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 public health nurse is evaluating resources in a rural community. Which healthcare resource is most important for the community?

• A. family planning center
• B. accessibility to trauma care
• C. annual health fair
• D. weather-related disaster plan

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In rural areas, accessibility to trauma care is the most critical healthcare resource due to the longer emergency response times. Trauma care can be life-saving in situations where immediate medical attention is required for severe injuries. The other options, such as a family planning center, annual health fair, and weather-related disaster plan, are important but not as crucial as trauma care in addressing urgent health needs in a rural community.

3. An elderly client with a history of falls is being discharged from the hospital. Which intervention should the home health nurse implement to reduce the client's risk of falling at home?

• A. Install grab bars in the bathroom
• B. Provide a walker for ambulation
• C. Educate the client on fall prevention strategies
• D. Refer the client to a physical therapist

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Installing grab bars in the bathroom is crucial to reducing the elderly client's risk of falling at home. Grab bars provide physical support and stability, especially in areas like the bathroom where slips and falls are common among older adults. While providing a walker for ambulation (Choice B) can assist with mobility, it may not directly address the environmental hazards at home. Educating the client on fall prevention strategies (Choice C) is important but may not be sufficient if the physical environment is not modified to reduce fall risks. Referring the client to a physical therapist (Choice D) may help improve strength and balance but does not directly address the immediate environmental risk of falling at home.

4. A client who has been receiving chemotherapy for cancer has a platelet count of 20,000/mm3. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Apply ice packs to bruised areas.
• B. Encourage frequent oral hygiene.
• C. Avoid invasive procedures.
• D. Place the client in a private room.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with a platelet count of 20,000/mm3 due to chemotherapy is to avoid invasive procedures. Chemotherapy can cause a decrease in platelet count, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. By avoiding invasive procedures, the nurse helps reduce the risk of bleeding complications. Applying ice packs to bruised areas (Choice A) may further increase the risk of bleeding due to the pressure and potential trauma to the skin. Encouraging frequent oral hygiene (Choice B) is important for overall health but does not directly address the risk of bleeding associated with a low platelet count. Placing the client in a private room (Choice D) is not directly related to managing the platelet count and risk of bleeding; it is more about privacy and infection control, which are important but not the priority in this scenario.

5. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease is admitted with sudden severe abdominal pain. Which finding indicates the possibility of a perforated ulcer?

• A. Bowel sounds are hyperactive in all quadrants.
• B. Abdomen is soft and nondistended.
• C. The client reports sudden severe abdominal pain.
• D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sudden severe abdominal pain is a key clinical manifestation of a perforated ulcer. The sudden onset of severe pain is concerning for a perforation in the ulcer, which can lead to peritonitis if not promptly addressed. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds, a soft and nondistended abdomen, and a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg are not specific indicators of a perforated ulcer. Hyperactive bowel sounds may suggest increased gastrointestinal motility, a soft abdomen may not necessarily indicate a perforation, and a blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg is within normal limits and does not directly relate to a perforated ulcer.

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