Nursing Elites

1. What is the measure of the number of existing cases of a disease in a specific population at a given time?

• A. Incidence
• B. Prevalence
• C. Mortality rate
• D. Morbidity rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prevalence is the correct answer as it refers to the number of existing cases of a disease in a specific population at a given time. Incidence, on the other hand, refers to the number of new cases of a disease in a defined population over a specific period. Mortality rate is the measure of the number of deaths in a particular population due to a specific cause, while morbidity rate is the frequency of a disease in a specific population.

2. During the beginning shift assessment of a client with asthma who is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters per minute, the nurse would be most concerned about which unreported finding?

• A. Pulse oximetry reading of 89%
• B. Crackles at the base of the lungs on auscultation
• C. Rapid shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes
• D. Excessive thirst with a dry cracked tongue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rapid, shallow respirations with intermittent wheezes are concerning as they indicate a potential worsening of the client's asthma. This finding suggests airway narrowing, which can lead to respiratory failure. Immediate intervention is required to address this respiratory distress. A pulse oximetry reading of 89% is low and indicates hypoxemia, but the respiratory pattern described in option C takes priority as it directly reflects the client's respiratory status. Crackles at the base of the lungs suggest fluid accumulation, which is important but not as immediately critical as the respiratory distress in asthma. Excessive thirst and a dry cracked tongue may indicate dehydration, which is relevant but not as urgent as the respiratory compromise presented in option C.

3. Several employees who have a 10-year or longer history of smoking ask the occupational nurse for assistance with smoking cessation. The RN develops a 2-month program that includes weekly group sessions on lifestyle changes and use of OTC products. Which measurement provides the best indication of the program's effectiveness?

• A. Encourage the employees to disclose if they have joined another smoking cessation group.
• B. Ask the employees to inform the group if they stop smoking and if they start back up again.
• C. Survey the employees about their smoking habits.
• D. Observe if the employees are smoking in the designated smoking areas.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Surveying the employees about their smoking habits provides measurable data on program effectiveness. By collecting data directly from the employees through surveys, the occupational nurse can track changes in smoking habits, frequency, and quantity of cigarettes smoked. This direct feedback allows for a more accurate assessment of the program's impact on smoking cessation. Choices A and B rely on self-disclosure and may not provide reliable or objective data. Choice D does not directly measure changes in smoking habits but rather observes behavior in designated areas, which may not reflect overall smoking cessation progress.

4. The client with asthma who is sensitive to house dust-mites is being instructed by the nurse. Which information about prevention of asthma episodes would be the most helpful to include during the teaching?

• A. Change the pillow covers every month
• B. Wash bed linens in warm water with a cold rinse
• C. Wash and rinse the bed linens in hot water
• D. Use air filters in the furnace system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to wash and rinse the bed linens in hot water to help eliminate dust mites, a common trigger for asthma episodes. Washing in hot water is more effective in killing dust mites compared to warm water. Changing pillow covers every month may help but is not as effective as washing bed linens in hot water. Using air filters in the furnace system may improve air quality but does not directly target dust mites on bed linens.

5. Prior to initiating a community health program targeting teenage smoking, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. The incidence of smoking among the teenage population in this community.
• B. The amount of available funding for tobacco prevention education programs.
• C. The target objectives for teenage smoking described by Healthy People 2020.
• D. Satisfaction data from programs that targeted the teenage population in this community.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to obtain before initiating a community health program targeting teenage smoking is the incidence of smoking among the teenage population in the community. Understanding the prevalence of smoking will help in designing effective intervention strategies. Choice B about funding, while important, is secondary to understanding the scope of the issue. Choice C, the target objectives from Healthy People 2020, may provide guidance but are not as crucial as knowing the local prevalence. Choice D, satisfaction data from previous programs, does not provide essential information for planning a new program.

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