Nursing Elites

1. A client is suspected of being poisoned and presents with symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth. The nurse should consider these findings consistent with which potential bioterrorism agent?

• A. ricin
• B. botulism toxin
• C. sulfur mustard
• D. yersinia pestis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: botulism toxin. Botulism toxin is associated with symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth, which are consistent with the client's presentation. Ricin (Choice A) typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms. Sulfur mustard (Choice C) is a blistering agent causing skin, eye, and respiratory issues. Yersinia pestis (Choice D) is associated with the bubonic plague, presenting with fever, malaise, and buboes.

2. A Hispanic client confides in the nurse that she is concerned that staff may give her newborn the 'evil eye.' The nurse should communicate to other personnel that the appropriate approach is to

• A. Touch the baby after looking at him
• B. Talk very slowly while speaking to him
• C. Avoid touching the child
• D. Look only at the parents

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In some Hispanic cultures, touching the baby after looking at them is believed to prevent the 'evil eye.' Respecting this cultural belief can help build trust and comfort with the client. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific cultural concern raised by the client. Talking slowly or avoiding touching the child does not relate to the belief in the 'evil eye.' Similarly, focusing only on the parents does not address the client's worry about the newborn receiving the 'evil eye.'

3. 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.

4. For whom is the community health nurse primarily responsible?

• A. individuals
• B. populations
• C. families
• D. class E citizens

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Community health nurses are primarily responsible for populations. While they do provide care and support to individuals and families within the community, their focus is on the health and well-being of entire populations. Choice A is incorrect as the primary responsibility is broader than just individuals. Choice C is incorrect as families are part of the population but not the sole focus. Choice D, 'class E citizens', is too specific and not a standard term in public health, making it an incorrect choice.

5. A school nurse is assessing a child who has frequent absences from school due to asthma. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Teaching the child how to use an inhaler
• B. Assessing the child's asthma management plan
• C. Discussing the importance of school attendance with the parents
• D. Referring the child to a pulmonologist

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the child's asthma management plan. This is the priority action as it allows the nurse to evaluate the current treatment regimen, identify any gaps or areas for improvement, and ensure that the plan is being effectively implemented. Teaching the child how to use an inhaler (Choice A) may be important but should come after assessing the management plan. Discussing the importance of school attendance with the parents (Choice C) is secondary to ensuring proper asthma management. Referring the child to a pulmonologist (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the priority at this stage; first, the nurse needs to evaluate the current plan in place.

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