Nursing Elites

1. A client is transferred from the emergency department to the locked psychiatric unit after attempting suicide by taking 200 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets. The client is now awake and alert but refuses to speak with the nurse. In this situation, the nurse’s first priority is to:

• A. Establish a rapport to foster trust
• B. Place the client in full restraints
• C. Try to communicate with the client in writing
• D. Ensure safety by initiating suicide precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's highest priority should be to ensure the client's safety by initiating suicide precautions. Given the history of a suicide attempt by taking a large number of acetaminophen tablets, there is a high risk of further self-harm. Placing the client in full restraints without assessing the situation properly may escalate anxiety and hinder therapeutic communication. Trying to communicate with the client in writing could be an option but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Establishing rapport is essential for building trust and therapeutic relationship, but safety concerns must be addressed first in this critical situation.

2. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant and interferes with the action of:

• A. Platelets
• B. Vitamin K
• C. Calcium
• D. Vitamin B12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin K. Warfarin works by inhibiting the action of vitamin K, which is crucial for the synthesis of clotting factors in the blood. By interfering with vitamin K, warfarin decreases the production of these clotting factors, thereby prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. This is why individuals on warfarin therapy need to monitor their vitamin K intake. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because warfarin does not directly interfere with platelets, calcium, or vitamin B12.

3. The client with chronic alcoholism has chronic pancreatitis and hypomagnesemia. What should the nurse assess when administering magnesium sulfate to the client?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Arterial blood gases
• C. Skin turgor
• D. Capillary refill time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep tendon reflexes. When administering magnesium sulfate to a client with chronic alcoholism, chronic pancreatitis, and hypomagnesemia, the nurse should assess deep tendon reflexes. Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system and decrease deep tendon reflexes, so monitoring them is crucial. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the assessment needed when administering magnesium sulfate in this scenario. Arterial blood gases are not typically assessed specifically for magnesium sulfate administration; skin turgor and capillary refill time are more related to hydration status and perfusion, respectively.

4. Which nursing action(s) can result in disciplinary action by state boards of nursing?

• A. Release of client health information to a client’s neighbor
• B. Delegation of a dressing change to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)
• C. Release of client health information to the client’s durable power of attorney
• D. A, B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Disclosing client health information to unauthorized individuals, such as a client's neighbor (choice A) or improper delegation of nursing tasks to unlicensed personnel like UAPs (choice B), are violations of patient confidentiality and safety. Releasing client health information to the client's durable power of attorney (choice C) is a legal and appropriate action, not warranting disciplinary action. Therefore, choices A and B can result in disciplinary action by state boards of nursing, making option D the correct answer.

5. A true statement about medications is that:

• A. Over-the-counter medications are unlikely to interact with food or nutrients
• B. Prescription medications always have significant interactions with food
• C. Prescription and nonprescription drugs and herbal remedies interact with food
• D. Herbal products are generally safe since they are natural

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This statement is true because both prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbal remedies, can interact with food. Choice A is incorrect because over-the-counter medications can also interact with food or nutrients. Choice B is incorrect as not all prescription medications have significant interactions with food. Choice D is incorrect because natural herbal products can also have side effects and interactions with other substances.

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