The healthcare provider is caring for a client with hypokalemia. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Muscle weakness.
- B. Irregular heart rate.
- C. Increased urinary output.
- D. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a critical finding in hypokalemia that indicates severe potassium deficiency affecting neuromuscular function. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent life-threatening complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrhythmias. Muscle weakness, irregular heart rate, and increased urinary output are also associated with hypokalemia but do not pose the same level of urgency as decreased deep tendon reflexes.
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The healthcare provider is assessing a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL.
- B. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours.
- C. Decreased urine output.
- D. Temperature of 100.3°F (37.9°C).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased urine output in a client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) requires immediate intervention because it can indicate potential complications such as fluid overload or kidney dysfunction. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing renal function and fluid balance in patients on TPN. A blood glucose level of 150 mg/dL is within a normal range and may not require immediate intervention. Weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours could be a concern but may not be as urgent as addressing decreased urine output. A temperature of 100.3°F (37.9°C) is slightly elevated but may not be directly related to TPN administration unless there are other symptoms of infection present.
Prior to implementing a community health program targeting teenage smoking, which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?
- A. greater access to any healthcare provider
- B. allowance for early discharge
- C. Prevalence and patterns of smoking among teenagers
- D. approval by the network healthcare provider
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to obtain before implementing a community health program targeting teenage smoking is the prevalence and patterns of smoking among teenagers. Understanding this data is crucial to tailor the program to the specific needs and behaviors of the target group, ensuring it addresses the root causes effectively. Choices A, B, and D are unrelated to the specific needs of the target group and do not provide essential information for designing an effective smoking cessation program for teenagers.
A public health nurse is working with a community to improve access to healthcare services. Which intervention is most likely to be effective?
- A. Setting up mobile clinics in underserved areas
- B. Distributing flyers with information about local clinics
- C. Offering transportation vouchers for medical appointments
- D. Partnering with local businesses to provide healthcare discounts
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Setting up mobile clinics in underserved areas is the most effective intervention to improve access to healthcare services. Mobile clinics directly bring healthcare services to the community, making it convenient for residents to access care without having to travel long distances. Distributing flyers may increase awareness but may not address the barriers to access. Offering transportation vouchers helps with one aspect of access but does not directly provide healthcare services. Partnering with local businesses for discounts may not address the primary issue of physical access to healthcare services in underserved areas.
The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Heart rate of 100 beats per minute.
- B. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
- C. Respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute.
- D. Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Weight loss of 5 pounds in one week in a client with hyperthyroidism is concerning as it may indicate severe hypermetabolism, leading to potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and other metabolic disturbances. Rapid weight loss in hyperthyroidism indicates an accelerated metabolic rate and increased energy expenditure, which can be detrimental to the client's health. The other assessment findings (heart rate of 100 beats per minute, blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg, respiratory rate of 24 breaths per minute) are commonly seen in clients with hyperthyroidism and may not necessarily require immediate intervention unless they are significantly outside the normal range or causing distress to the client.
A female adult walks into a local community health clinic and tells the nurse that she is homeless and cannot seem to find help. Which statement indicates to the nurse that a client is feeling separated from society and helpless?
- A. "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared."
- B. "I feel like I cannot get enough food to live any longer."
- C. "I know that I will always be poor so what's the use of trying?"
- D. "People like me are never respected, no matter how well we do."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because the statement reflects a sense of isolation and helplessness, indicating a profound emotional and social disconnect. The client expresses feeling separated from others and scared, highlighting a deep emotional distress. Choices B, C, and D touch on different issues such as food insecurity, hopelessness about poverty, and lack of respect, but they do not specifically address the feelings of isolation and helplessness mentioned in the client's statement.