Nursing Elites

1. A client arrives at an occupational health clinic after being struck by lightning while working in a truck bed. The client is alert but reports feeling faint. Which assessment will the nurse perform first?

• A. Pulse characteristics
• B. Open airway
• C. Entrance and exit wounds
• D. Cervical spine injury

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing pulse characteristics is the priority in this situation due to the potential impact of lightning as a form of electrical current, which can cause irregular heart rhythms. It is crucial to evaluate the pulse rate and regularity to assess for adequate circulation and potential cardiac issues. Since the client is alert and talking, the airway is likely patent, making assessing the airway less urgent. Entrance and exit wounds and cervical spine injury assessments should follow the evaluation of pulse characteristics to ensure proper circulation and prioritize life-threatening issues first. Checking the pulse first will guide further interventions and help in determining the client's hemodynamic status.

2. The client is in the maintenance stage based on the transtheoretical model of health behavior change. Which stage is the client in?

• A. Action
• B. Preparation
• C. Maintenance
• D. Contemplation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is in the maintenance stage of human behavior change. During this stage, the client has successfully incorporated the changes into their lifestyle. The maintenance stage typically begins 6 months after the action stage and continues indefinitely. The action stage lasts for 6 months from when the client initially incorporates the changes. In the preparation stage, the client starts realizing that the benefits of change outweigh the disadvantages and starts making small changes to prepare for major changes in the following month. The contemplation stage involves the client considering whether to make changes in the next 6 months. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's consistent adherence to the diet and exercise program for 8 months places them in the maintenance stage of behavior change.

3. Which of the following medications would NOT be an appropriate prn medication for use during an episode of aggression or violence for the patient with a psychiatric diagnosis?

• A. Olanzapine
• B. Meperidine
• C. Ziprasidone
• D. Haloperidol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Meperidine is an opioid used to treat pain and is not suitable for managing aggressive or violent behavior in patients with psychiatric diagnoses. Olanzapine, ziprasidone, and haloperidol are appropriate choices for managing aggression or violence. Olanzapine and ziprasidone are second-generation antipsychotic medications, while haloperidol is a traditional antipsychotic. These medications have demonstrated effectiveness in managing aggressive behavior, with or without the adjunctive use of a benzodiazepine. Meperidine's primary indication is for pain relief, making it unsuitable for managing psychiatric-related aggression or violence.

4. Which characteristic would be a concern for the nurse when caring for a client with schizophrenia in the early phase of treatment?

• A. Continual pacing
• B. Suspicious feelings
• C. Inability to socialize with others
• D. Disturbed relationship with the family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the early phase of treatment for a client with schizophrenia, the nurse needs to address the client's suspicious feelings to establish trust and create a therapeutic environment. Suspicious feelings can hinder the development of a positive nurse-client relationship. Continual pacing, while a symptom, can be managed by the nurse and does not directly impact the therapeutic relationship. Inability to socialize with others and a disturbed relationship with the family are important factors but are of lesser concern in the early treatment phase as compared to addressing suspicious feelings to build trust and rapport.

5. An older woman has lived alone since the death of her husband 10 years ago, and she has a long list of vague complaints. Which assessment is the priority for the home health nurse to perform?

• A. Assess for feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• B. Determine if the client has unresolved grief.
• C. Determine if there are safety issues.
• D. Ask about the availability of support systems.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority assessment for the home health nurse in this scenario is to determine if there are safety issues. The client is an older woman living alone with a long list of vague complaints, indicating several risk factors. Ensuring her safety should be the primary concern. While assessing for feelings of loneliness, isolation, or grief is important, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence due to her vulnerable situation. Although assessing the availability of support systems is essential in a home health assessment, safety issues must be addressed first given the client's profile.

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