A client with a history of coronary artery disease is admitted with chest pain. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
- B. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
- D. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction (heart attack) in individuals with coronary artery disease. This finding indicates that the heart muscle may not be receiving adequate oxygen, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further damage or complications. The other assessment findings (heart rate of 90 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute, blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg) are within normal limits and do not suggest an acute, life-threatening condition like myocardial infarction.
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Several employees who have a 10-year or longer smoking history ask for assistance with smoking cessation. A nurse develops a 2-month program that includes weekly group sessions on lifestyle changes and use of over-the-counter nicotine substitute products. Which measurement provides the best indication of the program's effectiveness?
- A. survey employees to determine how many are smoking 2 months after the end of the program
- B. test the employees' knowledge of OTC nicotine substitute products at the end of the program
- C. ask employees to inform the group if they stop smoking and if they start smoking again
- D. design a questionnaire that identifies lifestyle changes contributing to smoking cessation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Surveying employees to determine how many are smoking 2 months after the end of the program provides a direct assessment of the program's effectiveness. This measurement evaluates the actual behavior change related to smoking cessation. Choice B, testing knowledge of OTC nicotine substitute products, does not directly measure smoking cessation outcomes. Choice C relies on self-reporting, which may not be accurate or reliable. Choice D focuses on identifying lifestyle changes but does not directly assess the program's impact on smoking cessation.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just returned from hemodialysis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Weight gain of 2 pounds.
- B. Dizziness.
- C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
- D. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dizziness after hemodialysis can indicate hypovolemia, hypotension, or other complications that require immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration or adverse events. Weight gain of 2 pounds may not be immediately concerning post-hemodialysis. A blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg is slightly elevated but may not require immediate intervention unless accompanied by symptoms. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute falls within the normal range and may not be an immediate cause for concern after hemodialysis.
A community health nurse is addressing the issue of substance abuse in the community. Which intervention should be prioritized?
- A. Providing education on the dangers of substance abuse
- B. Setting up a support group for individuals struggling with addiction
- C. Partnering with local law enforcement to reduce drug availability
- D. Creating a confidential hotline for reporting substance abuse
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Creating a confidential hotline for reporting substance abuse should be prioritized because it offers a safe and accessible way for individuals to seek help and support for their substance abuse issues. This intervention allows individuals to report their concerns anonymously and seek guidance without fear of judgment or repercussions. Providing education on the dangers of substance abuse (Choice A) is important but may not be as immediately impactful as offering a direct avenue for help. Setting up a support group (Choice B) is valuable but may not reach as many individuals or provide the same level of anonymity as a confidential hotline. Partnering with law enforcement (Choice C) is crucial for addressing substance abuse issues from a legal perspective but may not directly address the immediate needs of individuals seeking help.
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.
A community health nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of a diabetes management program. Which outcome indicates that the program is successful?
- A. increased attendance at diabetes education sessions
- B. reduced incidence of diabetes-related hospitalizations
- C. higher rates of blood glucose monitoring among participants
- D. greater knowledge of diabetes management techniques
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: reduced incidence of diabetes-related hospitalizations. This outcome is a strong indicator of successful diabetes management, as it suggests that participants are effectively controlling their condition and experiencing fewer severe complications that require hospitalization. Increased attendance at education sessions (choice A) may not directly correlate with improved health outcomes. While higher rates of blood glucose monitoring (choice C) are important, they alone may not reflect overall program success. Greater knowledge of diabetes management techniques (choice D) is valuable but does not directly measure the impact of the program on health outcomes like reduced hospitalizations.