A home health nurse is examining the lab results of several patients with a history of heart failure (HF). Which patient’s finding should the nurse immediately report to the healthcare provider?

Answer and explanation The correct answer is C. Choice A rationale

A hurricane that destroys 50,000 homes and kills 5,000 victims is a high-intensity disaster, but it is not small-scope. The impact is widespread, affecting a large number of homes and people.

Choice B rationale

A forest fire that destroys 25,000 acres and causes significant damage to livestock is also a high-intensity disaster. However, the scope is not small as it affects a large area and has a significant impact on the local economy.

Choice C rationale

A tornado that destroys 25 houses and uproots an interstate for 0.5 miles is an example of a high-intensity, small-scope disaster. The disaster is high-intensity due to the destructive nature of a tornado, but the scope is relatively small, affecting only a limited number of houses and a small section of an interstate.

Choice D rationale

An explosion at a water treatment plant that affects the community water supply is a high- intensity disaster due to the potential for widespread impact on the community’s water supply. However, the scope is not necessarily small as it could affect a large population.

Answer and explanation

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale

While surveying employees to determine how often hand cleansers are used during client care can provide some insight into the adherence to the program, it does not directly measure the effectiveness of the program in reducing hospital-acquired infections.

Choice B rationale

Comparing the incidence of infections before and after the program’s implementation is the most direct and reliable measure of the program’s effectiveness. A significant reduction in the

rate of hospital-acquired infections after the implementation of the program would indicate that the program is effective.

Choice C rationale

Observing a random sample of employees washing their hands three weeks after the program starts can provide information about the employees’ compliance with the handwashing techniques taught in the program. However, this measure does not directly indicate whether the program has been effective in reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.

Choice D rationale

Using an experimental design to compare program participants with a control group could provide valuable data on the program’s effectiveness. However, this method might not be feasible or ethical in a healthcare setting, as it would involve deliberately withholding the program from the control group.