Nursing Elites

1. When a client expresses, 'I don't know how I will go on' while discussing feelings related to a recent loss, the nurse remains silent. What is the most likely reason for the nurse's behavior?

• A. The nurse is indicating disapproval of the statement.
• B. The nurse is showing respect for the client's loss.
• C. Silence is mirroring the client's sadness.
• D. Silence enables the client to contemplate what was expressed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In therapeutic communication, silence can offer the client an opportunity to process their emotions and thoughts. By remaining silent, the nurse provides a space for the client to reflect on their own words, facilitating deeper exploration and understanding of their feelings.

2. A 35-year-old man presents with difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and regurgitation of undigested food. A barium swallow shows a 'bird beak' appearance of the lower esophagus. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Esophageal cancer
• B. Achalasia
• C. Peptic stricture
• D. Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The 'bird beak' appearance on a barium swallow is characteristic of achalasia, a condition where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax properly. This leads to difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and regurgitation of undigested food, which are hallmark symptoms of achalasia.

3. A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed a statin medication. What should the nurse include in the patient education?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Report any muscle pain or weakness.
• C. Increase intake of grapefruit juice.
• D. Avoid foods high in potassium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients prescribed statin medications should be educated to report any muscle pain or weakness to their healthcare provider promptly. Muscle pain or weakness could be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect associated with statin use that requires medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking statins with food or increasing grapefruit juice intake are not necessary recommendations. Avoiding foods high in potassium is also not directly related to statin use.

4. A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed valproic acid. What is an important side effect for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Liver toxicity
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver toxicity. Valproic acid is known to potentially cause liver toxicity. Monitoring liver function tests regularly in patients taking valproic acid is crucial to detect any signs of liver damage early and prevent serious complications.

5. The client with bacterial pneumonia is receiving intravenous antibiotics. Which assessment finding indicates that the treatment is effective?

• A. Increased respiratory rate.
• B. Decreased oxygen saturation.
• C. Clear lung sounds.
• D. Elevated white blood cell count.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clear lung sounds indicate that the antibiotics are effectively treating the bacterial pneumonia by resolving the infection and reducing the inflammation in the lungs, leading to improved air exchange and ventilation. Increased respiratory rate (Choice A) and decreased oxygen saturation (Choice B) are indicative of ongoing respiratory distress and ineffective treatment. Elevated white blood cell count (Choice D) suggests a persistent infection rather than effective treatment.

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