Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which observation indicates that the chest tube is functioning effectively?

• A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber.
• B. Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber.
• C. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber.
• D. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Intermittent bubbling in the suction control chamber is the correct observation indicating effective functioning of the chest tube. This bubbling signifies that the suction system is working correctly and maintaining the desired negative pressure in the pleural space. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber suggests an air leak, which is not a normal finding. No fluctuation (tidaling) in the water-seal chamber may indicate a blockage or lack of communication between the pleural space and the water-seal, which is not ideal. Drainage of clear, pale yellow fluid from the chest tube is a normal finding, but it does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of the chest tube function.

2. A home health nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for several clients with heart failure. Which client finding would the nurse report to the health care provider immediately?

• A. Total cholesterol 190
• B. Glycosylated hemoglobin of 7%
• C. B-type natriuretic peptide 550 pg/ml (more than 100 is concerning)
• D. Potassium 3.7

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated B-type natriuretic peptide level indicates worsening heart failure, requiring immediate attention. This biomarker reflects the severity of heart failure and helps guide treatment decisions. Total cholesterol and glycosylated hemoglobin are important for assessing cardiovascular risk and diabetes management but are not indicative of acute heart failure exacerbation. A potassium level of 3.7 falls within the normal range and does not suggest an immediate concern in the context of heart failure.

3. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will use my albuterol inhaler before exercising.
• B. I will avoid secondhand smoke.
• C. I will get a flu shot every year.
• D. I will limit my fluid intake to 2 liters per day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using an albuterol inhaler before exercising is appropriate for clients with COPD to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

4. The healthcare provider is developing a health education program for pregnant women on the importance of prenatal care. Which topic should be prioritized?

• A. the benefits of breastfeeding
• B. nutrition and weight gain during pregnancy
• C. the stages of fetal development
• D. signs and symptoms of preterm labor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Prioritizing the discussion on signs and symptoms of preterm labor is essential as it empowers pregnant women to recognize warning signs promptly and seek medical assistance to prevent potential complications. Understanding preterm labor signs, such as abdominal cramping, pelvic pressure, or vaginal bleeding, can lead to early intervention and improve maternal and fetal outcomes. While topics like breastfeeding benefits, nutrition during pregnancy, and fetal development stages are important, identifying signs of preterm labor takes precedence due to its immediate impact on maternal and fetal well-being.

5. The public health nurse is creating a plan to increase state funding for a local health clinic. Which strategy is likely to be most effective in obtaining funding for the clinic?

• A. Run the health clinic economically and promote the services the clinic provides.
• B. Organize concerned citizens to write letters and call state representatives.
• C. Highlight to the media the valuable services offered by the community clinic.
• D. Hire a professional lobbyist to convince Congress of the local clinic's value.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Organizing concerned citizens to contact state representatives is likely the most effective strategy to secure state funding for the local health clinic. By mobilizing a group of citizens who are directly impacted by the clinic's services, the public health nurse can create a strong advocacy group that can influence decision-makers. Option A, running the health clinic economically and promoting its services, may be necessary but does not directly address the funding aspect. Option C, highlighting services to the media, may raise awareness but does not guarantee funding. Option D, hiring a professional lobbyist, may be costly and may not have the same grassroots impact as organizing citizens.

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