Nursing Elites

1. A client with a head injury is admitted to the hospital. Which finding indicates a need for immediate intervention?

• A. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15.
• B. Pupils are equal and reactive to light.
• C. Client is drowsy but arousable.
• D. Client does not remember the events leading to the injury.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with a head injury, being drowsy but still arousable can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, which necessitates immediate intervention. This presentation may indicate a deterioration in neurological status, requiring prompt assessment and management to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of an immediate need for intervention in this scenario. A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15 indicates the highest level of consciousness; pupils being equal and reactive to light suggest intact cranial nerve function, and memory loss about the injury event is common in head injuries and does not necessarily warrant immediate intervention.

2. While assessing a client receiving a blood transfusion, which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Temperature of 100.4°F (38°C).
• B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.
• C. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
• D. Complaints of feeling cold.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A heart rate of 90 beats per minute requires immediate intervention when assessing a client receiving a blood transfusion. This finding can indicate a potential transfusion reaction, such as a hemolytic reaction or fluid overload, which requires prompt evaluation and management to prevent serious complications. While a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) may indicate a mild fever, it is not typically an immediate concern during a blood transfusion. A blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not necessitate immediate intervention. Complaints of feeling cold can be addressed but do not indicate an urgent need for intervention compared to the critical nature of a potential transfusion reaction indicated by an elevated heart rate.

3. During a home visit, the nurse observes that an elderly client has numerous bruises on her arms and appears fearful of her caregiver. What should the nurse do first?

• A. report the findings to adult protective services
• B. ask the client how she got the bruises
• C. document the observations in the client's medical record
• D. discuss the observations with the caregiver

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial step for the nurse should be to ask the client how she got the bruises. This approach allows the nurse to directly assess the situation, gather information from the client, and potentially uncover signs of abuse. Reporting to adult protective services should come after obtaining more details from the client to ensure appropriate action. Documenting the observations is important but should follow gathering information from the client. Discussing the observations with the caregiver may not be appropriate as the caregiver could be the source of abuse, and involving them first may jeopardize the client's safety.

4. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which laboratory result indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. International normalized ratio (INR) of 1.0.
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds.
• C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 60 seconds.
• D. International normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An International Normalized Ratio (INR) of 2.5 indicates that warfarin therapy is within the therapeutic range for a client with atrial fibrillation. A lower INR (such as 1.0) would suggest subtherapeutic levels, risking blood clots. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) are not specific to monitoring warfarin therapy.

5. To prepare a presentation on the greatest health concern facing the city, how should the health nurse begin collecting data?

• A. Review morbidity data for the city's population compiled by the Bureau of Vital Statistics
• B. Conduct a random telephone survey to determine the public's perception about health problems
• C. Survey major hospitals in the area to determine the most common reasons for admissions
• D. Call American Medical Association members to determine the most frequently treated diagnoses

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to review morbidity data for the city's population compiled by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Morbidity data provides detailed and accurate information on the health issues prevalent in the city's population. This data is essential as it reflects actual health conditions rather than perceptions or specific hospital data. Conducting a telephone survey (choice B) may provide subjective opinions rather than objective data. Surveying hospitals (choice C) may only capture data on hospitalized cases and may not represent the entire population. Contacting American Medical Association members (choice D) may provide insights into medical treatments but may not reflect the overall health concerns of the city's population.

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