Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL.
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L.
• C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg.
• D. Urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours indicates oliguria, which is a concerning sign of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of kidney function.\n\nChoice A (Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL) is elevated but not the most urgent concern in this scenario. Choice B (Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L) reflects metabolic acidosis, which is expected in DKA but does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg) is slightly elevated but not acutely concerning in the context of DKA.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy. Which finding indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. The client is able to expectorate secretions easily.
• B. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%.
• C. The client's respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
• D. The client's arterial blood gases show a pH of 7.35.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with COPD receiving oxygen therapy, an effective response is indicated by a respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute. This suggests that the client is effectively oxygenating while maintaining an appropriate respiratory rate. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because expectorating secretions easily, having an oxygen saturation of 92%, and arterial blood gases showing a pH of 7.35 are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of oxygen therapy in COPD. Oxygen saturation of 92% may still be suboptimal in COPD, and arterial blood gases showing a pH of 7.35 may not necessarily reflect the overall effectiveness of oxygen therapy.

3. 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.

4. A community health nurse is addressing the issue of elder abuse in the community. Which intervention should be prioritized?

• A. providing education on the signs of elder abuse
• B. setting up a support group for elder abuse survivors
• C. partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols
• D. creating a confidential hotline for reporting abuse

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The prioritized intervention for addressing elder abuse in the community should be the creation of a confidential hotline for reporting abuse. A confidential hotline offers a safe and accessible way for individuals to report elder abuse and seek help promptly. Providing education on the signs of elder abuse (Choice A) is important but may not directly address immediate reporting and intervention needs. Setting up a support group for elder abuse survivors (Choice B) is beneficial for emotional support but may not address the primary need for reporting abuse. Partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols (Choice C) focuses on prevention rather than providing a direct reporting mechanism for victims.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Chest pain.
• B. Shortness of breath.
• C. Tachycardia.
• D. Cyanosis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxemia and indicates severe oxygen deprivation, necessitating immediate intervention in a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia are also concerning symptoms in pulmonary embolism; however, cyanosis signifies critical oxygen deficiency and warrants urgent attention to prevent further complications.

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