Nursing Elites

1. A client recently had an abdominoperineal resection and colostomy. While the nurse changes the dressing, the client states, 'You think that it looks repulsive.' The nurse identifies that the client is using which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Sublimation
• C. Compensation
• D. Intellectualization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Projection. Projection is the defense mechanism where unacceptable feelings and emotions are attributed to others. In this scenario, the client is projecting their own feelings of repulsion onto the nurse. Sublimation involves substituting socially acceptable feelings to replace threatening ones. Compensation refers to overachievement in a different area to cover up a weakness. Intellectualization is the use of mental reasoning to avoid facing emotional aspects of a situation.

2. A client dies while several family members are in the room. Which intervention will the hospice nurse initially use during the shock phase of a grief reaction?

• A. Stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased.
• B. Direct activities related to funeral arrangements.
• C. Mobilize the support systems for the family.
• D. Present the full reality of the loss to the family.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the shock phase of a grief reaction, the hospice nurse's initial intervention should be to stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased. This action provides immediate support to the family until coping mechanisms and personal support systems can be mobilized. Directing activities related to funeral arrangements is not within the nurse's role and responsibility. Mobilizing the support systems for the family is important, but staying with the family and the deceased helps in providing immediate comfort and support. Presenting the full reality of the loss to the family is not appropriate during the shock phase as acceptance of the loss takes time and is not the immediate priority.

3. A 19-year-old client is paralyzed in a car accident. Which statement used by the client would indicate to the nurse that the client was using the mechanism of "suppression"?

• A. "I don't remember anything about what happened to me."
• B. "I'd rather not talk about it right now."
• C. "It's the other guy's fault! He was going too fast."
• D. "My mother is heartbroken about this."

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is "I don't remember anything about what happened to me." This statement indicates the use of suppression, which is the willful act of putting an unacceptable thought or feeling out of one's mind. In this case, the client is deliberately excluding memories of the traumatic event to protect their self-esteem. The other choices do not reflect suppression: Choice B shows avoidance or deflection, Choice C demonstrates blame shifting, and Choice D indicates empathy towards another individual.

4. A client arrives at an occupational health clinic after being struck by lightning while working in a truck bed. The client is alert but reports feeling faint. Which assessment will the nurse perform first?

• A. Pulse characteristics
• B. Open airway
• C. Entrance and exit wounds
• D. Cervical spine injury

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing pulse characteristics is the priority in this situation due to the potential impact of lightning as a form of electrical current, which can cause irregular heart rhythms. It is crucial to evaluate the pulse rate and regularity to assess for adequate circulation and potential cardiac issues. Since the client is alert and talking, the airway is likely patent, making assessing the airway less urgent. Entrance and exit wounds and cervical spine injury assessments should follow the evaluation of pulse characteristics to ensure proper circulation and prioritize life-threatening issues first. Checking the pulse first will guide further interventions and help in determining the client's hemodynamic status.

5. The client is 5 feet from the bathroom door when he states, 'I feel faint.' Before the nurse can get the client to a chair, the client starts to fall. What is the priority action for the nurse to take?

• A. Check the client's carotid pulse
• B. Encourage the client to get to the toilet
• C. In a loud voice, call for help
• D. Gently lower the client to the floor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to gently lower the client to the floor (Option D). This action is crucial to prevent injury to both the client and the nurse. Lowering the client to the floor should be done when the client is unable to support his own weight, ensuring a safe position to prevent falls. Checking the client's carotid pulse (Option A) is important, but it should be performed after ensuring the client's safety. Encouraging the client to get to the toilet (Option B) is impractical as the client is already falling. Calling for help in a loud voice (Option C) may cause chaos and alarm other clients, making it a less suitable immediate action in this scenario.

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