Nokea
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.
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A 56-year-old female client is receiving intracavitary radiation via a radium implant. Which nurse should be assigned to care for this client?
- A. A nurse who is pregnant.
- B. A nurse with Marfan syndrome who is postmenopausal.
- C. A nurse with a cold.
- D. A nurse who is lactating.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A nurse with Marfan syndrome who is postmenopausal can safely care for the client because Marfan syndrome does not affect the ability to care for this client, and postmenopausal status minimizes the risk of radiation exposure affecting reproductive health. Choice A is incorrect because pregnancy increases the risk of radiation exposure to the fetus. Choice C is incorrect because a nurse with a cold may have a compromised immune system and should not be exposed to radiation therapy. Choice D is incorrect because lactation can increase the risk of radiation exposure to breast tissue.
A homeless client with alcohol dependency will be dismissed from the emergency department in 24 hours. The nurse notes that a tuberculin skin test was prescribed by the healthcare provider. What intervention is most important for the nurse to implement prior to discharge?
- A. Identify how the client will follow-up to have the results read
- B. Give the client written information about the tuberculosis test
- C. Determine if the client understands the purpose of the tuberculin test
- D. Explain to the client results should be read between 48 and 72 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important intervention for the nurse to implement prior to the discharge of a homeless client with alcohol dependency who had a tuberculin skin test prescribed is to identify how the client will follow-up to have the results read. This is crucial to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Providing written information (Choice B) is helpful but not as critical as ensuring the follow-up plan. Determining if the client understands the purpose of the test (Choice C) is important but not as immediate as ensuring the follow-up plan. Explaining when the results should be read (Choice D) is important, but the priority is to make sure the client has a plan in place for follow-up.
The healthcare provider is caring for a client with diabetes insipidus. Which finding indicates that the treatment is effective?
- A. Urine output is decreased.
- B. Thirst is decreased.
- C. Weight loss is observed.
- D. Urine specific gravity is within the normal range.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In diabetes insipidus, the body loses excessive amounts of water, leading to diluted urine with low specific gravity. Therefore, when the urine specific gravity is within the normal range, it indicates that the kidneys are properly concentrating urine, which is a sign of effective treatment for diabetes insipidus. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in diabetes insipidus, there is polyuria (excessive urination), persistent thirst due to fluid loss, and potential weight loss due to fluid imbalance, so these findings would not indicate effective treatment.
A community health nurse is developing a program to address the opioid crisis in the community. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Providing education on the dangers of opioid use
- B. Distributing naloxone kits to first responders
- C. Offering support groups for individuals struggling with addiction
- D. Partnering with local pharmacies to monitor prescriptions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Distributing naloxone kits to first responders. Naloxone is a medication that can rapidly reverse opioid overdose, potentially saving lives. In an opioid crisis scenario, providing naloxone kits to first responders equips them to act swiftly in emergencies. Choice A, providing education on the dangers of opioid use, is important but may not be as immediately life-saving as naloxone distribution. Choice C, offering support groups, is valuable for long-term recovery but may not address the acute crisis of overdoses. Choice D, partnering with local pharmacies to monitor prescriptions, focuses on prevention rather than immediate response to overdoses.
The public health nurse is called to investigate a report of several cases of chickenpox at a daycare center. The daycare worker states that five children have been sent home over the past two weeks with fever and itchy blisters. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Validate that the children sent home did develop chickenpox
- B. Report the presence of a viral endemic at the daycare center
- C. Confirm the number of children with symptoms
- D. Determine how many people have been exposed
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Validating that the children sent home did develop chickenpox is the most crucial initial step for the nurse. This intervention ensures that the appropriate public health measures are implemented for the containment of chickenpox. Reporting a viral endemic or confirming the number of children with symptoms may be important but are secondary to confirming the diagnosis. Determining the number of people exposed comes after confirming the diagnosis to assess the extent of the outbreak and implement necessary control measures.