During the physical assessment, which finding should the nurse recognize as a normal finding?
- A. Regular pulsation at the epigastric area when the client is supine.
- B. A loud, harsh murmur at the second right intercostal space.
- C. Dullness over the lung fields.
- D. Increased tactile fremitus.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The regular pulsation at the epigastric area when the client is supine is a normal finding. This phenomenon is caused by the regular and recurrent expansion and contraction of an artery due to waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle. Choices B, C, and D describe abnormal findings during a physical assessment. A loud, harsh murmur at the second right intercostal space indicates an abnormal heart sound, dullness over the lung fields may suggest consolidation or fluid in the lungs, and increased tactile fremitus can be a sign of lung consolidation or pathology.
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The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Chest pain radiating to the left arm.
- B. Shortness of breath.
- C. Nausea and vomiting.
- D. Diaphoresis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Shortness of breath is a critical sign that can indicate heart failure or pulmonary edema, conditions that require immediate intervention in a client with a suspected myocardial infarction. Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not necessitate immediate intervention compared to severe shortness of breath. Nausea and vomiting can be present in myocardial infarction but are not as urgent as shortness of breath. Diaphoresis, or sweating, is a common symptom of a myocardial infarction but may not be as immediately concerning as significant shortness of breath.
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.
The school nurse is conducting an audit of incident reports for adolescent students. Which finding is the best indication that the Healthy People 2020 objectives are being addressed?
- A. the absenteeism rate has increased greatly over the past two years
- B. during the last year fewer firearms were retrieved on school property
- C. the number of requests for pregnancy testing is higher than last year
- D. decline in the number of students enrolled in school during the year
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. A decrease in firearms retrieved on school property is a positive indication that the Healthy People 2020 objectives are being addressed. This finding suggests progress in reducing violence and improving safety in schools, which aligns with the goals of promoting overall health and safety among adolescents. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to the Healthy People 2020 objectives. Increased absenteeism, higher requests for pregnancy testing, and a decline in student enrollment do not necessarily reflect the specific health and safety goals outlined in Healthy People 2020.
A client with a head injury is admitted to the hospital. Which finding indicates a need for immediate intervention?
- A. Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15.
- B. Pupils are equal and reactive to light.
- C. Client is drowsy but arousable.
- D. Client does not remember the events leading to the injury.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a client with a head injury, being drowsy but still arousable can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, which necessitates immediate intervention. This presentation may indicate a deterioration in neurological status, requiring prompt assessment and management to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are not indicative of an immediate need for intervention in this scenario. A Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15 indicates the highest level of consciousness; pupils being equal and reactive to light suggest intact cranial nerve function, and memory loss about the injury event is common in head injuries and does not necessarily warrant immediate intervention.
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.