Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Oxygen saturation of 88%.
• B. Use of accessory muscles for breathing.
• C. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute.
• D. Barrel-shaped chest.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute is an abnormal finding and indicates that the client is experiencing respiratory distress, requiring immediate intervention. This rapid respiratory rate can signify inadequate oxygenation and ventilation. Oxygen saturation of 88% is low but not as immediately concerning as a high respiratory rate, which indicates the body is compensating for respiratory distress. The use of accessory muscles for breathing and a barrel-shaped chest are typical findings in clients with COPD but do not indicate an immediate need for intervention as they are more chronic in nature and may be seen in stable COPD patients.

2. A client with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Expiratory wheezes.
• B. Increased respiratory rate.
• C. Absence of breath sounds.
• D. Frequent coughing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absence of breath sounds. This finding is concerning in a client with asthma as it may indicate a severe asthma exacerbation, airway obstruction, or pneumothorax, all of which require immediate intervention. Absence of breath sounds suggests a lack of airflow in the lungs, which is a critical sign that should prompt immediate action. Expiratory wheezes (choice A) are common in asthma and may not warrant immediate intervention unless severe. An increased respiratory rate (choice B) is expected in a client with asthma experiencing shortness of breath, but it does not indicate an immediate threat to the airway. Frequent coughing (choice D) is a common symptom in asthma exacerbations but does not signify an immediate need for intervention as it can be managed with appropriate asthma treatments.

3. A public health nurse is working with a community to improve vaccination rates. Which intervention is most likely to be effective?

• A. Setting up vaccination clinics in accessible locations
• B. Distributing flyers with information about vaccines
• C. Offering incentives for getting vaccinated
• D. Partnering with local businesses to promote vaccination

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting up vaccination clinics in accessible locations is the most effective intervention to improve vaccination rates. This intervention ensures easy access to vaccination services for community members, removing barriers such as transportation or time constraints. Distributing flyers (Choice B) may increase awareness but may not directly address access issues. Offering incentives (Choice C) might temporarily boost vaccination rates but may not lead to sustained behavior change. Partnering with local businesses (Choice D) could be beneficial for promotion but may not directly impact vaccination accessibility.

4. During a follow-up home visit, the nurse observes that a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is using accessory muscles to breathe and has a pulse oximetry reading of 88%. What action should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer a prescribed bronchodilator
• B. Increase the oxygen flow rate
• C. Instruct the client to perform pursed-lip breathing
• D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should first instruct the client to perform pursed-lip breathing. Pursed-lip breathing helps improve oxygenation and decrease the work of breathing in clients with COPD. Administering a bronchodilator or increasing the oxygen flow rate may be necessary interventions but addressing the breathing technique through pursed-lip breathing is the initial action to optimize oxygenation. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is not the first action indicated in this scenario; the nurse should intervene promptly to assist the client in improving breathing before escalating the situation.

5. In conducting a health assessment for a family with a history of diabetes, which family member should be prioritized for further evaluation and intervention?

• A. a 50-year-old mother with a history of hypertension
• B. a 45-year-old father who is overweight and has high cholesterol
• C. a 17-year-old daughter who is inactive
• D. a 12-year-old son who has a normal weight and is active

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the 45-year-old father who is overweight and has high cholesterol. He possesses multiple risk factors for diabetes, indicating a need for prioritized evaluation and intervention. The mother's hypertension, the daughter's inactivity, and the son's normal weight and activity level are important factors to consider but do not present as immediate red flags for diabetes risk compared to the father's combination of being overweight and having high cholesterol.

Similar Questions