Nursing Elites

1. A client tells the PN that she has a family history of cancer and has increased the amount of dairy products in her diet to reduce her risk of getting cancer. How should the PN respond?

• A. Encourage the client to get plenty of exercise in addition to the dietary change
• B. Provide written information about the seven warning signs of cancer
• C. Remind the client to ensure that the dairy products are fortified with Vitamin D
• D. Suggest that an increase in fruits and vegetables is more beneficial

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Increasing fruits and vegetables in the diet is more beneficial in reducing cancer risk due to their high levels of antioxidants and fiber, which help protect against cancer. While exercise is important for overall health, in this context, focusing on fruits and vegetables is more relevant to reducing cancer risk than exercise alone. Providing information about cancer warning signs is not directly addressing the client's dietary choice. While Vitamin D is essential for various health aspects, the primary focus here should be on a diet rich in fruits and vegetables for cancer risk reduction.

2. When a small fire breaks out in the kitchen of a long-term care facility, which task is most important for the nurse to perform instead of assigning to a UAP?

• A. Close the doors to all residents' rooms
• B. Offer comfort and reassurance to each resident
• C. Identify the method for transporting and evacuating each resident
• D. Provide blankets to each resident for use during evacuation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During a fire emergency in a long-term care facility, the most critical task for the nurse is to identify the method for transporting and evacuating each resident. This task requires quick decision-making and critical thinking, which are essential in ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents. Closing the doors to residents' rooms (Choice A) can help contain the fire but should not be the nurse's top priority. While offering comfort and reassurance (Choice B) is important, the immediate focus should be on ensuring safe evacuation. Providing blankets (Choice D) is also important but comes after ensuring safe transportation and evacuation plans are in place.

3. An older client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for assessment of a recent onset of dementia. The PN notes that in the evening this client often becomes restless, confused, and agitated. Which intervention is most important for the PN to implement?

• A. Ask family members to remain with the client in the evenings from 5 to 8 pm
• B. Administer a prescribed PRN benzodiazepine at the onset of a confused state
• C. Ensure that the client is assigned to a room close to the nurses' station
• D. Postpone administration of nighttime medications until after 11 pm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sundowning, a phenomenon where dementia symptoms worsen in the evening, can be managed by ensuring the client is close to the nurses' station for frequent monitoring and quick intervention, if necessary. This reduces the risk of harm and helps manage agitation. Asking family members to remain with the client may not always be feasible and does not address the need for close monitoring. Administering benzodiazepines should not be the first-line intervention for sundowning as it can increase the risk of falls and other adverse effects. Postponing medication administration may disrupt the client's routine and potentially worsen symptoms.

4. A client who is post-operative from a spinal fusion surgery reports a sudden onset of severe headache when sitting up. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer pain medication.
• B. Lay the client flat and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Encourage the client to drink more fluids.
• D. Assess the client’s surgical site for drainage.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action is to lay the client flat and notify the healthcare provider. A severe headache in a post-operative spinal fusion patient can indicate a spinal fluid leak, which is a medical emergency. By laying the client flat, the nurse helps reduce symptoms by decreasing pressure differentials. Administering pain medication without further assessment or intervention is inappropriate before identifying the cause of the headache. Encouraging the client to drink more fluids is not the priority when a serious complication like a spinal fluid leak is suspected. While assessing the surgical site is important, it is not the priority when a potentially life-threatening complication is suspected.

5. What is the primary role of the sinoatrial (SA) node in the heart?

• A. Pacemaker of the heart
• B. Blood pressure regulation
• C. Electrical conduction delay
• D. Stimulating muscle contraction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pacemaker of the heart. The SA node, known as the natural pacemaker, initiates the electrical impulses that set the rhythm for the heartbeat. It is responsible for coordinating the heart's contractions by generating electrical signals at regular intervals. Choice B is incorrect as the SA node's primary function is not related to blood pressure regulation. Choice C is incorrect as the SA node does not cause electrical conduction delay but rather initiates and conducts the electrical impulses. Choice D is incorrect as the SA node does not directly stimulate muscle contraction but rather initiates the electrical events that lead to muscle contraction.

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