Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. A client with a history of coronary artery disease is admitted with chest pain. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
• C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
• D. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Chest pain radiating to the left arm can be a sign of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and requires immediate intervention. This symptom is known as a classic presentation of a heart attack and warrants urgent medical attention to prevent further cardiac damage. Choices A, B, and C are not directly indicative of an acute cardiac event and may not require immediate intervention in this scenario. While heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate are important vital signs to monitor, they do not specifically indicate the urgency associated with chest pain radiating to the left arm in a patient with a history of coronary artery disease.

4. Community health nurses are particularly concerned with the source of communicable diseases such as hepatitis A. Which group of individuals have a higher risk of contracting that type of hepatitis?

• A. IV drug users who share needles
• B. low-income families living in cramped quarters
• C. those who have recently received a blood transfusion
• D. sexually active persons with multiple partners

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Hepatitis A is often spread through close personal contact and poor sanitary conditions, which are more common in low-income, cramped living situations. IV drug users sharing needles are at higher risk of hepatitis B and C due to bloodborne transmission. Those who have recently received a blood transfusion are at risk of hepatitis C or other bloodborne infections. Sexually active persons with multiple partners are at risk of hepatitis B, which can be transmitted through sexual contact.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum albumin of 3.5 g/dL.
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds.
• C. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL.
• D. Serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, the serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL. An elevated serum ammonia level indicates hepatic dysfunction and can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Options A, B, and C are within normal ranges or slightly abnormal values for clients with cirrhosis and do not pose an immediate threat. Serum albumin levels may indicate malnutrition, prothrombin time may reflect liver synthetic function, and hemoglobin levels can be affected by various factors but do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.

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