Nursing Elites

1. During the care of a client with Legionnaire's disease, which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?

• A. Pleuritic pain on inspiration
• B. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth
• C. A decrease in respiratory rate from 34 to 24
• D. Decrease in chest wall expansion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A decrease in chest wall expansion suggests that the client may be experiencing a serious complication, such as worsening pneumonia or respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical attention. This finding indicates a potential decrease in lung function, which could lead to respiratory distress. Pleuritic pain on inspiration may be related to the disease process but does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth may require attention but are not as critical as a decrease in chest wall expansion. A decrease in respiratory rate could be concerning but is not as urgent as a decrease in chest wall expansion, which directly impacts respiratory function.

2. A female client diagnosed with genital herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV 2) complains of dysuria, dyspareunia, leukorrhea, and lesions on the labia and perianal skin. A primary nursing action with the focus of comfort should be to

• A. Suggest 3 to 4 warm sitz baths per day
• B. Cleanse the genitalia twice a day with soap and water
• C. Spray warm water over genitalia after urination
• D. Apply heat or cold to lesions as desired

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to suggest 3 to 4 warm sitz baths per day. Warm sitz baths can soothe the irritated genital area, reduce pain, and promote healing of the lesions associated with genital herpes. Cleansing the genitalia with soap and water or spraying warm water over the genitalia after urination may further irritate the lesions. Applying heat or cold to lesions as desired may not provide the same level of comfort and healing as warm sitz baths.

3. In planning for the nursing care of the sick person in the home, the major point that the nurse must keep in mind is:

• A. who will be responsible for the patient during the nurse's absence from the home
• B. economic level of the family
• C. the availability of the nearest hospital
• D. whether or not the patient is under a private physician

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because ensuring someone is responsible for the patient is crucial for continuous care. The presence of a caregiver during the nurse's absence ensures the patient's safety and well-being. Choice B, economic level of the family, is important but not the major point when planning nursing care in the home. Choice C, the availability of the nearest hospital, is significant but doesn't address the day-to-day care in the home. Choice D, whether or not the patient is under a private physician, is relevant but not as critical as ensuring someone is available to care for the patient at all times.

4. A client has just returned to the medical-surgical unit following a segmental lung resection. After assessing the client, the first nursing action would be to:

• A. Administer pain medication
• B. Suction excessive tracheobronchial secretions
• C. Assist the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough
• D. Monitor oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a segmental lung resection, the priority nursing action should be to suction excessive tracheobronchial secretions. This helps in preventing airway obstruction from secretions, ensuring the patency of the airway and optimizing respiratory function. Administering pain medication can be important but addressing airway clearance takes precedence. Assisting the client to turn, deep breathe, and cough is essential for respiratory hygiene but not the first action immediately post-op. Monitoring oxygen saturation is crucial, but ensuring airway clearance is the priority to prevent complications.

5. A 16-year-old client is admitted to a psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of attempted suicide. The nurse is aware that the most frequent cause for suicide in adolescents is

• A. Progressive failure to adapt
• B. Feelings of anger or hostility
• C. Reunion wish or fantasy
• D. Feelings of alienation or isolation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Feelings of alienation or isolation are common triggers for suicidal behavior in adolescents. This sense of being disconnected or isolated from others can lead to despair and hopelessness, increasing the risk of suicidal ideation. Choices A, B, and C are less commonly associated with suicide in adolescents. Progressive failure to adapt may contribute to stress, but it is not typically the primary cause of suicide. Feelings of anger or hostility, while negative emotions, do not always lead to suicidal behavior in adolescents. Reunion wish or fantasy is not a recognized primary cause of suicide in this age group.

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