Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a brainstem injury. The nurse should expect the client to exhibit which of the following findings?

• A. Decerebrate posturing.
• B. Hypervigilance.
• C. Absence of deep tendon reflexes.
• D. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decerebrate posturing. Decerebrate posturing is an abnormal body posture characterized by rigid extension of the arms and legs, which indicates severe brainstem injury affecting the midbrain and pons. This posture suggests dysfunction or damage to neural pathways controlling muscle tone. Choice B, hypervigilance, is not typically associated with brainstem injury but rather with increased alertness and arousal. Choice C, absence of deep tendon reflexes, is not a specific finding related to brainstem injury. Choice D, a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, indicates a fully awake and alert state, which is not expected in a client with a brainstem injury.

2. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about using a cane with a client who has left-leg weakness. What instruction should the nurse give?

• A. Use the cane on the weaker side
• B. Advance the cane and the strong leg together
• C. Maintain two points of support on the floor at all times
• D. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-leg weakness using a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This technique provides stability and support while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to support the weaker leg. Choice B is incorrect as advancing the cane and the strong leg together may not provide adequate support and balance. Choice D is incorrect as the distance to advance the cane with each step can vary depending on the individual's needs and abilities.

3. What is the most important intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Monitor airway patency
• C. Provide bronchodilators
• D. Call for assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is crucial in managing a patient experiencing respiratory distress. Oxygen therapy helps to improve oxygen levels in the blood, supporting vital organ functions. While monitoring airway patency is important, administering oxygen takes precedence in ensuring the patient receives an adequate oxygen supply. Providing bronchodilators may be beneficial in certain respiratory conditions, but the immediate priority in distress is to address oxygenation. Calling for assistance is essential, but the immediate intervention to support the patient's respiratory function is administering oxygen.

4. A nurse is teaching dietary guidelines to a client who has celiac disease. Which of the following food choices is appropriate for the client?

• A. White flour tortillas.
• B. Potato pancakes.
• C. Wheat crackers.
• D. Canned barley soup.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, potato pancakes. Individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten-containing foods. Potato pancakes are gluten-free, making them a suitable choice for someone with celiac disease. Choice A, white flour tortillas, contains gluten from wheat flour, making it unsuitable for a client with celiac disease. Choice C, wheat crackers, also contain gluten and should be avoided. Choice D, canned barley soup, contains barley which is a gluten-containing grain and is not appropriate for someone with celiac disease.

5. A nurse is caring for a client following an acute myocardial infarction. The client is concerned that providing self-care will be difficult due to extreme fatigue. Which of the following strategies should the nurse implement to promote the client's independence?

• A. Request an occupational therapy consult to determine the need for assistive devices
• B. Assign assistive personnel to perform self-care tasks for the client
• C. Instruct the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks
• D. Ask the client if a family member is available to assist with his care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to focus on gradually resuming self-care tasks is the most appropriate strategy to promote independence following an acute myocardial infarction. This approach allows the client to regain confidence and control over their self-care activities without feeling overwhelmed. Requesting an occupational therapy consult (Choice A) may be beneficial but is not the immediate solution to promote independence. Assigning assistive personnel (Choice B) to perform tasks for the client does not encourage independence. Asking if a family member is available for assistance (Choice D) does not directly promote the client's independence.

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