Nursing Elites

1. A 14-year-old male client with a spinal cord injury (SCI) at T-10 is admitted for rehabilitation. During the morning assessment, the nurse determines that the adolescent's face is flushed, his forehead is sweating, his heart rate is 54 beats/min, and his blood pressure is 198/118. What action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Determine if the urinary bladder is distended
• B. Irrigate the indwelling urinary catheter
• C. Review the temperature graph for the last day
• D. Administer an antihypertensive agent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening emergency that can be triggered by a distended bladder in clients with spinal cord injuries at T-6 or above. The priority action is to determine if the urinary bladder is distended as this could be the cause of the symptoms observed in the adolescent. Flushing, sweating, bradycardia, and severe hypertension are classic signs of autonomic dysreflexia. Irrigating the urinary catheter, reviewing temperature graphs, or administering an antihypertensive agent are not the initial actions to take when suspecting autonomic dysreflexia.

2. While teaching a young male adult to use an inhaler for his newly diagnosed asthma, the client stares into the distance and appears to be concentrating on something other than the lesson the nurse is presenting. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Remind the client of the importance of using a rescue inhaler for asthma management
• B. Leave the client alone to process his thoughts about the inhaler
• C. Ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment
• D. Pause and inquire if the client has any questions or needs clarification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take is to ask the client what he is thinking about at that moment. By doing so, the nurse can understand the client's concerns or distractions, which can then be addressed effectively during the teaching session. Option A is incorrect as it assumes the client is not paying attention due to forgetfulness about the importance of the inhaler, which may not be the case. Option B is incorrect because leaving the client alone without addressing the issue does not facilitate effective learning. Option D, although closer, does not directly address the client's distraction and may not uncover the underlying issue causing the lack of focus.

3. The client has silvery scaling plaques bilaterally on elbows, forearms, and palms. When scratched, the skin bleeds over these plaques. What is most important to include in this client’s plan of care?

• A. Interventions to decrease emotional stress
• B. Precautions about avoiding sunlight
• C. Strategies to increase omega-3 fatty acids in the diet
• D. Instruct about applying a corticosteroid cream

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important aspect to include in this client's plan of care is interventions to decrease emotional stress. Psoriasis, characterized by silvery scaling plaques on the skin, can be exacerbated by emotional stress. Managing stress is crucial in controlling the condition. Precautions about avoiding sunlight are important in psoriasis management, but emotional stress has a more significant impact. While omega-3 fatty acids may provide some benefits, stress management should take priority. Applying a corticosteroid cream may help with symptoms, but addressing emotional stress is crucial for long-term management of psoriasis.

4. An adult male was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer three weeks ago. His wife approaches the nurse and asks how she will know that her husband's death is imminent because their two adult children want to be there when he dies. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. Explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow down
• B. Reassure the spouse that the healthcare provider will let her know when to call the children
• C. Offer to discuss the client’s health status with each of the adult children
• D. Gather information on how long it will take for the children to arrive

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best response for the nurse is to explain that the client will start to lose consciousness and his body systems will slow down. Providing information on the signs of impending death helps the family prepare emotionally and allows them to be present at the appropriate time. Choice B is incorrect because it does not empower the family with the knowledge they seek. Choice C is incorrect as discussing the client’s health status individually with the adult children may not address the wife's immediate concern. Choice D is incorrect as the priority should be on preparing the family for the signs of imminent death rather than focusing on logistical details.

5. A postpartum client who is bottle feeding develops breast engorgement. What is the best recommendation for the nurse to provide this client?

• A. Take a prescribed analgesic and expose breasts to air
• B. Place warm packs on both breasts
• C. Avoid stimulation of the breasts and wear a tight bra
• D. Express a small amount of breast milk by hand

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a postpartum client who is bottle feeding and develops breast engorgement, the best recommendation is to avoid stimulation of the breasts and wear a tight bra. This helps reduce engorgement by decreasing blood flow to the breasts. Option A is incorrect because exposing the breasts to air can further stimulate them, worsening engorgement. Option B is incorrect as warm packs can increase blood flow and exacerbate engorgement. Option D is incorrect as expressing breast milk can lead to further stimulation and increased engorgement.

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