A nursing preceptor is reviewing life expectancy in the twentieth century with a new nurse. The nurse should recognize that which of the following was most responsible for the dramatic increase in life expectancy during the twentieth century.
Advances in surgical techniques and procedures
Sanitation and other public health activities
Technology increases in the field of medical laboratory research
Use of antibiotics to fight infections
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Advances in surgical techniques and procedures have improved the outcomes of many patients, but they are not the main factor for the increase in life expectancy. Surgical interventions are often costly, risky, and inaccessible to many people, especially in developing countries.
Choice B reason: Sanitation and other public health activities have had a significant impact on reducing mortality from infectious diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and tuberculosis. These activities include providing safe water, improving hygiene, promoting vaccination, and controlling vector-borne diseases. Sanitation and public health measures are relatively low-cost, effective, and preventive strategies that can benefit large populations.
Choice C reason: Technology increases in the field of medical laboratory research have contributed to the diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and genetic disorders. However, these technologies are often expensive, complex, and dependent on specialized equipment and personnel. Therefore, they are not the main reason for the increase in life expectancy.
Choice D reason: The use of antibiotics to fight infections has been a major breakthrough in medicine, saving millions of lives from bacterial infections. However, antibiotics have also led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which pose a serious threat to public health. Moreover, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as influenza, HIV, and COVID-19. Therefore, antibiotics are not the most responsible factor for the increase in life expectancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: "Move objects away from the client." This instruction should be included in the teaching. It is a safety measure that can prevent injury or harm to the client during a seizure. Moving objects away from the client can create more space and avoid contact with sharp, hard, or hot items.
Choice B reason: "Restrain the client." This instruction should not be included in the teaching. It is a harmful action that can worsen or prolong the seizure. Restraining the client can interfere with their natural movements, cause pain or discomfort, or damage their muscles or joints.
Choice C reason: "Place the client on his back." This instruction should not be included in the teaching. It is a dangerous position that can compromise the client's airway and breathing. Placing the client on his back can increase the risk of choking, aspiration, or suffocation.
Choice D reason: "Insert a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth." This instruction should not be included in the teaching. It is an outdated and ineffective practice that can cause more harm than good. Inserting a padded tongue blade into the client's mouth can damage their teeth, gums, tongue, or lips, or block their airway. Contrary to popular belief, it is impossible for a person to swallow their tongue during a seizure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering an antipyretic is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. An antipyretic is a medication that lowers fever, which is a common symptom of meningococcal meningitis. However, fever is not a life-threatening condition, and it may have some beneficial effects on fighting infection. The nurse should first prioritize other actions that are more urgent or critical for the client's safety and outcome.
Choice B reason: Decreasing environmental stimuli is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. Decreasing environmental stimuli is a nursing intervention that can help reduce agitation, confusion, or seizures in clients with meningococcal meningitis. However, it is not an immediate or essential action, and it may not be effective if the client's condition worsens or progresses to coma.
Choice C reason: Assessing the cranial nerves is the next action that the nurse should initiate. Cranial nerve assessment is a neurological examination that evaluates the function of 12 pairs of nerves that originate from the brainstem and control various sensory and motor functions, such as vision, hearing, smell, taste, facial expression, eye movement, swallowing, speech, and balance. Meningococcal meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, which are the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord. Meningeal inflammation can compress or damage the cranial nerves, causing various signs and symptoms, such as headache, photophobia, diplopia, facial palsy, dysphagia, dysarthria, or nystagmus. Assessing the cranial nerves can help detect any neurological deficits or complications early, and guide appropriate interventions or referrals.
Choice D reason: Completing a vascular assessment is not the next action that the nurse should initiate. A vascular assessment is a physical examination that evaluates the blood flow and circulation in different parts of the body, such as the arms, legs, abdomen, or neck. It may include checking pulses, blood pressure, capillary refill, skin color, temperature, or edema. A vascular assessment may be relevant for some clients with meningococcal meningitis who develop septic shock or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), which are serious conditions that affect blood vessels and clotting factors. However, these are not common or early manifestations of meningococcal meningitis, and they require more advanced or specialized assessments and treatments.
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