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. The nurse is providing care for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
• B. Serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg.
• C. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours.
• D. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The corrected answer is D. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which requires immediate intervention in a client with SIADH. Hyponatremia can lead to serious complications such as seizures, coma, and cerebral edema. Choices A, B, and C are not the most critical findings in a client with SIADH. While a serum sodium of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range, a decrease to 130 mEq/L is concerning and requires prompt action to prevent complications.

3. The nurse is developing a program to educate parents on the importance of childhood immunizations. Which topic should be prioritized?

• A. the benefits of immunizations
• B. the potential side effects of vaccines
• C. the immunization schedule
• D. ways to comfort children during vaccinations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: the benefits of immunizations. Emphasizing the benefits of immunizations helps parents understand the importance of vaccines in protecting their children from preventable diseases. This choice should be prioritized as it focuses on the positive outcomes of immunizations, which can motivate parents to vaccinate their children. Choices B, C, and D are not the top priority because while it's important to address potential side effects, the immunization schedule, and comforting children during vaccinations, the main focus should be on highlighting the benefits to encourage parents to make informed decisions regarding their child's immunizations.

4. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS). Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?

• A. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg.
• B. Serum glucose of 600 mg/dL.
• C. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L.
• D. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A serum glucose level of 600 mg/dL is extremely high in a client with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) and poses a significant risk of serious complications such as dehydration, coma, and electrolyte imbalances. Rapid intervention is crucial to normalize the glucose level and prevent further deterioration. Serum osmolality of 320 mOsm/kg, serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L, and serum sodium of 140 mEq/L, while important to monitor in HHS, do not represent an immediate life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention compared to the critically high glucose level.

5. An elderly client with limited mobility reports feeling isolated and lonely. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Arrange for regular visits from a home health aide
• B. Suggest the client join a local senior center
• C. Refer the client to a support group for seniors
• D. Recommend that the client engage in a new hobby

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suggest the client join a local senior center. Joining a local senior center provides the elderly client with opportunities for social interaction, engagement in activities, and access to support systems, which can significantly help alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness. Regular visits from a home health aide (Choice A) may provide physical assistance but may not address the client's need for social connection. Referring the client to a support group for seniors (Choice C) is beneficial, but joining a senior center offers a wider range of activities and social opportunities. Recommending a new hobby (Choice D) may be helpful, but the priority should be addressing the client's immediate need for social interaction and support.

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