A client with a history of seizures is admitted with status epilepticus. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
- A. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
- B. Diazepam (Valium)
- C. Lorazepam (Ativan)
- D. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In the management of status epilepticus, the initial medication of choice is a benzodiazepine to rapidly terminate the seizure activity. Lorazepam (Ativan) is preferred over Diazepam (Valium) due to its longer duration of action and lower risk of respiratory depression. Phenytoin (Dilantin) and Carbamazepine (Tegretol) are not the first-line agents for the acute treatment of status epilepticus, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.
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The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has returned from surgery. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
- B. Oxygen saturation of 92%.
- C. Temperature of 99°F (37.2°C).
- D. Pain at the surgical site.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A temperature of 99°F (37.2°C) in a postoperative client requires immediate intervention as it may indicate the presence of infection. Elevated temperature post-surgery can be a sign of surgical site infection or systemic infection, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly. Monitoring and managing a fever in a postoperative client is crucial to prevent further complications. The other findings, such as a heart rate of 90 beats per minute, oxygen saturation of 92%, and pain at the surgical site, are common postoperative assessments that may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless they are significantly out of normal range or causing severe distress to the client.
A public health nurse is assessing a community's readiness for a new smoking cessation program. Which factor is most important to evaluate?
- A. the community's smoking rates
- B. the availability of smoking cessation resources
- C. the community's attitude towards smoking
- D. the local healthcare providers' support for the program
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most critical factor to evaluate when assessing a community's readiness for a smoking cessation program is the community's attitude towards smoking. Understanding the community's perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors related to smoking is crucial as it helps determine the level of receptiveness and potential success of the program. Assessing smoking rates (Choice A) could provide valuable epidemiological data but may not reflect the community's readiness for change. While the availability of smoking cessation resources (Choice B) is important, without considering the community's attitude, the program's effectiveness may be limited. Local healthcare providers' support (Choice D) is valuable but secondary to the community's attitude, which directly influences the program's acceptance and impact.
The healthcare provider is inspecting the external eye structures of a client. Which finding is a normal racial variation?
- A. Blue sclerae.
- B. Brown macules on the sclerae.
- C. Slightly yellow sclerae in an African-American client.
- D. Conjunctival pallor.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The slightly yellow color of the sclera is a normal racial variation found in the African-American population. Blue sclerae (Choice A) are associated with osteogenesis imperfecta, not a normal racial variation. Brown macules on the sclerae (Choice B) may indicate issues like melanoma or melanosis but are not a normal racial variation. Conjunctival pallor (Choice D) suggests anemia or decreased blood flow but is not a normal racial variation.
A client with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Expiratory wheezes.
- B. Increased respiratory rate.
- C. Absence of breath sounds.
- D. Frequent coughing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absence of breath sounds. This finding is concerning in a client with asthma as it may indicate a severe asthma exacerbation, airway obstruction, or pneumothorax, all of which require immediate intervention. Absence of breath sounds suggests a lack of airflow in the lungs, which is a critical sign that should prompt immediate action. Expiratory wheezes (choice A) are common in asthma and may not warrant immediate intervention unless severe. An increased respiratory rate (choice B) is expected in a client with asthma experiencing shortness of breath, but it does not indicate an immediate threat to the airway. Frequent coughing (choice D) is a common symptom in asthma exacerbations but does not signify an immediate need for intervention as it can be managed with appropriate asthma treatments.
A teenage boy with a history of recurring atopic dermatitis (eczema) tells the school nurse that he wants to play high school football. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. encourage the teenager to join the swim team instead of the football team
- B. notify the parents of the problems associated with perspiration for those with eczema
- C. tell the teenager to shower with a non-perfumed soap immediately after practice
- D. inform the football coach of the teenager's skin condition and its manifestations
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to advise the teenager to shower with a non-perfumed soap immediately after practice. This recommendation can help reduce the risk of eczema flare-ups by removing sweat and irritants from the skin. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the specific concerns related to eczema and football. Choice B, notifying the parents of perspiration problems, is not as direct as instructing the teenager on proper skincare. Choice D, informing the football coach, is not the most immediate and relevant action to address the teenager's individual needs.