Nursing Elites

1. A Hispanic patient complains of abdominal cramping caused by empacho. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the patient what treatments are likely to help
• B. Massage the patient's abdomen until the pain subsides.
• C. Administer prescribed medications to decrease the cramping
• D. Offer to contact a curandero(a) for a visit to the patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a Hispanic patient presents with abdominal cramping related to empacho, it is crucial for the nurse to first understand the patient's cultural beliefs and preferences before initiating any interventions. In the case of a culture-bound syndrome like empacho, it is essential to acknowledge and respect the patient's cultural background. While options like administering medications, arranging a visit by a curandero(a), or providing massage may have potential benefits, assessing the patient's beliefs ensures that interventions are culturally sensitive and aligned with the patient's values. By engaging the patient in a discussion about potential treatments, the nurse can gather valuable information to tailor care effectively, promoting trust and collaboration in the healthcare process. This patient-centered approach enhances the quality of care and fosters a culturally competent nursing practice. Therefore, asking the patient about preferred treatments is the most appropriate initial action to address the patient's condition effectively.

2. While explaining an illness to a 10-year-old, what should the nurse keep in mind about cognitive development at this age?

• A. They are able to make simple associations of ideas.
• B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts.
• C. Interpretation of events originates from their own perspective.
• D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that 10-year-olds are able to think logically in organizing facts. At this age, children are in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development. In this stage, they can understand and organize information logically and can manipulate objects mentally. Choice A is incorrect because simple associations of ideas are more characteristic of earlier developmental stages. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to egocentrism, which is more typical of the preoperational stage. Choice D is incorrect as basing conclusions on previous experiences is a broader concept that applies across different ages and stages of development, rather than being specific to 10-year-olds in the concrete operational stage.

3. Which intervention would the nurse use to provide emotional support for a resident in a nursing home who recently immigrated from another country?

• A. Offer choices consistent with the resident's heritage.
• B. Assist the resident in adjusting to the nursing home culture.
• C. Ensure that the resident is treated respectfully like the other residents.
• D. Correct any misconceptions the resident may have about appropriate health practices.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When providing emotional support to a resident in a nursing home who recently immigrated from another country, it is essential for the nurse to offer choices that align with the resident's heritage. This approach respects the resident's cultural beliefs and practices, promoting a sense of familiarity and comfort. Assisting the resident in adjusting to the nursing home culture is important but may not address the specific emotional support needed. While ensuring that the resident is treated respectfully is crucial, offering choices consistent with the resident's heritage goes a step further by acknowledging and valuing the resident's cultural background. Correcting any misconceptions about health practices is essential, but in this context, emotional support through cultural sensitivity takes precedence.

4. Which response would the nurse make at lunchtime to a client who is sitting alone with the head slightly tilted as if listening to something?

• A. "I know you're busy, but it's lunchtime."
• B. "Are the voices bothering you again?"
• C. "Get going; you don't want to miss lunchtime."
• D. "It's lunchtime; I'll walk with you to the dining room."

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement, "It's lunchtime; I'll walk with you to the dining room," demonstrates setting limits and providing support. Hallucinations can be frightening, and the nurse's presence offers support and reality without focusing on the hallucination directly. Choice A, "I know you're busy, but it's lunchtime," does not recognize the client's need for support and direction. Choice B, "Are the voices bothering you again?", makes a judgment without sufficient evidence and overly focuses on the hallucination, failing to address the client's need for support and direction. Choice C, "Get going; you don't want to miss lunchtime," does not acknowledge the client's need for reality, support, and direction, and may come across as threatening.

5. After undergoing dilation and curettage following an early miscarriage, a client is crying. Which response would the nurse give?

• A. ''This must be a very difficult experience for you to deal with.''
• B. 'You'll have other children to take the place of the child you lost.''
• C. 'Of course you're sad now, but at least you know you can get pregnant.''
• D. 'I know how you feel, but when a woman miscarries, it's usually for the best.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response acknowledges the client's grief without judgment and provides validation. Choice B is inappropriate as it suggests replacing the lost child with other children, which is insensitive and dismissive of the client's current loss. Choice C minimizes the client's feelings by focusing on the ability to get pregnant rather than addressing the emotional impact of the miscarriage. Choice D is dismissive and patronizing, suggesting that the miscarriage was for the best, which can be hurtful and diminish the client's grief.

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