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. Postoperative orders for a client undergoing a mitral valve replacement include monitoring pulmonary artery pressure together with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with a pulmonary artery catheter. This action by the nurse will assess

• A. Right ventricular pressure
• B. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
• C. Acid-Base balance
• D. Coronary artery stability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is used to assess left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. This measurement provides valuable information on the filling pressure of the left ventricle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because monitoring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure does not directly assess right ventricular pressure, acid-base balance, or coronary artery stability.

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. The nurse is caring for a client with status epilepticus. The most important nursing assessment of this client is

• A. Intravenous fluid infusion
• B. Level of consciousness
• C. Pulse and respirations
• D. Extremities for injuries

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In status epilepticus, the most crucial nursing assessment is the level of consciousness. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is vital as prolonged seizures can result in hypoxia, brain damage, and require immediate intervention. Pulse and respirations (choice C) are important assessments, but in status epilepticus, the priority is to monitor the client's neurological status. Checking intravenous fluid infusion (choice A) and extremities for injuries (choice D) are not the primary assessments needed in managing a client experiencing status epilepticus.

5. During a visit to the community health clinic, a 45-year-old Native American female, who has a BMI of 35, complains of changes in her vision. Which condition is most important for the RN to be aware of in the client's family history?

• A. Diabetes
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Hypertension
• D. Brain Tumor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diabetes. Given the client's Native American ethnicity, high BMI, and vision changes, diabetes is the most crucial condition for the nurse to be aware of in the client's family history. Diabetes is strongly associated with vision problems, especially diabetic retinopathy. Glaucoma (choice B) is a condition that affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss but is not as directly linked to the client's BMI and ethnic background. Hypertension (choice C) can also impact vision, but in this case, diabetes takes precedence based on the client's profile. Brain tumor (choice D) is less likely to be related to the client's BMI, ethnicity, and vision changes compared to diabetes.

Similar Questions