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 client with Raynaud's phenomenon would benefit most by which teaching intervention?

• A. Stop smoking
• B. Keep feet dry
• C. Reduce stress
• D. Avoid caffeine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stop smoking. Smoking causes vasoconstriction, worsening the symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon. Quitting smoking is crucial in managing this condition effectively. Choices B, C, and D are not as directly related to the pathophysiology of Raynaud's phenomenon. While keeping feet dry and reducing stress can be beneficial for overall health, they are not as directly linked to managing Raynaud's phenomenon as smoking cessation.

3. The nurse working in a community health clinic that serves recent Somali immigrants notes that most mothers refuse to give permission for routine immunizations of their preschoolers. Which individual is likely to have the most influence on these women's perceptions about their children's healthcare needs?

• A. husbands
• B. clinic healthcare providers
• C. older females
• D. tribal chief

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In many Somali communities, the tribal chief holds significant influence over health decisions. The tribal chief often plays a crucial role in shaping community beliefs and practices, including healthcare decisions. While husbands may have some influence, the tribal chief typically holds more authority in community matters. Clinic healthcare providers have a role in educating and advising, but the tribal chief's influence is often more profound in this cultural context. Older females may have some influence, especially in familial matters, but the tribal chief is usually the key decision-maker in community health issues.

4. A 4-month-old child taking digoxin (Lanoxin) has a blood pressure of 92/78; resting pulse of 78; respirations 28, and a potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L. The client is irritable and has vomited twice since the morning dose of digoxin. Which finding is most indicative of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Lethargy
• C. Irritability
• D. Vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) is a key sign of digoxin toxicity. In this scenario, the child's symptoms of irritability, vomiting, along with the resting pulse of 78 despite being on digoxin, suggest an impending bradycardia due to digoxin toxicity. Lethargy can also be a sign, but in this case, the child is irritable rather than lethargic. Vomiting, though a symptom, is not as specific to digoxin toxicity as bradycardia. Irritability, while present, is not the most indicative finding of digoxin toxicity compared to bradycardia.

5. A nurse working in a community health setting is performing primary health screenings. Which individual is at highest risk for contracting an HIV infection?

• A. A 17-year-old who is sexually active with numerous partners.
• B. A 45-year-old lesbian who has been sexually active with two partners in the past year.
• C. A 30-year-old cocaine user who inhales the drug and works in a topless bar.
• D. A 34-year-old male homosexual who is in a monogamous relationship.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A 17-year-old who is sexually active with numerous partners is at the highest risk for contracting an HIV infection due to engaging in risky sexual behavior with multiple partners, increasing the likelihood of exposure to the virus. Choice B is less risky as the individual has had a relatively lower number of sexual partners in the past year. Choice C, although involving drug use, does not directly correlate with a higher risk of contracting HIV unless needles are shared. Choice D, a 34-year-old male homosexual in a monogamous relationship, has a lower risk compared to choice A as long as the relationship remains monogamous.

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