Nursing Elites

1. A client has been tentatively diagnosed with Graves' disease (hyperthyroidism). Which of these findings noted on the initial nursing assessment requires quick intervention by the nurse?

• A. A report of 10 pounds weight loss in the last month
• B. A comment by the client 'I just can't sit still.'
• C. The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets
• D. A report of the sudden onset of irritability in the past 2 weeks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The appearance of eyeballs that appear to 'pop' out of the client's eye sockets, known as exophthalmos, requires quick intervention as it is a severe symptom of Graves' disease. Exophthalmos can indicate an acute condition and may lead to serious complications such as optic nerve damage or corneal ulceration. Weight loss, restlessness, and irritability are common manifestations of hyperthyroidism but do not pose immediate risks compared to the ocular complications associated with exophthalmos.

2. After completing an assessment and determining that a client has a problem, what should the LPN/LVN do next?

• A. Determine the etiology of the problem.
• B. Prioritize nursing care interventions.
• C. Plan appropriate interventions.
• D. Collaborate with the client to set goals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After identifying a problem in a client, the next step for the LPN/LVN is to determine the etiology or cause of the problem. Understanding the root cause of the issue is essential as it guides the development of appropriate interventions. Option B, prioritizing nursing care interventions, is premature without knowing the cause of the problem. Option C, planning appropriate interventions, also relies on knowing the etiology first to ensure the interventions directly address the underlying issue. Collaborating with the client to set goals, as mentioned in option D, is important but typically comes after understanding the cause of the problem to ensure the goals are relevant and effective.

3. While being educated by a nurse, an assistive personnel (AP) is learning about proper hand hygiene. Which statement made by the AP indicates a good understanding of the teaching?

• A. There are times I should use soap and water rather than alcohol-based hand rub to clean my hands.
• B. I can use alcohol-based hand rub after using the restroom.
• C. Soap and water are only necessary if my hands are visibly dirty.
• D. Hand rub is always sufficient, regardless of the situation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because it demonstrates an understanding that soap and water should be used when hands are visibly dirty or when dealing with specific pathogens. Choice A is incorrect because it suggests the use of soap and water over alcohol-based hand rub without specifying the circumstances. Choice B is incorrect as it implies that using alcohol-based hand rub after using the restroom is always suitable. Choice D is incorrect because it states that hand rub is always enough, which is not true when hands are visibly soiled or when specific pathogens are present.

4. A client in a provider’s office tells the nurse that, 'I fast for several days each week to help control my weight.' The client takes several medications for various chronic issues. The nurse should explain to the client that which of the following mechanisms that result from fasting puts her at risk for medication toxicity?

• A. Increasing the metabolism of the medications over time
• B. Increasing the protein-binding response
• C. Increasing medications’ transit time through the intestines
• D. Decreasing the excretion of medications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fasting can lead to an increased protein-binding response of medications. This can result in a higher concentration of bound medications in the bloodstream, potentially causing toxicity as the medications may not be readily available for metabolism or excretion. Choice A is incorrect because fasting typically doesn't increase medication metabolism. Choice C is incorrect as fasting usually decreases transit time through the intestines. Choice D is incorrect since fasting generally does not decrease medication excretion.

5. A charge nurse is discussing the responsibility of nurses caring for clients who have a Clostridium difficile infection. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Assign the client to a room with a negative air-flow system.
• B. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when leaving the client's room.
• C. Clean contaminated surfaces in the client's room with a phenol solution.
• D. Have family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for clients with Clostridium difficile infection, it is important to prevent the transmission of spores. Having family members wear a gown and gloves when visiting helps reduce the spread of the infection. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because assigning the client to a room with a negative air-flow system, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and cleaning surfaces with a phenol solution are not specific measures targeted at preventing the transmission of Clostridium difficile spores.

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