Nursing Elites

1. While caring for a client with infective endocarditis, the nurse must be alert for signs of pulmonary embolism. Which of the following assessment findings suggests this complication?

• A. Positive Homan's sign
• B. Fever and chills
• C. Dyspnea and cough
• D. Sensory impairment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Dyspnea and cough.' Pulmonary embolism often presents with a sudden onset of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and cough, which are due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Positive Homan's sign is associated with deep vein thrombosis, fever and chills are nonspecific symptoms commonly seen in infective endocarditis, and sensory impairment is not typically indicative of pulmonary embolism.

2. In addition to disturbances in mental awareness and orientation, a client with cognitive impairment is also likely to show loss of ability in

• A. Hearing, speech, and sight
• B. Endurance, strength, and mobility
• C. Learning, creativity, and judgment
• D. Balance, flexibility, and coordination

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with cognitive impairment often experience difficulties in learning new information, creative thinking, and making sound judgments. Loss of ability in hearing, speech, and sight (Choice A) is more closely related to sensory impairments rather than cognitive impairment. Endurance, strength, and mobility (Choice B) are more associated with physical capabilities rather than cognitive functions. Balance, flexibility, and coordination (Choice D) are related to motor skills and physical coordination, not cognitive impairment.

3. When a nurse from the surgical department is reassigned to the pediatric unit, the charge nurse should recognize that the child at highest risk for cardiac arrest and is the least likely to be assigned to this nurse is which child?

• A. Congenital cardiac defects
• B. An acute febrile illness
• C. Prolonged hypoxemia
• D. Severe multiple trauma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Prolonged hypoxemia.' Prolonged hypoxemia is a critical condition that requires specialized pediatric care due to the high risk of cardiac arrest. The other choices, such as congenital cardiac defects, acute febrile illness, and severe multiple trauma, may also require attention, but prolonged hypoxemia poses the highest risk for cardiac arrest and demands specialized expertise in managing pediatric patients with this condition.

4. A client with a history of alcoholism is admitted to the hospital for detoxification. The nurse knows that the client's risk for withdrawal symptoms is greatest within:

• A. 2-4 hours
• B. 4-6 hours
• C. 6-12 hours
• D. 12-24 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 12-24 hours. Withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 12-24 hours after the last drink. This period is when the client is at the highest risk for experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the typical timeline for alcohol withdrawal symptoms to manifest. Symptoms usually peak within the first 24 to 48 hours after the last drink, making the 12-24 hour window critical for monitoring and managing any potential withdrawal complications.

5. The multidisciplinary home health care team is discussing a female client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The home health care nurse reports the client is getting worse, and her husband is no longer able to care for her in the home. Which action should the home health nurse implement first?

• A. Request a chaplain to counsel the couple.
• B. Assign a home health care aide to provide daily care.
• C. Discuss placing the wife in a nursing home with the husband.
• D. Contact the client's children to discuss the situation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In situations where a client's condition worsens and the caregiver is no longer able to provide sufficient care, the first action to implement is to assign a home health care aide to provide daily care. This ensures that the client's immediate needs are met and that they receive proper care and support. Requesting a chaplain for counseling (Choice A) may be beneficial but is not the most urgent action. Discussing placing the wife in a nursing home (Choice C) should only be considered after assessing the client's needs and exploring all other options. Contacting the client's children (Choice D) can be helpful but does not address the immediate need for daily care that the client requires.

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