Nursing Elites

1. The wife of an older adult man who has had diabetes mellitus for the past 10 years reports to the home health nurse that her husband fell yesterday while taking his daily walk in the neighborhood. He has a bruised hand and a small abrasion on his left knee. The nurse assesses that his neurologic vital signs are stable. To reduce the risk for future falls, which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. current blood sugar level
• B. degree of paresthesia in feet
• C. wound healing of knee abrasion
• D. A1c glycosylated hemoglobin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing for paresthesia (numbness or tingling) in the feet is crucial in this scenario as it can help determine if the client has a loss of sensation, which increases the risk of falls. Paresthesia is a common complication of diabetes that can lead to decreased sensation and proprioception in the feet, contributing to balance issues and an increased risk of falls. Monitoring for paresthesia allows the nurse to assess the extent of sensory impairment and implement appropriate interventions to prevent future falls. While monitoring blood sugar levels (choice A) and A1c levels (choice D) are important in managing diabetes, in this case, assessing paresthesia takes precedence due to its direct impact on fall risk. Similarly, while monitoring the wound healing of the knee abrasion (choice C) is important for overall wound care, it is not directly related to reducing the risk of future falls in this situation.

2. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL.
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L.
• C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg.
• D. Urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), urine output of 50 mL in 4 hours indicates oliguria, which is a concerning sign of decreased renal perfusion and potential renal failure. This finding requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of kidney function.\n\nChoice A (Blood glucose of 200 mg/dL) is elevated but not the most urgent concern in this scenario. Choice B (Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L) reflects metabolic acidosis, which is expected in DKA but does not require immediate intervention. Choice C (Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg) is slightly elevated but not acutely concerning in the context of DKA.

3. When assessing the health of a community, what is the most important information for the nurse to obtain?

• A. life expectancy of community members
• B. mortality rates in the community
• C. description of health problems by community leaders
• D. expressed needs of community members

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important information for a nurse to obtain when assessing the health of a community is the expressed needs of community members. This information helps in tailoring health interventions to address specific concerns directly expressed by the community. Options A and B focus on statistical data rather than individual needs. Option C, while valuable, may not always capture the full spectrum of health issues faced by the community as perceived by the residents themselves.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with liver cirrhosis. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Jaundice.
• B. Ascites.
• C. Peripheral edema.
• D. Spider angiomas.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Spider angiomas are abnormal clusters of blood vessels near the skin surface and can be indicative of an underlying liver condition. In the context of liver cirrhosis, spider angiomas can suggest portal hypertension and liver dysfunction, which requires immediate intervention. Jaundice (choice A) is a common manifestation of liver cirrhosis but not typically an immediate intervention priority unless severe. Ascites (choice B) and peripheral edema (choice C) are also common in liver cirrhosis but do not require immediate intervention unless they are causing respiratory compromise or other urgent issues.

5. A public health nurse is working with a community to improve access to dental care. Which intervention is most likely to be effective?

• A. Setting up dental clinics in accessible locations
• B. Distributing flyers with information about dental services
• C. Offering transportation vouchers for dental appointments
• D. Partnering with local businesses to promote dental health

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting up dental clinics in accessible locations is the most effective intervention to improve access to dental care. By having dental clinics in easily reachable places, community members are more likely to seek and utilize dental services. Distributing flyers may raise awareness, but it may not address the issue of physical accessibility to dental care. Offering transportation vouchers could help with transportation barriers but might not address the core issue of proximity to dental services. Partnering with local businesses to promote dental health is a good initiative, but it may not directly improve access to dental care as setting up clinics in accessible locations would.

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