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 healthcare provider provides teaching to a group of evacuees in a mass casualty center after a natural flooding disaster. Which information should the healthcare provider include in the teaching plan? (select one that does not apply.)
- A. wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly in running tap water
- B. identify all sexual contacts since the evacuation process
- C. take all doses of prophylactic prescriptions for diarrhea
- D. clean hands using soap, clean water, or waterless antibacterial solutions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the aftermath of a flooding disaster, educating evacuees on proper hygiene practices like washing fruits and vegetables, taking prophylactic prescriptions, and practicing hand hygiene is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases. Option B, identifying sexual contacts, is not relevant to preventing post-disaster health risks and should not be included in the teaching plan.
The healthcare professional is providing education on healthy eating habits to a group of adolescents. Which strategy is most likely to be effective?
- A. lecturing about the dangers of unhealthy eating
- B. distributing pamphlets on healthy food choices
- C. involving the adolescents in meal planning and preparation
- D. showing a documentary on the benefits of a healthy diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Involving adolescents in meal planning and preparation is a more effective strategy as it actively engages them in the learning process. This approach allows adolescents to have hands-on experience, make informed choices, and develop a sense of ownership over their dietary decisions. Lecturing about dangers or showing documentaries may not be as engaging or interactive, making it less likely for adolescents to retain and apply the information provided. Distributing pamphlets can be informative but lacks the interactive and experiential aspect that involving them in meal planning and preparation offers.
The nurse identifies a client's needs and formulates the nursing problem of 'Imbalance nutrition: Less than body requirements, related to mental impairment and decreased intake, as evidenced by increasing confusion and weight loss of more than 30 pounds over the last 6 months.' Which short-term goal is best for this client?
- A. Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.
- B. Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month.
- C. Have increased caloric intake.
- D. Show improved nutritional status.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct short-term goal for the client in this scenario is option A: 'Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.' This goal is specific, measurable, and time-bound, which aligns with the SMART criteria for goal setting in nursing care. It addresses the client's nutritional needs directly, focusing on increasing meal frequency to meet body requirements and counteract weight loss. Option B, 'Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month,' is not as suitable as it lacks specificity and a short-term timeline, making it less achievable within the immediate care plan. Option C, 'Have increased caloric intake,' is vague and does not provide a measurable target for the client to work towards. Option D, 'Show improved nutritional status,' is a broad goal that lacks the specificity needed for effective short-term goal setting in nursing care. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for this client's short-term goal.
The healthcare provider is developing a community outreach program to address childhood obesity. Which intervention should the healthcare provider implement first?
- A. conduct a survey to assess dietary habits and physical activity levels
- B. develop educational materials on healthy eating and exercise
- C. partner with local schools to promote physical activity programs
- D. organize community events that encourage healthy lifestyle choices
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Conducting a survey to assess dietary habits and physical activity levels should be the initial step in developing a community outreach program to address childhood obesity. By gathering data through a survey, the healthcare provider can identify specific needs, preferences, and challenges within the community. This information is crucial for designing tailored interventions that are more likely to be effective. Developing educational materials (Choice B) can come after understanding the community's needs through the survey. Partnering with local schools (Choice C) and organizing community events (Choice D) are important strategies but should be planned based on the data obtained from the survey to ensure relevance and impact.
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.
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