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The client with liver cirrhosis needs immediate intervention for which abnormal laboratory result?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT) of 14 seconds.
- B. Bilirubin of 1.2 mg/dL.
- C. Albumin of 4 g/dL.
- D. Ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An elevated ammonia level of 80 mcg/dL indicates hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of liver cirrhosis that requires immediate intervention. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that accumulates in the blood due to impaired liver function, leading to cognitive impairment and altered mental status. Monitoring and lowering ammonia levels are crucial in managing hepatic encephalopathy to prevent further neurological deterioration. Prothrombin time, bilirubin, and albumin levels are important parameters in assessing liver function and overall health status in clients with liver cirrhosis, but an elevated ammonia level poses an immediate threat to neurological function and warrants prompt attention.
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The healthcare professional is preparing to administer a blood transfusion to a client with anemia. Which action is most important to prevent a transfusion reaction?
- A. Check the client's vital signs before starting the transfusion.
- B. Use a blood filter when administering the transfusion.
- C. Verify the blood type and Rh factor with another healthcare professional.
- D. Administer antihistamines before starting the transfusion.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Verifying the blood type and Rh factor with another healthcare professional is the most crucial action to prevent a transfusion reaction. Ensuring compatibility between the donor blood and the recipient is essential in preventing adverse reactions such as hemolytic transfusion reactions. Checking vital signs is important for monitoring the client during the transfusion process but does not directly prevent a transfusion reaction. Using a blood filter can help remove clots and debris but does not address the risk of a reaction due to blood type incompatibility. Administering antihistamines before the transfusion is not a standard practice to prevent transfusion reactions related to blood type incompatibility.
A community health nurse is addressing the issue of elder abuse in the community. Which intervention should be prioritized?
- A. providing education on the signs of elder abuse
- B. setting up a support group for elder abuse survivors
- C. partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols
- D. creating a confidential hotline for reporting abuse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The prioritized intervention for addressing elder abuse in the community should be the creation of a confidential hotline for reporting abuse. A confidential hotline offers a safe and accessible way for individuals to report elder abuse and seek help promptly. Providing education on the signs of elder abuse (Choice A) is important but may not directly address immediate reporting and intervention needs. Setting up a support group for elder abuse survivors (Choice B) is beneficial for emotional support but may not address the primary need for reporting abuse. Partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols (Choice C) focuses on prevention rather than providing a direct reporting mechanism for victims.
A community health nurse is addressing the issue of domestic violence in the community. Which intervention should be prioritized?
- A. Providing education on the signs of domestic violence
- B. Setting up a support group for survivors
- C. Partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols
- D. Creating a confidential hotline for reporting abuse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Creating a confidential hotline for reporting abuse is the most critical intervention when addressing domestic violence. A hotline offers a safe and confidential way for individuals experiencing abuse to report incidents, seek help, and access support services. This intervention prioritizes immediate safety and support for victims. Providing education on the signs of domestic violence (Choice A) is important for prevention but may not address the urgent needs of individuals currently experiencing abuse. Setting up a support group for survivors (Choice B) is valuable for emotional support but may not reach those who are not yet identified as survivors. Partnering with local law enforcement to increase patrols (Choice C) focuses more on the law enforcement response rather than providing a direct avenue for victims to seek help and support.
A community health nurse is developing a program to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancy. Which strategy is most likely to be effective?
- A. Distribute free condoms at local high schools
- B. Offer comprehensive sex education classes
- C. Promote abstinence-only education
- D. Provide access to reproductive health services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Comprehensive sex education has been shown to be more effective in reducing teen pregnancy rates compared to abstinence-only education. Providing comprehensive sex education equips teens with knowledge about safe sex practices, contraception methods, and healthy relationships, which empowers them to make informed decisions. Distributing free condoms and providing access to reproductive health services are important components, but without proper education, teens may not understand how to use these resources effectively. Promoting abstinence-only education limits information and may not address the reality of teen sexual behavior, potentially leading to higher pregnancy rates.
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.