Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 75-year-old client in congestive heart failure. Which finding suggests that digitalis levels should be reviewed?

• A. Extreme fatigue
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Intense itching
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Extreme fatigue can be a sign of digitalis toxicity, especially in older adults, and warrants a review of the client's medication levels and potential adjustment. Increased appetite, intense itching, and constipation are not typically associated with digitalis toxicity and do not directly indicate a need for a review of digitalis levels.

2. When discussing hypothyroidism and treatment with the family of a newborn, the nurse should emphasize

• A. Expecting mental retardation in the child is likely
• B. Administering thyroid hormone can prevent problems
• C. This rare problem is always hereditary
• D. Physical growth/development will be delayed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Administering thyroid hormone to a newborn diagnosed with hypothyroidism can prevent developmental delays and mental retardation. This treatment is crucial to ensure optimal growth and development. Choice A is incorrect because with prompt treatment, mental retardation can be prevented. Choice C is incorrect as hypothyroidism can also be acquired and not only hereditary. Choice D is incorrect as physical growth and development can be supported through timely administration of thyroid hormone.

3. A nurse is planning a nutrition class for a group of senior citizens at a community center and wants to emphasize the amount and types of fat in some foods versus others. What is the best teaching method for the nurse to use?

• A. Display posters with foods and inform seniors about fat content.
• B. Determine the foods most often eaten by this group and discuss the nutritional panel of each product.
• C. Show a movie about cooking with foods that are low in fat but delicious.
• D. Ask each senior to bring a food for others to taste, then estimate the fat content in these foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best teaching method for the nurse in this scenario is to determine the foods most often eaten by the group and discuss the nutritional panel of each product. This approach directly educates the seniors about the fat content in the foods they commonly consume, making the information more relevant and applicable to their daily lives. Choice A, displaying posters with foods, may not engage the seniors effectively or provide detailed information about fat content. Choice C, showing a movie about cooking with low-fat foods, may not address the specific fat content of the seniors' usual food choices. Choice D, asking seniors to bring foods for tasting and estimating fat content, could be subjective and less educational compared to discussing concrete nutritional information from food labels.

4. The nurse is preparing an orientation class for new employees at an inner city clinic that serves a low-income population. Which information should the nurse include in the presentation to these new employees?

• A. A lack of transportation is a major barrier for the clinic's clients.
• B. Basic physiologic needs are likely to be unmet in this clinic's client population.
• C. Printed material is less effective for this population with limited reading skills.
• D. Group education classes are often poorly attended by non-compliant clients.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because addressing basic physiologic needs is crucial for low-income populations. Ensuring that basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety are met is essential for these clients to engage effectively in their healthcare. Choice A talks about transportation, which can be a barrier but may not be the major impediment. Choice C focuses on printed material and reading skills, which are important but not as fundamental as addressing basic physiologic needs. Choice D makes assumptions about client attendance based on compliance, which is not the most critical information to include in an orientation about serving a low-income population.

5. The client with atrial fibrillation is being taught about the use of Coumadin (warfarin) at home. Which of these should be emphasized to the client to avoid?

• A. Large indoor gatherings
• B. Exposure to sunlight
• C. Active physical exercise
• D. Foods rich in vitamin K

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Foods rich in vitamin K. Foods rich in vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of Coumadin (warfarin) by promoting blood clotting. It is crucial for clients on this medication to maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and avoid sudden dietary changes. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not directly related to the interaction of Coumadin (warfarin) with vitamin K. Large indoor gatherings, exposure to sunlight, and active physical exercise do not have a significant impact on the effectiveness of Coumadin (warfarin) in comparison to the interaction with foods rich in vitamin K.

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