Nursing Elites

1. A homeless male client with a history of alcohol abuse had a CVA 10 years ago that resulted in left hemiparesis. Today he is brought to the clinic reporting pain in his left leg. He is afebrile, has 4+ pitting edema in the lower left leg, and has minimal swelling of the right leg. Which action should the PN implement first?

• A. Obtain a blood alcohol test
• B. Inspect legs for infection or trauma
• C. Complete a mental status exam
• D. Inquire about dietary salt intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Inspecting the legs for infection or trauma is the priority to assess the cause of the pain and edema, which could indicate deep vein thrombosis or cellulitis. Checking for signs of infection or trauma is crucial in this scenario to rule out potentially serious conditions. Obtaining a blood alcohol test, completing a mental status exam, or inquiring about dietary salt intake can be considered after addressing the immediate concern of identifying any infection or trauma in the leg.

2. The client diagnosed with HIV is taught by the nurse that the condition is transmitted through

• A. the infection passed from a mother to her baby
• B. Tears
• C. human bites
• D. insect bites

Correct answer: A

Rationale: HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth or breastfeeding, making choice A the correct answer. Tears, human bites, and insect bites are not common modes of HIV transmission. While human bites can potentially transmit the virus, it is less common compared to mother-to-child transmission.

3. When teaching a patient about the side effects of a new medication, which teaching method is most effective?

• A. Providing a written pamphlet
• B. Giving verbal instructions only
• C. Demonstrating how to take the medication
• D. Using a combination of verbal, written, and demonstration methods

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most effective teaching method when educating a patient about the side effects of a new medication is to use a combination of verbal, written, and demonstration methods. This comprehensive approach ensures that the patient receives information through multiple channels, catering to different learning styles. Verbal instructions allow for direct communication, written materials provide a reference for the patient to review later, and demonstrations offer a visual aid that can enhance understanding. Providing a combination of these methods increases the likelihood of the patient retaining and comprehending the information effectively. Choices A, B, and C are less effective as they do not encompass the benefits of utilizing multiple teaching modalities.

4. A nurse is caring for a 60-year-old man who is scheduled to have coronary bypass surgery in the morning. He tells the nurse that he is afraid that he will die and he is scared of the surgery. What is the best reply for this nurse to give him?

• A. There is no reason to be scared. My father had this surgery, and now he’s playing tennis with his friends almost every day.
• B. I would be scared too. It’s a natural thing to feel. Don’t worry. Everything will be alright.
• C. You’re scared?
• D. The doctor has performed hundreds of successful bypass surgeries. I have a lot of faith in him.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best reply for the nurse to give the patient is option C: 'You’re scared?' This response reflects empathy and understanding, acknowledging the patient's feelings of fear. By directly addressing the patient's emotions, the nurse encourages further expression of concerns, which is crucial in providing emotional support. Choices A and D may come off as dismissive of the patient's feelings by downplaying his fear or shifting the focus to others' experiences. Choice B, although acknowledging the patient's fear, does not actively engage with the patient's emotions or encourage further discussion.

5. The nurse is assisting with the admission of a young adult female Korean exchange student with acute abdominal pain. Although the client has been able to easily answer questions, when asked about sexual activity, she looks away. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Omit the section of the assessment form
• B. Ask her if she would like an interpreter to help her understand the question
• C. Reword the question to make it more culturally sensitive
• D. Observe the client's response when asked a different question

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Observing the client's response to another question is the most appropriate action in this scenario. By doing so, the nurse can assess whether the client's discomfort is due to cultural sensitivity or a misunderstanding. This approach allows the nurse to proceed with sensitivity and respect, ensuring effective communication. Option A is incorrect because omitting the section of the assessment form may result in missing crucial information relevant to the client's condition. Option B jumps to assumptions about a language barrier without confirming it first. Option C focuses on rewording the question without addressing the underlying issue causing the client's discomfort, which may not necessarily be due to a lack of understanding.

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