Nursing Elites

1. While performing a physical assessment on a 6-month-old infant, the nurse observes head lag. Which of the following nursing actions should the nurse perform first?

• A. Ask the parents to allow the infant to lie on his stomach to promote muscle development.
• B. Notify the physician because a developmental or neurological evaluation is indicated.
• C. Document the findings as abnormal in the nurse's notes.
• D. Explain to the parents that their child is likely to have developmental delays.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Head lag should be completely resolved by 4 months of age. Continuing head lag at 6 months of age indicates the need for further developmental or neurological evaluation. Laying the infant on his stomach promotes muscle development of the neck and shoulder muscles, but because of the age of this child, a referral should be the first action. The findings are abnormal for a 6-month-old infant. Significant head lag can be seen in infants with Down syndrome and hypoxia, as well as neurological and other metabolic disorders. While some of these disorders might include developmental delays, stating this to the parents without a proper evaluation can cause unnecessary distress. The priority is to identify the cause of the head lag through a medical evaluation before discussing potential outcomes with the parents.

2. What is one of the main goals of Healthy People 2010?

• A. reduction of health care costs
• B. elimination of health disparities
• C. investigation of substance abuse
• D. determination of an acceptable morbidity rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main goal of Healthy People 2010 is the elimination of health disparities among the U.S. population. This initiative outlines specific objectives to improve the overall health of Americans by addressing disparities in health outcomes. Choice A, reduction of health care costs, is not the primary goal of Healthy People 2010, although it may be a beneficial outcome. Choice C, investigation of substance abuse, is not a main goal of Healthy People 2010; while substance abuse may be a factor in health disparities, the primary focus is on broader disparities. Choice D, determination of an acceptable morbidity rate, is not the main focus of Healthy People 2010; instead, it aims to address health disparities in different population groups.

3. While assisting with data collection on a client, a nurse hears a bruit over the abdominal aorta. What action should the nurse prioritize based on this finding?

• A. Document the finding
• B. Palpate the area for a mass
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Percuss the abdomen to check for tympany

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Detection of a bruit over the aorta during abdominal assessment may indicate the presence of an aneurysm. The nurse's priority action should be to notify the healthcare provider to further evaluate the situation. Palpating the area or percussing the abdomen could potentially increase the risk of an aneurysm rupture. While documenting the finding is important, the priority is to ensure timely intervention by involving the healthcare provider.

4. A nurse observes a nursing assistant communicating with a hearing-impaired client in later adulthood. The nurse should intervene if the nursing assistant performs which action?

• A. Uses short sentences
• B. Speaks at a normal rate and volume
• C. Uses facial expressions or gestures
• D. Overarticulates words

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Overarticulates words.' When communicating with a hearing-impaired client who may rely on lip-reading, it is essential to speak clearly at a normal rate and volume. Overarticulating words can distort lip movements, making it harder for the client to understand. Using short sentences helps in conveying information effectively, allowing the client time to process. While facial expressions and gestures provide additional visual cues that aid in communication, overarticulating words can be counterproductive in this scenario. Therefore, the nursing assistant should avoid overarticulating words to ensure clear and concise communication for the client.

5. A nurse is preparing to listen to the apical heart rate in the area of the mitral valve in an adult client. The nurse should place the stethoscope on which part of the client's chest?

• A. Second left interspace
• B. Second right interspace
• C. Left lower sternal border
• D. Fifth left interspace at the midclavicular line

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct placement for auscultating the apical heart rate in the area of the mitral valve is the fifth left interspace at the midclavicular line. Placing the stethoscope in the second left interspace would be to listen to the pulmonic valve, the second right interspace is for the aortic valve, and the left lower sternal border is for the tricuspid valve.

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