due to various factors and might not be an immediate cause for concern in heart failure patients. The appearance of non-pitting ankle edema, although related to heart failure, is a more chronic and less urgent symptom when compared to a rapid weight gain, which requires immediate attention.

3. A client is admitted with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following lab values would be consistent with this diagnosis?

• A. Low serum albumin
• B. High serum cholesterol
• C. Abnormally low white blood cell count
• D. Elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Elevated creatinine phosphokinase (CPK). Elevated CPK levels indicate muscle damage, including damage to the cardiac muscle, which aligns with the diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Choice A, low serum albumin, is not directly related to myocardial infarction. Choice B, high serum cholesterol, is more associated with conditions like atherosclerosis rather than acute myocardial infarction. Choice C, abnormally low white blood cell count, is typically not a lab value associated with myocardial infarction; instead, it could suggest other conditions like infections or bone marrow issues.

4. A community health RN believes that immunization rates in a lower socioeconomic section of the city are probably below the target set by the state health department. What action should the RN take FIRST to intervene with this health problem?

• A. Take a health history of the members of the community
• B. Initiate an immunization program for the community
• C. Review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate
• D. Refer all clients to the local health department

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the community health RN to take in this situation is to review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate. By doing so, the RN can gather evidence to support further intervention strategies. Option A is incorrect because taking a health history would not provide immediate data on immunization rates in the community. Option B is incorrect as initiating an immunization program without confirming the actual immunization rates may not address the specific needs of the community. Option D is incorrect as a blanket referral without assessing the situation may not be the most effective first step.

5. The nurse should consider the following when assessing the child for chest indrawing EXCEPT:

• A. Chest indrawing should be present at all times
• B. The lower chest wall does not go in when the child breathes in
• C. The lower chest goes in when the child breathes in
• D. The child should be calm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Chest indrawing may not always be present and can vary with the child's activity level, so it should not be expected to be present at all times. Choice B is correct because the lower chest wall should not go in when the child breathes in. Choice C is correct as the lower chest should go in when the child breathes in, indicating chest indrawing. Choice D is correct as a calm child makes it easier to assess chest indrawing, but the absence of chest indrawing does not mean the child is not calm.

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