Nursing Elites

1. A 6-month-old client is admitted with possible intussusception. Which question during the nursing history is least helpful in obtaining information regarding this diagnosis?

• A. "Tell me about his pain."?
• B. "What does his vomit look like?"?
• C. "Describe his usual diet."?
• D. "Have you noticed changes in his abdominal size?"?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The least helpful question in obtaining information regarding intussusception is "Describe his usual diet."? This question is least relevant to the specific symptoms and presentation of intussusception. Choices A, B, and D are more directly related to symptoms commonly associated with intussusception and can provide important diagnostic clues. Asking about pain, vomit appearance, and changes in abdominal size can help in assessing the severity and progression of the condition, making them more crucial questions to ask in this scenario. Pain is a cardinal symptom of intussusception, changes in vomit appearance may indicate gastrointestinal issues, and alterations in abdominal size can signify the presence of a mass or obstruction, all of which are pertinent in diagnosing and managing intussusception.

2. When discussing the patterns of use of alcohol and other drugs, which piece of information should the nurse include?

• A. Lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women.
• B. Caucasians report higher levels of alcohol use than African Americans or Hispanics.
• C. Overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age.
• D. Heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to affordability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that overuse of alcohol and other drugs increases into the mid-20s, then levels off and decreases with age. Recent research indicates that alcohol and illicit drug use tends to rise into the mid-20s and then decline with age. Choices A and B are incorrect because lifetime prevalence and intensity of alcohol use are greater in men than in women, and Caucasians do not report higher levels of alcohol use compared to African Americans or Hispanics. Choice D is incorrect because heavy use is more common in lower socioeconomic groups due to factors like stress, coping mechanisms, and availability, not just affordability.

3. A family member of a client with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia asks about the prognosis. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that schizophrenia:

• A. affects both genders equally.
• B. is a chronic, deteriorating disease with periods of remission.
• C. is usually diagnosed in early adulthood.
• D. does not have a clear protective hormone effect delaying diagnosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'is a chronic, deteriorating disease with periods of remission.' While choices A, C, and D contain some truths about schizophrenia, they do not directly address the prognosis aspect of the question. Schizophrenia can affect both men and women equally, is typically diagnosed in early adulthood, and does not have a known protective hormone effect that delays diagnosis. Choice B accurately reflects the chronic and fluctuating nature of the disease, which is essential for understanding its long-term course.

4. A client is taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) for chronic back pain. The client has required an increase in the dose and asks whether this means he is addicted to Vicodin. The nurse should base her reply on the knowledge that:

• A. the client's body has developed tolerance, requiring more drug to produce the same effect.
• B. the client is preoccupied with getting the drug and is experiencing loss of control, indicating drug dependence.
• C. addiction is the term used to describe physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance.
• D. the client has a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and chronic back pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Drug tolerance is characterized by the ability to ingest a larger dose without adverse effects and decreased sensitivity to the substance. In this scenario, the client needing an increased dose of hydrocodone to achieve the same pain relief indicates tolerance developing, not addiction. Choice B is incorrect as it describes drug dependence, where the individual is preoccupied with the drug and has a loss of control. Choice C is incorrect because addiction involves psychological behaviors related to substance use, not just physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a dual diagnosis, which is the coexistence of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, not the development of tolerance to a drug.

5. Which statement reflects a primary belief of psychiatric mental health nursing?

• A. Most people have the potential to change and grow.
• B. Every person is worthy of dignity and respect.
• C. Human needs are individual to each person.
• D. Some behaviors have no meaning and cannot be understood.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer reflects a primary belief of psychiatric mental health nursing, which is that every person is worthy of dignity and respect. This belief forms the foundation of providing holistic and compassionate care in mental health nursing. While it is true that most people have the potential to change and grow, this choice does not directly address a core belief of mental health nursing. Human needs being individual to each person is a general principle of nursing care but does not specifically capture a primary belief in psychiatric mental health nursing. The statement that some behaviors have no meaning and cannot be understood contradicts the fundamental principle that all behavior has meaning and can be understood from the client's perspective in psychiatric mental health nursing.

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