Nursing Elites

1. On a day when the temperature is expected to drop below freezing during the night, the nurse is asked to determine which homeless adults are most in need of the limited spaces available in a shelter. It is most important for which person to be admitted at night?

• A. an adult who was hit by a car 3 weeks ago
• B. a young person with diabetes mellitus
• C. a middle-aged person who has hypertension
• D. an older person who is malnourished

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnourished individuals are at higher risk of severe complications from cold exposure due to their weakened immune system and decreased ability to regulate body temperature. This places them at a greater risk of hypothermia and other cold-related conditions, making them the most vulnerable group in need of shelter. Choice A is not the most critical as the injury is from 3 weeks ago and should have received appropriate medical care by now. Choice B, a young person with diabetes mellitus, while vulnerable, can manage their condition with proper medication and care. Choice C, a middle-aged person with hypertension, may need monitoring but is less susceptible to immediate harm from cold exposure compared to a malnourished individual.

2. The school nurse who is reviewing immunization records of students who will start kindergarten within the next month notes that most of the students have only received one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Note in the student records that the second dose of the MMR vaccine should be administered prior to entering first grade
• B. Send notices home with the children on the first day of class advising that MMR vaccine series must be completed
• C. Contact kindergarten parents to remind them that the second dose of MMR is due at the start of the school year
• D. Speak at the next parent-teacher association meeting to teach parents the benefits of immunizing their children

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for the school nurse is to contact kindergarten parents to remind them that the second dose of the MMR vaccine is due at the start of the school year. This approach directly addresses the issue of incomplete vaccination coverage and ensures that children receive the complete vaccination on time. Choice A is incorrect as it only notes the need for the second dose without actively engaging parents. Choice B is not as effective as directly contacting parents and may lead to delays in completing the vaccination series. Choice D, while promoting immunization, does not directly address the current situation of incomplete MMR vaccination among the kindergarten students.

3. The nurse is assisting with the triage of clients at a large community disaster and finds a man lying on the ground, who states that the blast threw him out of a second-story window. Which action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Logroll the client to his side and assess for back injuries
• B. Perform a complete neurological assessment
• C. Open the client's airway immediately
• D. Place the nurse's hands around the client's neck to stabilize

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Opening the client's airway immediately is the priority in this scenario. Ensuring the airway is clear takes precedence over other actions as it is crucial for the client's breathing and oxygenation. Logrolling the client to assess for back injuries may worsen the condition if there are spinal injuries, so this should not be done as the first step. Performing a complete neurological assessment is important but not the immediate priority over ensuring the airway is clear. Placing the nurse's hands around the client's neck to stabilize is incorrect and could potentially harm the client, as neck stabilization should only be done if there is a suspected neck injury, which is not indicated in this case.

4. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is admitted with unilateral leg swelling. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Elevate the affected leg on a pillow.
• B. Apply a warm compress to the affected leg.
• C. Perform passive range-of-motion exercises on the affected leg.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and unilateral leg swelling is to elevate the affected leg on a pillow. Elevating the affected leg helps reduce swelling and pain by promoting venous return and preventing stasis of blood flow. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) may increase inflammation and worsen the condition. Performing passive range-of-motion exercises (Choice C) and encouraging ambulation (Choice D) can dislodge a clot and lead to potential embolism, making these choices contraindicated in a client with DVT.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with pneumonia who is receiving oxygen therapy. Which finding indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. The client's respiratory rate is 20 breaths per minute.
• B. The client's arterial blood gases show a pH of 7.35.
• C. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%.
• D. The client's breath sounds are clear.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute indicates effective oxygen therapy. In pneumonia, the respiratory rate typically increases due to the body's effort to improve oxygenation. Option B (pH of 7.35) is related to acid-base balance, not specifically indicating oxygen therapy effectiveness. Option C (oxygen saturation of 92%) is below the normal range (95-100%), suggesting the need for oxygen therapy. Option D (clear breath sounds) is a positive finding but not a direct indicator of oxygen therapy effectiveness.

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