Nursing Elites

1. While caring for a client with infective endocarditis, the nurse must be alert for signs of pulmonary embolism. Which of the following assessment findings suggests this complication?

• A. Positive Homan's sign
• B. Fever and chills
• C. Dyspnea and cough
• D. Sensory impairment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Dyspnea and cough.' Pulmonary embolism often presents with a sudden onset of dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and cough, which are due to the obstruction of blood flow in the pulmonary arteries. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Positive Homan's sign is associated with deep vein thrombosis, fever and chills are nonspecific symptoms commonly seen in infective endocarditis, and sensory impairment is not typically indicative of pulmonary embolism.

2. The term 'epidemiology' is best defined as the study of:

• A. The causes of disease
• B. The distribution and determinants of health-related states in populations
• C. The treatment and prevention of disease
• D. The healthcare system and its effectiveness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Epidemiology is the study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states in populations. Choice A is incorrect because epidemiology focuses on more than just causes but also on distribution and determinants. Choice C is incorrect as it specifically relates to public health and not just treatment and prevention. Choice D is incorrect as epidemiology is broader than just focusing on the healthcare system and its effectiveness.

3. Mark, 9 months old, is given oral rehydration solution because of diarrhea with some dehydration. In your follow-up visit, you observed that Mark's eyes become puffy. Which one of the following would you advise Mark's mother?

• A. continue giving ORS but more slowly
• B. show mother how much solution to give
• C. stop ORS and give plain water or milk
• D. reassess patient to determine how much ORS to give

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, observing puffy eyes in a child being treated with oral rehydration solution may indicate fluid overload. Continuing to give ORS but more slowly is the correct course of action as it helps manage hydration without overloading fluids. Choice B is not the best option in this situation as the issue is not about the quantity of the solution, but the rate of administration. Choice C is incorrect because plain water or milk is not a suitable alternative for rehydration in cases of dehydration. Choice D is also incorrect as reassessing the patient does not directly address the issue of puffy eyes, which suggests a need to adjust the administration of ORS.

4. Which of the following patients should the home care nurse assess first?

• A. A 65-year-old male with known COPD and difficulty breathing after climbing a flight of stairs.
• B. A 78-year-old with CHF who has gained 4 lbs according to her tele-monitoring.
• C. A 50-year-old with bilateral leg swelling and difficulty walking.
• D. A 60-year-old with lower back pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A patient with known COPD and difficulty breathing after physical exertion like climbing stairs requires immediate assessment by the nurse. This could indicate a potential exacerbation of COPD, which needs prompt intervention to prevent respiratory distress. Choices B, C, and D describe important patient situations that also require attention, but the urgency is higher with a COPD patient experiencing difficulty breathing.

5. The increasing number of people who must learn to live with chronic illness in the community implies the need for the PHN to plan and implement a program on:

• A. communicable disease control
• B. health education
• C. child survival
• D. environmental education

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: health education. Health education is crucial for individuals dealing with chronic illnesses as it helps them learn how to manage their conditions effectively. Communicable disease control (choice A) focuses on preventing the spread of infectious diseases, which is not directly related to managing chronic conditions. Child survival (choice C) pertains to initiatives aimed at reducing child mortality rates, which is not directly related to addressing chronic illnesses. Environmental education (choice D) involves raising awareness about environmental issues, which is also not directly related to helping individuals live with chronic illnesses.

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