Nursing Elites

1. The home health nurse visits a young male client with AIDS who has Kaposi's sarcoma and peripheral neuropathies. His parents, who are the caregivers, tell the nurse that their son sleeps most of the time. The nurse assesses that the client is semi-conscious with stable vital signs, cries out in pain when turned or moved, has a Duragesic pain patch in place, and skin lesions that are closed and dried. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. remove the Duragesic patch as directed by the prescription
• B. give the client a complete bed bath to further assess the client's condition
• C. discuss end-of-life decisions with the client's parents
• D. call for ambulance transportation to the hospital immediately

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client with AIDS is showing signs of being in a critical condition - semi-conscious, in pain, and with stable vital signs. The appropriate intervention for the nurse to implement is to discuss end-of-life decisions with the client's parents. Given the client's symptoms, the presence of a pain patch, and the closed and dried skin lesions, it is essential to address end-of-life care planning. Removing the Duragesic patch without proper authorization can lead to inadequate pain management and should not be done without consulting the healthcare provider. Giving a complete bed bath is not the priority in this situation as it does not address the immediate needs of the client. Calling for ambulance transportation to the hospital immediately may not be necessary if the client is stable; instead, the focus should be on providing appropriate support and having critical discussions about the client's care preferences.

2. The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take levothyroxine (Synthroid) at bedtime.
• B. Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take a double dose if a dose is missed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism is to take the medication on an empty stomach. This is important because taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach ensures better absorption of the medication. Choice A, taking levothyroxine at bedtime, is incorrect as it does not promote optimal absorption. Choice B, increasing fiber intake to prevent constipation, is important but not the priority when it comes to medication administration. Choice D, taking a double dose if a dose is missed, is dangerous and should never be advised as it can lead to overdose and serious side effects.

3. A 9-year-old is hospitalized for neutropenia and is placed in reverse isolation. The child asks the nurse, 'Why do you have to wear a gown and mask when you are in my room?' How should the nurse respond?

• A. To protect myself from your germs.
• B. To protect you because you can get an infection very easily.
• C. Until your white blood cell count increases.
• D. To keep others from getting your infection.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reverse isolation precautions protect the client from exposure to microorganisms from others.

4. A client with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Amylase of 120 U/L.
• B. Lipase of 150 U/L.
• C. Calcium of 8.5 mg/dL.
• D. Temperature of 101°F (38.3°C).

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, a temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) can indicate infection, which is a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. Elevated amylase and lipase levels are common in acute pancreatitis but do not directly indicate the need for urgent intervention. A calcium level of 8.5 mg/dL is within the normal range and does not require immediate action in this context.

5. A public health nurse is evaluating a program designed to reduce the incidence of diabetes in the community. Which outcome indicates that the program is successful?

• A. increased participation in diabetes education sessions
• B. higher rates of blood glucose monitoring
• C. reduced incidence of diabetes-related complications
• D. greater knowledge of diabetes prevention methods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'reduced incidence of diabetes-related complications.' This outcome indicates that the program is successful because it shows that individuals are effectively managing their condition, leading to fewer complications. Increased participation in education sessions (choice A) and higher rates of blood glucose monitoring (choice B) are important but are more process indicators rather than direct outcomes of improved health. Greater knowledge of prevention methods (choice D) is beneficial but may not directly reflect a reduction in diabetes incidence or complications.

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