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The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum albumin of 3.5 g/dL.
- B. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds.
- C. Hemoglobin of 10 g/dL.
- D. Serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, the serum ammonia level of 180 mcg/dL. An elevated serum ammonia level indicates hepatic dysfunction and can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Options A, B, and C are within normal ranges or slightly abnormal values for clients with cirrhosis and do not pose an immediate threat. Serum albumin levels may indicate malnutrition, prothrombin time may reflect liver synthetic function, and hemoglobin levels can be affected by various factors but do not require immediate intervention in this scenario.
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The nurse is providing care for a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which laboratory result requires immediate intervention?
- A. Serum sodium of 140 mEq/L.
- B. Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L.
- C. Serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg.
- D. Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum sodium of 130 mEq/L. In SIADH, there is excess release of antidiuretic hormone leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L indicates severe hyponatremia, which can result in neurological symptoms, such as confusion, seizures, and coma. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to prevent further complications. Choice A, a serum sodium of 140 mEq/L, is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention. Choice B, serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L, is also within the normal range and is not directly related to SIADH. Choice C, serum osmolality of 280 mOsm/kg, is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood and may not be the most critical parameter to address in a client with SIADH and severe hyponatremia.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Which finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Chest pain.
- B. Shortness of breath.
- C. Tachycardia.
- D. Cyanosis.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxemia and indicates severe oxygen deprivation, necessitating immediate intervention in a client with a suspected pulmonary embolism. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and tachycardia are also concerning symptoms in pulmonary embolism; however, cyanosis signifies critical oxygen deficiency and warrants urgent attention to prevent further complications.
A public health nurse is addressing the issue of childhood lead poisoning in a low-income community. Which intervention should be prioritized?
- A. Providing free blood lead level testing for children
- B. Distributing pamphlets on the dangers of lead exposure
- C. Conducting home inspections for lead-based paint
- D. Educating parents about lead poisoning prevention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Providing free blood lead level testing for children should be prioritized as it directly identifies children who are at risk and in need of intervention. This intervention allows for early detection and timely implementation of necessary measures to prevent further lead exposure or address existing poisoning. Distributing pamphlets (choice B) may raise awareness but does not directly identify at-risk children. Conducting home inspections (choice C) is important but may not be as immediate and targeted as blood lead level testing. Educating parents (choice D) is essential but may not directly identify and address individual cases of lead poisoning as testing does.
The healthcare provider is planning a health education session for new parents on infant care. Which topic should be prioritized?
- A. signs of infant dehydration
- B. proper diaper changing techniques
- C. immunization schedule
- D. breastfeeding positions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Recognizing signs of infant dehydration is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of infants. Dehydration can be life-threatening for infants if not addressed promptly. Proper diaper changing techniques, while important for hygiene, can be learned incrementally. The immunization schedule and breastfeeding positions are also essential topics, but identifying signs of dehydration takes precedence as it requires immediate attention to prevent serious complications.
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.