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. The RN is making a home visit to a female client with end-stage heart disease. She has a living will and states she will never go back to the hospital. During the visit, the RN notes that the client is pale and SOB while speaking. The RN discovers 3+ edema in both ankles and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Which intervention should the RN implement first?

• A. Order a chest X-ray
• B. Obtain a peripheral O2 saturation reading
• C. Obtain an order for complete blood count
• D. Tell the patient to stay in bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Obtaining a peripheral O2 saturation reading is the priority intervention in this scenario. It helps assess the client's oxygenation status quickly, which is crucial in a client with signs of respiratory distress, such as shortness of breath and bilateral pulmonary crackles. Ordering a chest X-ray (Choice A) may be necessary later but does not address the immediate need for oxygen assessment. Obtaining an order for a complete blood count (Choice C) is not the priority in this situation as it does not directly address the client's respiratory distress. Instructing the patient to stay in bed (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue of potential hypoxia and respiratory compromise.

3. What components should a nurse include when conducting a community health assessment?

• A. Personal health history of community members
• B. Number of hospitals in the community
• C. Demographic data, health status indicators, and community resources
• D. Results of laboratory tests

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When conducting a community health assessment, it is essential to gather demographic data (such as age, gender, ethnicity), health status indicators (like prevalence of diseases, mortality rates), and information on community resources (such as healthcare facilities, social services). These components help in understanding the health needs of the community and planning appropriate interventions. Choices A, B, and D are not typically part of a community health assessment as they focus on individual health data or specific medical information rather than the broader population health perspective required for community assessments.

4. A client with HIV/AIDS is receiving zidovudine (Retrovir). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Anemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Anemia. Zidovudine (Retrovir) can cause bone marrow suppression, leading to anemia. Monitoring for signs of anemia, such as fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath, is crucial. Choice A, Hyperglycemia, is not a common adverse effect of zidovudine. Choice C, Hypertension, is not directly associated with zidovudine use. Choice D, Hypercalcemia, is also not a typical adverse effect of zidovudine.

5. The school nurse is called to the playground for an episode of mouth trauma. The nurse finds that the front tooth of a 9-year-old child has been avulsed (knocked out). After recovering the tooth, the initial response should be to

• A. Rinse the tooth in water before placing it in the socket
• B. Place the tooth in a clean plastic bag for transport to the dentist
• C. Hold the tooth by the roots until reaching the emergency room
• D. Ask the child to replace the tooth even if the bleeding continues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct immediate action after recovering an avulsed tooth is to rinse it with water and place it back in the socket. This helps preserve the tooth and increases the chances of successful re-implantation. Placing the tooth in a clean plastic bag for transport to the dentist (choice B) is not ideal as immediate re-implantation is preferred. Holding the tooth by the roots until reaching the emergency room (choice C) can further damage the tooth. Asking the child to replace the tooth even if bleeding continues (choice D) is incorrect and may lead to improper re-implantation.

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