Nokea
A nurse is taking the health history of an 85-year-old client. Which of the following physical findings is consistent with normal aging?
- A. Increase in subcutaneous fat.
- B. Diminished cough reflex.
- C. Long-term memory loss.
- D. Myopia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Diminished cough reflex.' Diminished cough reflex is a physical finding consistent with normal aging in older adults, which can increase the risk of aspiration and atelectasis. An increase in subcutaneous fat actually raises the risk of pressure ulcers. While long-term memory is typically preserved in aging unless affected by dementia, short-term memory often declines. Myopia (near-sightedness) is common in younger individuals, but presbyopia (far-sightedness) is more common with aging. Additionally, individuals with myopia may experience an improvement in vision as they age.
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The nurse teaching about preventable diseases should emphasize the importance of getting the following vaccines:
- A. human papillomavirus, genital herpes, measles.
- B. pneumonia, HIV, mumps.
- C. syphilis, gonorrhea, pneumonia.
- D. polio, pertussis, measles.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vaccines are one of the most effective methods of preventing and controlling certain communicable diseases. The smallpox vaccine is not currently in use because the smallpox virus has been declared eradicated from the world's population. Diseases such as polio, diphtheria, pertussis, and measles are mostly controlled by routine childhood immunization. They have not, however, been eradicated, so children need to be immunized against these diseases. Choices A, B, and C contain vaccines that do not protect against preventable diseases like polio, pertussis, and measles. Therefore, the correct choice is D.
Which of the following microorganisms is easily transmitted from client to client on the hands of healthcare workers?
- A. mycobacterium tuberculosis
- B. clostridium tetani
- C. staphylococcus aureus
- D. human immunodeficiency virus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus microorganisms are ubiquitous and easily transmitted by healthcare workers who fail to conduct routine hand washing between clients. Staphylococcus aureus can reside on the skin and be transferred from one client to another if proper hand hygiene is not practiced. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is mainly transmitted through the airborne route, clostridium tetani is usually acquired through exposure to soil or dirt contaminated with tetanus spores, and human immunodeficiency virus is not easily transmitted through casual contact or on the hands of healthcare workers.
The nurse is caring for a client following an appendectomy. The client reports nausea and complains of surgical site pain at a 6 on a 0 to 10 scale. The client's employer is present in the room and states he is paying for the insurance and wants to know what pain medication has been prescribed by the physician. Which of the following is the appropriate nurse response?
- A. Answer any questions the employer may have as he pays for the insurance.
- B. Tell the employer his question is inappropriate and that the information is none of his business.
- C. Explain to the employer that you cannot release private information and ask the employer to step out while you conduct your assessment of the client.
- D. Ask the employer to leave and wait until the client returns home to visit.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The appropriate nurse response is to explain to the employer that private information cannot be released and ask the employer to step out while conducting the assessment. This approach respects the client's privacy while still acknowledging the employer. The employer's payment for insurance does not grant rights to confidential information. Sharing information without permission violates the client's right to privacy under HIPAA. Option A is incorrect as it compromises the client's confidentiality by sharing private medical information. Option B is inappropriate and unprofessional as it does not address the situation respectfully. Option D is incorrect as it does not prioritize the client's immediate needs and assumes the client's consent without proper communication.
Teaching about the need to avoid foods high in potassium is most important for which client?
- A. a client receiving diuretic therapy
- B. a client with an ileostomy
- C. a client with metabolic alkalosis
- D. a client with renal disease
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clients with renal disease are predisposed to hyperkalemia and should avoid foods high in potassium. High potassium levels can further burden the kidneys and worsen the condition. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because clients receiving diuretic therapy, with an ileostomy, or with metabolic alkalosis are at risk for hypokalemia, which is low potassium levels. Therefore, these clients should actually be encouraged to eat foods high in potassium to maintain adequate levels and prevent complications associated with hypokalemia.
A high school nurse observes a 14-year-old female rubbing her scalp excessively in the gym. What is the most appropriate course of action for the nurse?
- A. Request the female’s parents for a private evaluation of her scalp
- B. Contact the female’s parents regarding the observations
- C. Observe the hairline and scalp for possible signs of lice
- D. Inform the student’s physician about the situation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most appropriate course of action for the nurse is to observe the hairline and scalp for possible signs of lice. The student's behavior of excessively rubbing her scalp raises concerns about a potential infestation, making it necessary to look for signs firsthand. Contacting the parents or the physician should be considered after observing for signs of lice to provide more information and take appropriate action. Requesting a private evaluation from the parents may not be required initially, as lice infestation is a common concern among children and observing for signs is the immediate step to address the situation.