Nursing Elites

1. A client comes into the community health center upset and crying stating, “I will die of cancer now that I have this disease.” And then the client hands the nurse a paper with one word written on it: 'Pheochromocytoma.' Which response should the nurse state initially?

• A. 'Pheochromocytomas usually aren't cancerous (malignant). But they may be associated with cancerous tumors in other endocrine glands such as the thyroid (medullary carcinoma of the thyroid).'
• B. 'This problem is diagnosed by blood and urine tests that reveal elevated levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline.'
• C. 'Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to detect an adrenal tumor.'
• D. 'You probably have had episodes of sweating, heart pounding, and headaches.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct initial response for the nurse to provide in this situation is to offer reassurance. Stating that 'Pheochromocytomas usually aren't cancerous (malignant)' helps to alleviate the client's anxiety and fear of having cancer. This response also establishes a foundation for further discussion about the condition, allowing the nurse to address the client's concerns and provide accurate information. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses solely on the diagnostic tests for pheochromocytoma but does not address the client's emotional distress. Choice C is incorrect as it discusses imaging modalities without directly addressing the client's concerns. Choice D is also incorrect as it assumes symptoms without first addressing the client's emotional state and fear of cancer.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following best describes the goal of primary health care?

• A. Treating chronic diseases
• B. Providing specialized medical services
• C. Promoting health and preventing illness
• D. Conducting medical research

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Promoting health and preventing illness.' Primary health care aims to provide essential health services, promote health, prevent diseases, and manage common health problems. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because primary health care focuses on a holistic approach to health that includes health promotion, disease prevention, treatment of common illnesses, and community participation, rather than specialized services, chronic disease treatment, or medical research.

4. The client with asthma who is sensitive to house dust-mites is being instructed by the nurse. Which information about prevention of asthma episodes would be the most helpful to include during the teaching?

• A. Change the pillow covers every month
• B. Wash bed linens in warm water with a cold rinse
• C. Wash and rinse the bed linens in hot water
• D. Use air filters in the furnace system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to wash and rinse the bed linens in hot water to help eliminate dust mites, a common trigger for asthma episodes. Washing in hot water is more effective in killing dust mites compared to warm water. Changing pillow covers every month may help but is not as effective as washing bed linens in hot water. Using air filters in the furnace system may improve air quality but does not directly target dust mites on bed linens.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased anteroposterior diameter
• B. Hyperresonance on percussion
• C. Increased breath sounds
• D. Prolonged expiratory phase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prolonged expiratory phase. In COPD, there is airflow obstruction leading to difficulty in exhaling air. This results in a prolonged expiratory phase. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Decreased anteroposterior diameter is associated with conditions like barrel chest in emphysema, not COPD. Hyperresonance on percussion is typical in conditions like emphysema, not necessarily in COPD. Increased breath sounds are not a typical finding in COPD; instead, diminished breath sounds may be present due to air trapping.

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