Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client. Which assessment finding should the healthcare provider report before administering the medication?

• A. Apical pulse of 58 beats per minute.
• B. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L.
• C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg.
• D. Client reports seeing halos around lights.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Seeing halos around lights is a classic symptom of digoxin toxicity, known as visual disturbances. This finding indicates an adverse effect of digoxin and should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider. Monitoring for visual changes is crucial as it can progress to more severe toxicity, leading to life-threatening dysrhythmias or other complications. Apical pulse, serum potassium level, and blood pressure are important assessments when administering digoxin, but the presence of visual disturbances, such as seeing halos around lights, takes precedence due to its direct association with digoxin toxicity. Changes in these other parameters should also be noted and addressed, but they are not the priority when compared to a symptom directly linked to potential toxicity.

2. A school nurse is organizing a vaccination clinic for middle school students. Which vaccine is most important for the nurse to include?

• A. hepatitis B
• B. tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
• C. varicella
• D. measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important vaccine for the school nurse to include in the vaccination clinic for middle school students is the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Tdap is recommended for preteens as part of the routine vaccination schedule to protect against these serious diseases. Hepatitis B, varicella, and MMR vaccines are also important but for this specific age group, Tdap takes precedence to ensure protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

3. In a community clinic where a recent case of tuberculosis (TB) has been diagnosed, which client who attended the clinic is at the highest risk for presenting with TB?

• A. a young adult who works as a daycare worker
• B. an adult who works in a corporate office
• C. an adolescent who attends the community high school
• D. an adult with a history of alcoholism and homelessness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Individuals who are homeless and have a history of alcoholism are at the highest risk for presenting with TB in this scenario. Homeless individuals often live in crowded conditions with poor ventilation, increasing the likelihood of TB transmission. Additionally, alcoholism can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to developing TB. The other options, such as a daycare worker, an office worker, or a high school student, do not inherently carry the same level of risk factors for TB transmission as being homeless with a history of alcoholism.

4. Which client has the highest risk for developing community-acquired pneumonia?

• A. a 40-year-old first-grade teacher who works with underprivileged children
• B. a 75-year-old retired secretary with exercise-induced wheezing
• C. a 60-year-old homeless person who is an alcoholic and smokes
• D. a 35-year-old aerobics instructor who skips meals and eats only vegetables

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, a 60-year-old homeless person who is an alcoholic and smokes. This client has the highest risk of developing community-acquired pneumonia due to multiple factors such as homelessness, substance abuse, and smoking. Homelessness can lead to poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare, increasing susceptibility to infections. Alcoholism and smoking weaken the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to respiratory infections like pneumonia. Choices A, B, and D do not present the same level of risk factors for pneumonia compared to choice C.

5. The nurse is designing a community health project based on a report provided by the World Health Organization that describes healthcare problems in the United States. Which healthcare issue should the nurse give the highest priority when planning the project?

• A. overuse of diagnostic technology
• B. government-based health insurance
• C. the neonatal and infant mortality rates
• D. number of people without access to healthcare

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: number of people without access to healthcare. Ensuring access to healthcare is fundamental to addressing a wide range of health issues and is a priority for improving overall community health. Option A, overuse of diagnostic technology, though important, is not the highest priority when considering basic access to healthcare. Option B, government-based health insurance, is relevant but may not directly address the issue of lack of access for all individuals. Option C, neonatal and infant mortality rates, is crucial but addressing access to healthcare for all individuals is a more immediate and foundational concern for the community health project.

Similar Questions