Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has toxoplasmosis and asks about the cause of the infection. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. Handling cat feces
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of the parasite's oocysts, which are commonly found in cat feces. When a person comes into contact with cat feces, such as during cleaning of the litter box or gardening in soil contaminated with cat feces, they can inadvertently ingest the parasite. Therefore, handling cat feces is a common route of transmission for toxoplasmosis.
B. Touching body fluids
C. Drinking contaminated water
D. Eating shellfish
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The primary mode of transmission is through the ingestion of the parasite's oocysts, which are commonly found in cat feces.
When a person comes into contact with cat feces, such as during cleaning of the litter box or gardening in soil contaminated with cat feces, they can inadvertently ingest the parasite. Therefore, handling cat feces is a common route of transmission for toxoplasmosis.
Similar Questions
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about monitoring her blood pressure at home with a digital device. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. "I will make sure my hand is about 6 inches below my heart when I use the device."
The hand should be supported at the level of the heart or positioned comfortably during blood pressure measurement, but it does not need to be specifically 6 inches below the heart.
B. "I will check my blood pressure at a different time each day."
Consistency in the timing of blood pressure measurements is important for accurate monitoring. It is generally recommended to measure blood pressure at the same time each day to account for variations that can occur throughout the day.
C. "I will loosely wrap the blood pressure cuff around my upper arm."
The blood pressure cuff should be snug but not too tight around the upper arm. It should fit comfortably and securely to ensure accurate readings.
D. "I will know my blood pressure is too high if I get a reading of 140 over 90 or higher."
This statement shows that the client understands the threshold for high blood pressure readings. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered elevated or hypertensive. It is important for the client to be aware of this value and to seek medical attention or follow the prescribed management plan if their blood pressure exceeds this threshold.
Full Explanation
This statement shows that the client understands the threshold for high blood pressure readings. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is considered elevated or hypertensive.
It is important for the client to be aware of this value and to seek medical attention or follow the prescribed management plan if their blood pressure exceeds this threshold.
The hand should be supported at the level of the heart or positioned comfortably during blood pressure measurement, but it does not need to be specifically 6 inches below the heart.
Consistency in the timing of blood pressure measurements is important for accurate monitoring. It is generally recommended to measure blood pressure at the same time each day to account for variations that can occur throughout the day.
The blood pressure cuff should be snug but not too tight around the upper arm. It should fit comfortably and securely to ensure accurate readings.
A nurse is using a glucometer to measure a client's capillary blood glucose level. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Select the central tip of a finger.
This is not recommended. The central tip of the finger is more sensitive and has more nerve endings, which can cause more pain. The recommended site for blood glucose testing is the side of the fingertip, as it is less sensitive and provides an adequate blood sample.
B. Wear sterile gloves
While it is not necessary to wear sterile gloves for routine capillary blood glucose monitoring, it is important to ensure that the nurse's hands are clean. Wearing clean gloves helps maintain infection control practices.
C. Test the first drop of blood that forms after the puncture
After puncturing the selected site, the nurse should gently squeeze the finger to create a small drop of blood. The first drop of blood should be wiped away, and subsequent drops should be used for the glucose test. This ensures that the sample is fresh and not contaminated with tissue fluid.
D. Keep the finger in a dependent position
Keeping the finger in a dependent position (hanging down) helps improve blood flow to the fingertip, making it easier to obtain a sufficient blood sample. This can help ensure an accurate glucose reading.
Full Explanation
a. This is not recommended. The central tip of the finger is more sensitive and has more nerve endings, which can cause more pain. The recommended site for blood glucose testing is the side of the fingertip, as it is less sensitive and provides an adequate blood sample.
b. While it is not necessary to wear sterile gloves for routine capillary blood glucose monitoring, it is important to ensure that the nurse's hands are clean. Wearing clean gloves helps maintain infection control practices.
c. After puncturing the selected site, the nurse should gently squeeze the finger to create a small drop of blood. The first drop of blood should be wiped away, and subsequent drops should be used for the glucose test. This ensures that the sample is fresh and not contaminated with tissue fluid.
d. Keeping the finger in a dependent position (hanging down) helps improve blood flow to the fingertip, making it easier to obtain a sufficient blood sample. This can help ensure an accurate glucose reading.
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new prescription for ciprofloxacin.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. "Restrict your daily fluid intake while taking this medication."
Adequate fluid intake is important while taking ciprofloxacin to prevent dehydration, especially if diarrhea occurs.
B. "Expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication."
Ciprofloxacin can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to diarrhea. Informing the client about this possible side effect allows them to be prepared and take appropriate measures, such as maintaining hydration and notifying their healthcare provider if diarrhea becomes severe or persistent. However, warning about sunburn is crucial as it addresses a specific side effect (photosensitivity) that clients may not be aware of, and it provides actionable advice to mitigate the risk (use of sunscreen and protective clothing).
C. "This medication can increase your risk for sunburn."
Ciprofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can increase sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). Clients should be advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking this medication
D. "Take an antacid if the medication causes gastrointestinal upset."
Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with antacids, calcium supplements, or dairy products because they can interfere with the absorption of the medication. It's best to take ciprofloxacin either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids or products containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc.
Full Explanation
a. Adequate fluid intake is important while taking ciprofloxacin to prevent dehydration, especially if diarrhea occurs.
b. Ciprofloxacin can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, potentially leading to diarrhea. Informing the client about this possible side effect allows them to be prepared and take appropriate measures, such as maintaining hydration and notifying their healthcare provider if diarrhea becomes severe or persistent. However, warning about sunburn is crucial as it addresses a specific side effect (photosensitivity) that clients may not be aware of, and it provides actionable advice to mitigate the risk (use of sunscreen and protective clothing).
c. Ciprofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can increase sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity). Clients should be advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking this medication.
d. Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with antacids, calcium supplements, or dairy products because they can interfere with the absorption of the medication. It's best to take ciprofloxacin either 2 hours before or 6 hours after taking antacids or products containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, iron, or zinc.