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 preparing to administer atropine, an anticholinergic, to a client scheduled for a cholecystectomy. The client asks the provider to explain the reason for the prescribed medication. What response is best for the provider to provide?

• A. To increase gastric motility.
• B. To decrease the risk of bradycardia during surgery.
• C. To reduce secretions.
• D. To prevent nausea and vomiting.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Atropine, an anticholinergic medication, is used preoperatively to prevent bradycardia by increasing the automaticity of the sinoatrial node during surgical anesthesia. Choice A is incorrect because atropine does not affect gastric motility. Choice C is incorrect as atropine is not primarily used to reduce secretions. Choice D is also incorrect because preventing nausea and vomiting is not the primary purpose of administering atropine in this context.

3. A public health nurse is evaluating a program designed to reduce the incidence of diabetes in the community. Which outcome indicates that the program is successful?

• A. increased participation in diabetes education sessions
• B. higher rates of blood glucose monitoring
• C. reduced incidence of diabetes-related complications
• D. greater knowledge of diabetes prevention methods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'reduced incidence of diabetes-related complications.' This outcome indicates that the program is successful because it shows that individuals are effectively managing their condition, leading to fewer complications. Increased participation in education sessions (choice A) and higher rates of blood glucose monitoring (choice B) are important but are more process indicators rather than direct outcomes of improved health. Greater knowledge of prevention methods (choice D) is beneficial but may not directly reflect a reduction in diabetes incidence or complications.

4. The nurse obtains a pulse rate of 89 beats/min for an infant before administering digoxin (Lanoxin). What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administer the medication.
• B. Hold the medication and contact the healthcare provider.
• C. Double the dose.
• D. Increase fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the medication and contact the healthcare provider. Bradycardia (pulse rate less than 100 beats/minute) is an early sign of digoxin toxicity. It is essential to withhold digoxin and notify the healthcare provider to prevent potential adverse effects. Administering the medication (Choice A) could exacerbate the toxicity. Doubling the dose (Choice C) is inappropriate and dangerous. Increasing fluid intake (Choice D) is not indicated in this situation and does not address the issue of digoxin toxicity.

5. When examining sources for funding, which criteria should the nurse clarify about the program for the community group?

• A. a prescription from the healthcare provider for each visit made
• B. documentation of a skilled care service provided during the visit
• C. a copy of the client's health history and social security card
• D. a record of the preventive healthcare services provided during the visit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because when seeking funding sources for a community outreach program, it is essential to clarify aspects related to the client's personal information, such as health history and identification details. This information helps in demonstrating the need for the program and understanding the target population. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they focus on clinical documentation, services provided during visits, and preventive healthcare services, which are not directly related to clarifying funding criteria about the program.

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