The community health nurse believes that immunization rates in a lower socioeconomic section of the city are probably below the target set by the state health department. What action should the nurse take first to intervene with this health problem?
- A. join a political action group that focuses attention on the issue in the local news media
- B. partner with a local children's hospital in setting up free 'shot' clinics in the neighborhood
- C. review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate
- D. call a meeting of citizens to inform them of the importance of having their children immunized
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate initial action for the community health nurse to take when addressing low immunization rates in a lower socioeconomic area is to review current epidemiological data. By reviewing this data, the nurse can gather evidence that documents the low immunization rate in the community. This information is crucial to support the need for targeted interventions to increase immunization rates. Choices A, B, and D involve actions that may be important at later stages of intervention but are not the first step. Joining a political action group, partnering with a hospital for clinics, or holding a community meeting are all valuable strategies, but they should be based on evidence obtained from reviewing epidemiological data to ensure targeted and effective interventions.
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A graduate nursing student requests information, including laboratory findings and chest x-ray results, about all clients with symptoms of H1N1 who have been seen during the last month in a community health clinic. Which action should the charge nurse take?
- A. Ask if permission has been obtained from the research committee.
- B. Ask the student to sign a standard waiver form.
- C. Obtain written authorization from clients to release the information.
- D. Provide the information for research purposes only.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse to take is to obtain written authorization from clients to release the information. This step is crucial to ensure compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards. Asking for permission from the research committee (Choice A) may not address the individual clients' rights to privacy. Asking the student to sign a standard waiver form (Choice B) is not appropriate, as the authorization should come from the clients themselves. Providing the information for research purposes only (Choice D) without proper authorization violates client confidentiality and privacy.
A client is suspected of being poisoned and presents with symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth. The nurse should consider these findings consistent with which potential bioterrorism agent?
- A. ricin
- B. botulism toxin
- C. sulfur mustard
- D. yersinia pestis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: botulism toxin. The symptoms described, including symmetric, descending flaccid paralysis, blurred vision, double vision, and dry mouth, are classic manifestations of botulism, which is caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. This toxin affects the nervous system, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Choice A, ricin, typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms and organ failure. Choice C, sulfur mustard, causes blistering skin and respiratory issues. Choice D, yersinia pestis, is associated with the plague and presents with fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes.
The nurse obtains a pulse rate of 89 beats/min for an infant before administering digoxin (Lanoxin). What action should the nurse take?
- A. Administer the medication.
- B. Hold the medication and contact the healthcare provider.
- C. Double the dose.
- D. Increase fluid intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the medication and contact the healthcare provider. Bradycardia (pulse rate less than 100 beats/minute) is an early sign of digoxin toxicity. It is essential to withhold digoxin and notify the healthcare provider to prevent potential adverse effects. Administering the medication (Choice A) could exacerbate the toxicity. Doubling the dose (Choice C) is inappropriate and dangerous. Increasing fluid intake (Choice D) is not indicated in this situation and does not address the issue of digoxin toxicity.
The client is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.
- B. I will use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
- C. I will keep all appointments for blood tests.
- D. I will avoid participating in contact sports.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because participating in contact sports can increase the risk of injury and bleeding in a client receiving warfarin therapy. Warfarin is a blood thinner, and activities with a higher risk of injury should be avoided to prevent bleeding complications. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements for a client on warfarin therapy. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K helps maintain consistent anticoagulation levels, using a soft toothbrush and an electric razor reduces the risk of bleeding gums and cuts, and keeping appointments for blood tests ensures proper monitoring of the client's international normalized ratio (INR) levels.
When planning a scoliosis screening clinic, which age group should be included?
- A. early adolescent girls
- B. late adolescent boys
- C. 7-10 year old boys
- D. preschoolers of both genders
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is early adolescent girls. Scoliosis is most commonly diagnosed during early adolescence, with girls being more affected than boys. Including early adolescent girls in the screening clinic aligns with the age group that is at higher risk for scoliosis. Late adolescent boys (choice B) are less likely to develop scoliosis compared to early adolescent girls. 7-10 year old boys (choice C) are typically younger than the age group where scoliosis is commonly diagnosed. Preschoolers of both genders (choice D) are too young for scoliosis screening as the condition usually manifests during adolescence.