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 client with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus is being taught about insulin administration by the nurse. Which statement indicates that the client needs further teaching?

• A. I will inject my insulin into my abdomen for the fastest absorption.
• B. I will rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy.
• C. I will store my insulin in the refrigerator at all times.
• D. I will rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Insulin should not be stored in the refrigerator at all times; it should be kept at room temperature when in use to avoid irritation at the injection site. Storing insulin in the refrigerator can cause it to thicken and may lead to discomfort upon injection. Choices A and D are correct statements as injecting insulin into the abdomen for faster absorption and rotating injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy are appropriate insulin administration techniques. Therefore, the client does not need further teaching on these aspects.

3. Which intervention by the community health nurse is an example of a secondary level of prevention?

• A. providing a needle exchange program at a community mental health clinic
• B. developing an educational program for clients with diabetes mellitus
• C. administering influenza vaccines to residents of a nursing home
• D. initiating contact notifications for sexual partners of an HIV client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering influenza vaccines to residents of a nursing home is an example of secondary prevention. Secondary prevention aims to detect and treat a disease or condition in its early stages to prevent complications. In this case, administering influenza vaccines helps prevent the spread of the flu among vulnerable individuals. Choices A, B, and D are not examples of secondary prevention. Providing a needle exchange program (Choice A) is a harm reduction strategy (tertiary prevention). Developing an educational program for clients with diabetes mellitus (Choice B) focuses on health promotion and primary prevention. Initiating contact notifications for sexual partners of an HIV client (Choice D) is a measure to prevent further transmission of the disease but is more aligned with tertiary prevention.

4. A client with a history of alcohol abuse is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Amylase of 120 U/L.
• B. Lipase of 150 U/L.
• C. Calcium of 8.5 mg/dL.
• D. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL.' In a client with acute pancreatitis, elevated blood glucose levels can indicate poor control of diabetes or stress response from the acute illness. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent complications like worsening pancreatitis, infections, or other metabolic issues. Choices A and B, 'Amylase of 120 U/L' and 'Lipase of 150 U/L,' are commonly elevated in pancreatitis but do not require immediate intervention unless significantly elevated. Choice C, 'Calcium of 8.5 mg/dL,' is within the normal range and not a priority in this scenario.

5. A client with a history of hypertension is admitted with acute renal failure. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Blood pressure of 180/100 mm Hg.
• B. Urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours.
• C. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute.
• D. Nausea and vomiting.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours indicates oliguria, which can be a sign of worsening renal function and requires immediate intervention. In acute renal failure, maintaining adequate urine output is crucial to prevent further kidney damage and manage fluid balance. A high blood pressure reading (Option A) is concerning but may not require immediate intervention in this scenario as it could be due to the history of hypertension. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute (Option C) is slightly elevated but may not be the most critical finding at this moment. Nausea and vomiting (Option D) are important to assess but are not as urgent as addressing oliguria in a client with acute renal failure.

Similar Questions