Nursing Elites

1. A client in the emergency room enters the care area to start an IV. He finds a man sitting on the table, hunched over, and attempting to take deep breaths. He states, 'my chest hurts so much!' His wife is sitting on a chair in the corner, crying. Which of the following is the first action of the client?

• A. Bring the IV kit and quickly start an IV
• B. Assess his breathing and provide oxygen, if necessary
• C. Administer medication to control chest pain
• D. Talk with his wife and find out why she is crying

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the above scenario, the first action of the nurse should be to assess the client's airway and breathing. It is crucial to address respiratory status first, as the client appears to be experiencing difficulty breathing. Providing oxygen if necessary can help support oxygenation and alleviate potential respiratory distress. Administering medication for chest pain or starting an IV can come after ensuring adequate oxygenation. Talking with the client's wife, though important for emotional support, is not the priority when the client's respiratory status needs to be assessed and managed promptly.

2. The nurse practicing in a maternity setting recognizes that the postmature fetus is at risk due to:

• A. Excessive fetal weight
• B. Low blood sugar levels
• C. Depletion of subcutaneous fat
• D. Progressive placental insufficiency

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A postmature or postterm pregnancy occurs when a pregnancy exceeds the typical term of 38 to 42 weeks. In this situation, the fetus is at risk due to progressive placental insufficiency. This occurs because the placenta loses its ability to function effectively after 42 weeks. The accumulation of calcium deposits in the placenta reduces blood perfusion, oxygen supply, and nutrient delivery to the fetus, leading to potential growth problems. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because excessive fetal weight, low blood sugar levels, and depletion of subcutaneous fat are not the primary risks associated with postmature fetuses. The main concern lies in the compromised placental function and its impact on fetal well-being.

3. Family members of a patient ask repeated questions about the monitors and various readings in the patient's room. What is the most supportive response to their questions?

• A. Inform them that you can't take the time to answer all their questions
• B. Provide detailed explanations for each device
• C. Tell them it's too technical to explain
• D. Provide an overview and encourage them to spend their time with the patient

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Addressing the family's questions and providing an overview of information validates their concerns and addresses their requests. Limiting details and encouraging them to focus on the patient helps to avoid anxiety that could be created by focusing on values that should be interpreted in the context of the patient's situation by professionals with experience with such data. It also encourages them to provide what they uniquely have to offer: a comforting presence for their loved one. Choice A is dismissive and does not address the family's needs. Choice B may overwhelm the family with unnecessary technical information. Choice C is unhelpful as it disregards the family's genuine interest and concern. Therefore, choice D is the most appropriate response as it balances providing information while guiding the family to focus on supporting the patient.

4. Which of the following may be a cultural barrier that impacts a healthcare provider's ability to provide care or education to the client?

• A. A healthcare provider offers educational materials to a client that are written at an 8th-grade reading level
• B. A Vietnamese woman wants to use steaming in addition to her prescription antibiotics
• C. A healthcare provider uses pantomime to explain a procedure to a deaf client
• D. A Native American client requests a healing ritual before considering surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cultural barriers can impede communication, hindering a healthcare provider's ability to provide education or instructions about a client's care. In the context of cultural sensitivity, using pantomime to explain a procedure to a deaf client can be ineffective and inappropriate. This approach implies a lack of recognition of the importance of proper communication methods, such as sign language interpreters, which are crucial for effective communication with individuals who are deaf. Miscommunication is likely to occur if the client does not understand the gestures and actions of the healthcare provider. This scenario highlights the significance of understanding and respecting different cultural practices and communication needs to deliver optimal care and education. Choice A is incorrect because offering educational materials at an appropriate reading level demonstrates consideration for the client's literacy level, which can enhance understanding and compliance with medical instructions. Choice B is incorrect as incorporating a client's cultural practices, such as steaming, alongside prescribed treatments can be a part of culturally competent care. Choice D is incorrect as respecting a client's request for a healing ritual aligns with providing patient-centered care that acknowledges and integrates cultural beliefs and preferences.

5. A family member is complaining that the lights are too dim in the middle of the night when she comes in to visit her husband. What is the most objective response?

• A. Patients sleep better with the lights dimmed.
• B. The nightshift nurses prefer to work with less light.
• C. It's time for him to sleep, and you should, too.
• D. There's a reason we do that. Let me share a research study with you.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most objective response in this situation is to explain to the family member that there is a specific reason for dimming the lights and offer to share a research study to provide evidence-based information. By doing so, it helps the family member understand that the care provided is based on established practices and research, potentially alleviating her concerns and ensuring that her husband receives appropriate care. Choices A, B, and C do not address the family member's concern or provide a rationale backed by evidence, making them less suitable responses in this context.

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