Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with hypokalemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Muscle weakness.
• B. Irregular heart rate.
• C. Increased urinary output.
• D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a critical finding in hypokalemia that indicates severe potassium deficiency affecting neuromuscular function. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias. Muscle weakness, irregular heart rate, and increased urinary output are also associated with hypokalemia but do not pose the same level of urgency as decreased deep tendon reflexes.

2. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted with hypoglycemia. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Blood glucose of 60 mg/dL.
• B. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute.
• C. Tremors.
• D. Diaphoresis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with a history of diabetes mellitus admitted with hypoglycemia, the finding that requires immediate intervention is tremors. Tremors can indicate severe hypoglycemia, which needs prompt attention to prevent complications such as seizures or loss of consciousness. While a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dL is low, the presence of tremors signifies a more urgent situation. A heart rate of 100 beats per minute and diaphoresis are common physiological responses to hypoglycemia and do not necessarily require immediate intervention unless other severe symptoms are present.

3. A first-grade boy is sent to the school nurse after he fainted while playing tag during recess. When he arrives in the clinic he is alert and oriented and his vital signs include temperature of 97.8°F, pulse 96 bpm, respirations 15 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 80/56 mmHg. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. request transport of the child to his pediatrician's office
• B. call the child's parents and send him home for the day
• C. compare the child's body mass index to normal values
• D. measure the child's pulse and blood pressure every 15 minutes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the most important intervention for the nurse to implement is to measure the child's pulse and blood pressure every 15 minutes. The child experienced a syncopal episode (fainting) which could be due to various reasons, including dehydration or cardiac issues. Monitoring vital signs frequently will help detect any changes that may indicate underlying health issues. Requesting transport to the pediatrician's office or sending the child home without continuous monitoring may not provide immediate assessment and intervention. Comparing the child's body mass index to normal values is not relevant in addressing the immediate concern of monitoring vital signs after a syncopal episode.

4. A community health nurse is planning a program to address the rising rates of obesity in the community. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. organizing community exercise programs
• B. distributing educational materials on healthy eating
• C. partnering with local grocery stores to provide discounts on healthy foods
• D. conducting health screenings for early detection of obesity-related conditions

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: organizing community exercise programs. Physical activity plays a crucial role in weight management and reducing obesity rates. While educating about healthy eating (choice B) is important, focusing on exercise programs can have a more direct impact on addressing obesity. Partnering with local grocery stores for discounts on healthy foods (choice C) is beneficial but may not address the root cause of obesity. Conducting health screenings (choice D) is more reactive than proactive in addressing rising obesity rates.

5. During a follow-up visit, a client with hypertension reports that they often forget to take their medication. What should the nurse do first?

• A. educate the client on the importance of medication adherence
• B. explore the reasons for the client's forgetfulness
• C. provide the client with a pill organizer
• D. adjust the client's medication schedule

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse is to explore the reasons for the client's forgetfulness. By understanding the underlying causes, the nurse can provide tailored interventions to help the client improve medication adherence. Providing education on the importance of adherence (Choice A) may be necessary but should come after identifying the reasons for forgetfulness. Simply providing a pill organizer (Choice C) or adjusting the medication schedule (Choice D) does not address the root cause of the forgetfulness and may not lead to sustained improvement in adherence.

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