The public health nurse is investigating a report of several chickenpox (varicella virus) cases at a daycare center. The daycare worker mentions that five children have been sent home over the past two weeks with fever and itchy blisters. What should be the nurse's initial action?
- A. Report the presence of a viral endemic at the daycare center.
- B. Confirm the number of children exhibiting symptoms.
- C. Verify that the children sent home did indeed develop chickenpox.
- D. Determine the number of people potentially exposed.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse's initial action should be to verify that the children sent home did indeed develop chickenpox. This is because chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Early identification and confirmation of the disease can help in implementing appropriate control measures to prevent further spread.
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The community health nurse suspects that immunization rates in a lower-socioeconomic section of %%city are likely below the state health department's target. What should be the nurse's initial action to address this health problem?
- A. Call a meeting of citizens to inform them of the importance of having their children immunized.
- B. Partner with a local children's hospital to set up free immunization clinics in the neighborhood.
- C. Join a political action group that focuses attention on the issue in the local news media.
- D. Review current epidemiological population data that might document a low immunization rate.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Reviewing current epidemiological population data would provide the nurse with a clear picture of the immunization rates in different sections of the city. This should be the initial step as it would guide subsequent actions, such as setting up immunization clinics in areas where they are most needed.
The home health nurse assesses an older adult client and observes possible signs of abuse. Which resource should the nurse use to guide their decision regarding reporting these suspicions?
- A. American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics.
- B. Nursing procedure manual.
- C. State law.
- D. Nurse practice act.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: State law often provides specific guidelines on how and when to report suspected elder abuse. Therefore, it would be the most appropriate resource for the nurse to use in this situation.
During a community health screening fair for older adults, a nurse notices a client with pale, bluish feet and sores on both lower extremities that are healing poorly. What should be the nurse's intervention be?
- A. Instruct the client to apply antibiotic ointment to the sores.
- B. Create a list of foods that promote wound healing.
- C. Refer the client to a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation.
- D. Send the client to the emergency department for treatment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client's symptoms of pale, bluish feet and sores on both lower extremities that are healing poorly suggest a severe and untreated medical condition, possibly related to circulation or skin integrity. Therefore, the nurse should refer the client to a healthcare provider for a complete evaluation.
The number of students seeking information about teenage pregnancy has risen by 259%. Two years ago, a nurse evaluated the health needs of high school students and identified student pregnancy as a significant issue. As a result, the nurse created a pregnancy prevention program for the entire school district. Which outcome is the strongest evidence of the program's success?
- A. 80% of the students participate in a voluntary sex education seminar.
- B. Students report an average delay of 2 years for their first sexual encounter.
- C. 75% of the parents express support for a pregnancy prevention program in the schools.
- D. The school district reports a decrease in the number of teenage pregnancies.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A decrease in the number of teenage pregnancies in the school district is the strongest evidence of the program's success. This outcome directly aligns with the goal of a pregnancy prevention program, which is to reduce the number of teenage pregnancies.
The nurse needs to delegate some tasks related to a homebound client's care to a home health aide. Which task should the nurse assign to the aide?
- A. Fitting a prosthetic device.
- B. Evaluating the client's need for an elevated toilet seat.
- C. Performing a sterile dressing change.
- D. Assessing a pressure sore.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Evaluating the need for an elevated toilet seat involves assessing the client's mobility and safety in the bathroom, tasks that a home health aide could perform under the supervision of a nurse.
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