Nursing Elites

1. A client has been taking alprazolam (Xanax) for four years to manage anxiety. The client reports taking 0.5 mg four times a day. Which statement indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching about discontinuing the medication?

• A. "I can drink alcohol now that I am decreasing my Xanax."?
• B. "I should not take another Xanax pill. Here is what is left of my last prescription."?
• C. "I should take three pills per day next week, then two pills for one week, then one pill for one week."?
• D. "I can expect to be sleepy for several days after stopping the medicine."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that the client should take three pills per day next week, then two pills for one week, and then one pill for one week. This statement indicates a gradual tapering schedule, which is crucial when discontinuing alprazolam (Xanax) to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because alcohol should be avoided while tapering off benzodiazepines due to the increased risk of respiratory depression. Choice B is incorrect because abruptly stopping alprazolam can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because while drowsiness can be a side effect of alprazolam, it is not the primary concern when discontinuing the medication; preventing withdrawal symptoms is the priority.

2. The nurse wishes to decrease a client's use of denial and increase the client's expression of feelings. To do this, the nurse should:

• A. tell the client to stop using the defense mechanism of denial.
• B. positively reinforce each expression of feelings.
• C. instruct the client to express feelings.
• D. challenge the client each time denial is used.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the scenario provided, the nurse aims to reduce the client's use of denial and encourage the expression of feelings. Positive reinforcement for each expression of feelings is an effective approach to achieve this goal. By positively reinforcing the client's expression of feelings, the nurse encourages the desired behavior, making it more likely for the client to continue sharing their emotions. This approach creates a supportive and accepting environment for the client. In contrast, telling the client to stop using denial (Choice A) may create resistance and inhibit communication by putting pressure on the client. Instructing the client to express feelings (Choice C) is less effective as it lacks the element of reinforcement that is essential for behavior modification. Challenging the client each time denial is used (Choice D) may lead to defensiveness and hinder the therapeutic relationship, making it a less favorable option.

3. After experiencing a traumatic event like losing a child due to poisoning, a client tells the nurse, 'I don’t want to make any new friends right now.' This is an example of which of the following indicators of stress?

• A. emotional indicator
• B. spiritual indicator
• C. sociocultural indicator
• D. intellectual indicator

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: sociocultural indicator. In this situation, the client's reluctance to make new friends after experiencing a traumatic event like losing a child due to poisoning reflects a change in their social behavior, which is influenced by sociocultural factors. This response indicates how stress can impact a person's relationships and social interactions. Choice A, emotional indicator, is incorrect because the client's statement is more related to social interactions than emotional expression. Choice B, spiritual indicator, is incorrect as the given scenario does not directly involve spiritual beliefs or practices. Choice D, intellectual indicator, is also incorrect as the client's statement does not reflect cognitive or intellectual changes but rather social aspects affected by the stressful event.

4. A health care worker is concerned about a new mother being overwhelmed by caring for her infant. What should the health care worker do?

• A. Immediately contact child protective services.
• B. Provide the mother with literature about child care.
• C. Consult a therapist to help the mother work out her fears.
• D. Refer the mother to parenting classes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a health care worker is concerned about a new mother being overwhelmed by caring for her infant, the best course of action is to refer the mother to parenting classes. Prevention of child abuse is focused on educating parents on how to care for their child and handle the demands of infant care. By attending parenting classes, the mother can build self-confidence, self-esteem, and coping skills. Parenting classes help parents understand the developmental needs of their children and learn effective ways to manage their home environment. Additionally, these classes provide parents with increased social contacts and knowledge about community resources. Contacting child protective services (choice A) should not be the immediate action as there is no indication of abuse. Providing literature about child care (choice B) may not be as effective as hands-on parenting classes. Consulting a therapist (choice C) may be beneficial, but addressing parenting skills through classes is more appropriate in this scenario.

5. The client is taking prednisone 7.5mg po each morning to treat his systemic lupus erythematosus. Which statement best explains the reason for taking the prednisone in the morning?

• A. There is less chance of forgetting the medication if taken in the morning.
• B. There will be less fluid retention if taken in the morning.
• C. Prednisone is absorbed best with the breakfast meal.
• D. Morning administration mimics the body's natural secretion of corticosteroid.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Taking corticosteroids in the morning mimics the body's natural release of cortisol, which follows a diurnal pattern with higher levels in the morning. This timing helps regulate the body's inflammatory response and minimizes potential side effects. Answer A is not the primary reason for morning dosing, as adherence concerns can be addressed through other means. Answer B is incorrect since fluid retention is not influenced by the timing of prednisone administration. Answer C is also incorrect as prednisone absorption is not significantly affected by whether it is taken with breakfast or not.

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