Nursing Elites

1. A client with cancer develops xerostomia. The nurse can help alleviate the discomfort associated with xerostomia by:

• A. Offering hard candy
• B. Administering analgesic medications
• C. Splinting swollen joints
• D. Providing saliva substitute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Xerostomia is dry mouth, a common side effect in cancer patients. Providing a saliva substitute helps alleviate the discomfort associated with dry mouth by moistening the oral mucosa. Offering hard candy, as mentioned in choice A, can worsen xerostomia by increasing sugar content and potentially causing irritation. Administering analgesic medications, as in choice B, is not directly related to treating dry mouth. Splinting swollen joints, as in choice C, is irrelevant to xerostomia, which primarily affects the oral cavity.

2. An adolescent female reports being raped at a party where alcohol was served. The client admits to drinking alcohol before being raped by an acquaintance. The nurse should:

• A. inform the client that because she is underage, she is not at fault for attending a party where alcohol was served.
• B. ask the client if anyone witnessed the event because the client was intoxicated and might not remember it accurately.
• C. inform the client that it was not her fault, and support the client through the physical examination.
• D. question whether the woman had consensual sex and now just feels guilty.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases of rape, it is crucial to provide support and reassurance to the victim. The nurse should inform the client that it was not her fault and offer support through the physical examination. Blaming the victim, as in choice A, is inappropriate and can be damaging to the client's well-being. Choice B is not the priority at this moment; the immediate focus should be on supporting the client. Choice D is victim-blaming and implies doubt about the client's report, which is harmful and not supportive. It is essential to create a safe and supportive environment for the client to facilitate healing and recovery.

3. A client is admitted with Ewing's sarcoma. Which symptoms would be expected due to this tumor's location?

• A. Hemiplegia
• B. Aphasia
• C. Nausea
• D. Bone pain

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Ewing's sarcoma is a type of bone cancer that primarily affects the bones. Therefore, bone pain would be an expected symptom due to this tumor's location. Hemiplegia, which refers to paralysis on one side of the body, Aphasia, a language disorder, and Nausea are not typical symptoms of Ewing's sarcoma. While Nausea is a common symptom in various conditions, it is not specific to bone cancer like Ewing's sarcoma. Therefore, Bone pain is the most likely symptom associated with Ewing's sarcoma.

4. After experiencing a traumatic event like losing a child due to poisoning, a client tells the nurse, 'I don’t want to make any new friends right now.' This is an example of which of the following indicators of stress?

• A. emotional indicator
• B. spiritual indicator
• C. sociocultural indicator
• D. intellectual indicator

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: sociocultural indicator. In this situation, the client's reluctance to make new friends after experiencing a traumatic event like losing a child due to poisoning reflects a change in their social behavior, which is influenced by sociocultural factors. This response indicates how stress can impact a person's relationships and social interactions. Choice A, emotional indicator, is incorrect because the client's statement is more related to social interactions than emotional expression. Choice B, spiritual indicator, is incorrect as the given scenario does not directly involve spiritual beliefs or practices. Choice D, intellectual indicator, is also incorrect as the client's statement does not reflect cognitive or intellectual changes but rather social aspects affected by the stressful event.

5. Ashley and her boyfriend Chris, both 19 years old, are transported to the Emergency Department after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Chris is badly hurt, but Ashley has no apparent injuries, though she appears confused and has trouble focusing on what is going on around her. She complains of dizziness and nausea. Her pulse is rapid, and she is hyperventilating. The nurse should assess Ashley's level of anxiety as:

• A. mild.
• B. moderate.
• C. severe.
• D. panic.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Based on the symptoms described, Ashley's level of anxiety should be assessed as severe. In severe anxiety, individuals have difficulty solving problems and understanding their environment. They often exhibit somatic symptoms like dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, and hyperventilation. In contrast, mild anxiety may lead to mild discomfort or even enhanced performance. Moderate anxiety involves grasping less information, mild difficulty in problem-solving, and slight changes in vital signs. Panic, on the other hand, is characterized by markedly disturbed behavior and a potential loss of touch with reality. Therefore, in Ashley's case, the presence of somatic symptoms and vital sign changes indicates severe anxiety.

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