Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) to a client with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Which assessment is most important before initiating the infusion?

• A. Lung sounds and respiratory status.
• B. Skin integrity and color.
• C. Neurological status and level of consciousness.
• D. Cardiac rate and rhythm.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "Cardiac rate and rhythm." Monitoring cardiac rate and rhythm is crucial before initiating IVIG because bradycardia is a common side effect associated with this therapy. Assessing lung sounds and respiratory status (Choice A) is important, but cardiac monitoring takes precedence due to the risk of bradycardia. Skin integrity and color (Choice B) are important assessments, but they are not directly related to potential complications of IVIG infusion. Neurological status and level of consciousness (Choice C) are also vital assessments, but monitoring cardiac function is more pertinent in this scenario.

2. A community health nurse is addressing the issue of domestic violence in the community. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. establishing a support group for survivors of domestic violence
• B. developing educational materials on recognizing signs of abuse
• C. partnering with local law enforcement to increase awareness
• D. conducting a community needs assessment to identify resources

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Conducting a community needs assessment is the most appropriate initial intervention when addressing domestic violence in the community. This step helps the nurse identify existing resources, gaps, and specific needs of the community related to domestic violence. By understanding the community's needs through a needs assessment, the nurse can tailor subsequent interventions effectively. Option A, establishing a support group, may be beneficial later but should not be the first step. Developing educational materials (Option B) and partnering with law enforcement (Option C) are important strategies; however, without understanding the community's specific needs through a needs assessment, the interventions may not be as targeted or effective.

3. A client who is taking clonidine (Catapres, Duraclon) reports drowsiness. Which additional assessment should the nurse make?

• A. How long has the client been taking the medication?
• B. Assess the client's dietary habits.
• C. Check for signs of infection.
• D. Evaluate the client's sleep pattern.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. When a client reports drowsiness while taking clonidine, the nurse should assess how long the client has been taking the medication. Drowsiness is a common side effect that can occur in the early weeks of treatment with clonidine. By understanding the duration of medication use, the nurse can determine if the drowsiness is a temporary effect that may decrease over time. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because assessing the client's dietary habits, checking for signs of infection, or evaluating the client's sleep pattern would not directly address the drowsiness associated with clonidine use.

4. Following a blizzard that resulted in millions of dollars of damage, the community health nurse is planning to seek financial assistance for families affected by the disaster. Which contact is most important for the nurse to make?

• A. the governor's disaster relief program
• B. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• C. local churches that can provide shelter
• D. the community to seek volunteer contributions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA is the primary agency responsible for providing financial assistance and support during disasters. While the governor's disaster relief program may also offer help, FEMA has more extensive resources and expertise in disaster response. Local churches providing shelter and seeking volunteer contributions from the community are valuable resources but may not offer the comprehensive financial assistance that FEMA can provide in such situations.

5. A client who is receiving intravenous heparin therapy has an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 90 seconds. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Continue the heparin infusion as prescribed.
• B. Decrease the heparin infusion rate.
• C. Increase the heparin infusion rate.
• D. Stop the heparin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An aPTT of 90 seconds is significantly elevated, indicating a high risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. In this case, the heparin infusion should be stopped immediately to prevent further anticoagulation and an increased bleeding risk. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential to discuss alternative anticoagulation strategies or interventions. Continuing heparin therapy without action could lead to severe bleeding complications. Decreasing or increasing the heparin infusion rate would exacerbate the risk of bleeding, making options A, B, and C incorrect.

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