Nursing Elites

1. The nurse identifies a client's needs and formulates the nursing problem of 'Imbalance nutrition: Less than body requirements, related to mental impairment and decreased intake, as evidenced by increasing confusion and weight loss of more than 30 pounds over the last 6 months.' Which short-term goal is best for this client?

• A. Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.
• B. Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month.
• C. Have increased caloric intake.
• D. Show improved nutritional status.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct short-term goal for the client in this scenario is option A: 'Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.' This goal is specific, measurable, and time-bound, which aligns with the SMART criteria for goal setting in nursing care. It addresses the client's nutritional needs directly, focusing on increasing meal frequency to meet body requirements and counteract weight loss. Option B, 'Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month,' is not as suitable as it lacks specificity and a short-term timeline, making it less achievable within the immediate care plan. Option C, 'Have increased caloric intake,' is vague and does not provide a measurable target for the client to work towards. Option D, 'Show improved nutritional status,' is a broad goal that lacks the specificity needed for effective short-term goal setting in nursing care. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for this client's short-term goal.

2. A graduate nursing student requests information, including laboratory findings and chest x-ray results, about all clients with symptoms of H1N1 who have been seen during the last month in a community health clinic. Which action should the charge nurse take?

• A. Ask if permission has been obtained from the research committee.
• B. Ask the student to sign a standard waiver form.
• C. Obtain written authorization from clients to release the information.
• D. Provide the information for research purposes only.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse to take is to obtain written authorization from clients to release the information. This step is crucial to ensure compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards. Asking for permission from the research committee (Choice A) may not address the individual clients' rights to privacy. Asking the student to sign a standard waiver form (Choice B) is not appropriate, as the authorization should come from the clients themselves. Providing the information for research purposes only (Choice D) without proper authorization violates client confidentiality and privacy.

3. A client who has active tuberculosis (TB) is admitted to the medical unit. What action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Wear a gown and gloves.
• B. Have the client wear a mask.
• C. Perform hand hygiene.
• D. Assign the client to a negative air-flow room.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to assign the client to a negative air-flow room (Choice D). Active tuberculosis requires implementation of airborne precautions, including isolating the client in a negative pressure air-flow room to prevent the spread of the infection to others. Choice A (Wear a gown and gloves) is important for standard precautions but does not address the specific airborne precautions needed for tuberculosis. Choice B (Have the client wear a mask) may help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets but does not provide adequate protection for healthcare workers or other patients. Choice C (Perform hand hygiene) is essential for infection control but is not the most critical action when dealing with an airborne infection like tuberculosis.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
• C. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute.
• D. Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week in a client with hyperthyroidism is concerning as it may indicate severe hypermetabolism, leading to potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other metabolic disturbances. Rapid weight loss in hyperthyroidism indicates an accelerated metabolic rate and increased energy expenditure, which can be detrimental to the client's health. The other assessment findings (heart rate of 100 beats per minute, blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg, respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute) are commonly seen in clients with hyperthyroidism and may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless they are significantly outside the normal range or causing distress to the client.

5. The parish nurse notes that an elderly male client has had a 5 lbs weight loss since his check-up one month ago. The client has good hygiene, still drives a car, and lives alone. To which agency should the nurse refer this client?

• A. the adult day care center
• B. the social security administration office
• C. the women, infants, and children office
• D. the senior citizen center

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: the senior citizen center.' In this scenario, the elderly male client is experiencing unexplained weight loss, which could be indicative of underlying health issues or social isolation. Referring him to the senior citizen center is appropriate as it can provide social support, resources, and programs tailored to address the client's weight loss and overall well-being. Choice A, the adult day care center, is not the most suitable option as the client is still independent and living alone. Choice B, the social security administration office, and Choice C, the women, infants, and children office, are not relevant in this context and do not address the client's specific needs related to weight loss and social support.

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