Nursing Elites

1. A client who is to undergo dilation and curettage and conization of the cervix for cancer appears tense and anxious. Which approach would the nurse use to support the client emotionally?

• A. Explaining that these procedures are considered minor surgery
• B. Asking whether something is troubling the client and whether she'd like to talk about it
• C. Stating that the procedures are routine and asking what the client is really worried about
• D. Explaining that everyone is fearful before the surgery even though there is little reason to worry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to support the client emotionally is to ask whether something is troubling the client and if she would like to talk about it. This approach acknowledges the client's anxiety and encourages communication without dismissing her feelings. Option A, explaining that the procedures are minor surgery, may invalidate the client's emotions. Option C assumes the client is worried about something specific, which may not be the case, leading to miscommunication. Option D provides false reassurance and may hinder open communication by dismissing the client's feelings as unwarranted.

2. Which consideration is the most accurate when applying the principles of mental health?

• A. Emotionally ill individuals may initially reject psychological support from family or others.
• B. People with emotional illnesses may experience challenges in problem-solving.
• C. Mental illness is not solely characterized by signs and symptoms of socially inappropriate behavior.
• D. Emotional health is promoted when there is a sense of mastery of self and the environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Emotional health is enhanced when an individual feels a sense of control over themselves and their surroundings, fostering security, reducing anxiety, and promoting optimal functioning. While some emotionally ill individuals may reject help initially, many are in distress and acknowledge the need for psychological support. Some seek care based on positive past experiences or the attention received. Additionally, individuals with excellent cognitive function may face challenges in problem-solving due to emotional or psychological barriers. Not all individuals with mental illness exhibit socially inappropriate behavior; it is a misconception that mental illness is solely characterized by such signs and symptoms. Therefore, the most accurate consideration among the choices is that emotional health thrives when there is a feeling of mastery over oneself and the environment.

3. For a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder, which reaction is most likely to occur when the performance of a ritual is interrupted?

• A. Anxiety
• B. Hostility
• C. Aggression
• D. Withdrawal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder is interrupted while performing a ritual, the most likely reaction is anxiety. The compulsive ritual serves as a coping mechanism to control anxiety, so any disruption to this ritual can heighten the individual's anxiety levels. Hostility is typically part of the disorder itself and not a direct reaction to the interruption of the ritual. Aggression may occur only if anxiety escalates to a panic level, leading to overt anger expression. Withdrawal is not a common behavioral pattern associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder and is not a typical reaction to ritual interruption.

4. One week after being told that she has terminal cancer with a life expectancy of 3 weeks, a female client tells the nurse, 'I think I will plan a big party for all my friends.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. 'You may not have enough energy before long to hold a big party.'
• B. 'Do you mean to say that you want to plan your funeral and wake?'
• C. 'Planning a party and thinking about all your friends sounds like fun.'
• D. 'You should be thinking about spending your last days with your family.'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Setting goals that bring pleasure is appropriate and should be encouraged by the nurse as long as the nurse does not perpetuate a client's denial. Option A is a negative response, implying that the client should not plan a party, which is not supportive. Option B is presumptive and may not reflect the client's true intentions. The correct response (Option C) acknowledges the client's positive plans and encourages her to enjoy her time with friends. Option D, while family is important, does not consider the client's wishes and choices, which should be respected and supported in this situation.

5. A neonate born at 32 weeks' gestation and weighing 3 lb (1361 g) is admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). When would the nurse take the neonate's mother to visit the infant?

• A. When the infant's condition has stabilized
• B. When the infant is out of immediate danger
• C. When the primary health care provider has provided written permission
• D. When the mother is well enough to be taken to the NICU

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The mother should see her infant as soon as possible to acknowledge the reality of the birth and begin bonding. Delaying the visit may impede maternal-infant bonding. The timing of the mother's visit should be based on her physical and emotional readiness, not solely on the infant's condition or the need for written permission. The nurse can independently facilitate the mother's visit without requiring a prescription from the primary healthcare provider.

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