Nursing Elites

1. A client is recovering from a craniotomy and has a ventriculostomy in place. The nurse notices the drainage from the ventriculostomy is suddenly increasing. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Increase the head of the bed to 45 degrees.
• B. Clamp the ventriculostomy tube.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
• D. Measure the client's head circumference.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sudden increase in drainage from a ventriculostomy could indicate a serious complication such as increased intracranial pressure or hemorrhage. The priority action in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately to ensure prompt evaluation and intervention. Increasing the head of the bed may be beneficial in some situations but is not the first action to take. Clamping the ventriculostomy tube is inappropriate as it can lead to increased intracranial pressure. Measuring the client's head circumference is not the priority when there is a sudden increase in ventriculostomy drainage.

2. The UAP reports to the nurse that a client refused to bathe for the third consecutive day. Which action is best for the nurse to take?

• A. Explain the importance of good hygiene to the client
• B. Ask family members to encourage the client to bathe
• C. Reschedule the bath for the following day
• D. Ask the client why the bath was refused

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to ask the client why the bath was refused. Understanding the client's reason for refusal is crucial in identifying and addressing any underlying concerns or issues that may be contributing to the refusal. This approach promotes open communication, client-centered care, and helps in developing a plan of care that is tailored to the client's needs and preferences. Choices A, B, and C do not directly address the root cause of the refusal and may not effectively resolve the situation.

3. The single mother of a child with a head injury is sitting at the child's bedside crying when the PN enters the room. The mother states, 'Why did this happen to my child? I just can't cope with this.' How should the PN respond?

• A. Ask her to share how the injury occurred to her child.
• B. Recommend that she remain calm and positive for her child.
• C. Express that the present situation must be overwhelming.
• D. Determine if someone else can help her cope with this tragedy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Expressing empathy and acknowledging the mother's feelings helps in providing emotional support during a difficult time. This response validates her emotions and offers a comforting presence. Choice A is not appropriate as it focuses on gathering information rather than addressing the mother's emotional distress. Choice B may come off as dismissive of the mother's feelings and oversimplifies the complexity of the situation. Choice D shifts the responsibility to someone else instead of offering immediate support and comfort.

4. Thirty minutes after receiving IV morphine, a postoperative client continues to rate pain as 7 on a 10-point scale. Which action should the PN implement first?

• A. Call healthcare provider to request a different analgesic
• B. Determine when morphine can be given again
• C. Implement complementary pain relief methods
• D. Observe dressing to determine the presence of bleeding

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the PN to implement first is to implement complementary pain relief methods. This includes repositioning the client, applying heat or cold packs, or using relaxation techniques. These strategies can provide additional pain relief before the next dose of medication is due or before seeking further instructions from the healthcare provider. Calling the healthcare provider immediately to request a different analgesic (Choice A) may not be necessary at this moment since other non-pharmacological methods can be attempted first. Determining when morphine can be given again (Choice B) is important but addressing the client's immediate pain relief takes precedence. Observing the dressing for bleeding (Choice D) is important but not the first priority when the client is experiencing unrelieved pain.

5. In which stage of Maslow's hierarchy of needs is a young adult attempting to achieve when deciding to change his work hours to devote more time to his community?

• A. Self-Actualization
• B. Intimacy vs. Isolation
• C. Altruism
• D. Purposefulness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Self-Actualization. The young adult is striving for self-actualization, the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Self-actualization is characterized by individuals seeking personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the ability to contribute to society. Choice B, Intimacy vs. Isolation, focuses on relationships and occurs at a different stage. Choice C, Altruism, although related to community contribution, does not specifically address personal growth and fulfillment as in self-actualization. Choice D, Purposefulness, is not a stage in Maslow's hierarchy of needs and is not directly relevant to the scenario described.

Similar Questions