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 caring for a client who is constipated. What intervention is most appropriate?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve discomfort
• B. Encourage the client to increase dietary fiber intake
• C. Encourage the client to rest until symptoms resolve
• D. Administer a stool softener as prescribed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for constipation is to encourage the client to increase dietary fiber intake. Fiber helps promote bowel movements and relieve constipation by adding bulk to the stool. Administering a laxative (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention as it can lead to dependence. Encouraging rest (Choice C) is not directly helpful in relieving constipation. While administering a stool softener (Choice D) can be beneficial, increasing fiber intake is generally preferred as the initial intervention.

3. What is the best teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct teaching point for a client with left-leg weakness learning to use a cane is to maintain two points of support on the floor at all times. This ensures better stability and support for the client while walking. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the stronger side to support the weaker leg. Choice C is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step may compromise balance. Choice D is incorrect because advancing the cane and the strong leg together may not provide adequate support for the weaker leg.

4. A client with multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash is struggling with opening a milk carton. Which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I can't brush my teeth properly
• B. I am so frustrated I can't open my milk carton
• C. I can't hold a pencil
• D. I can't write anymore

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Struggling to open a milk carton indicates difficulty with fine motor skills and activities of daily living. This statement suggests a need for assistance from an occupational therapist to improve hand strength, coordination, and independence in performing essential tasks. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to the need for occupational therapy services in this context. In contrast, the inability to open a milk carton highlights specific challenges that occupational therapy can address effectively.

5. What are the signs of an acute myocardial infarction?

• A. Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath
• B. Nausea, vomiting, and high fever
• C. Headache, confusion, and low blood pressure
• D. Increased heart rate and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath. These are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction. Choice B is incorrect because nausea, vomiting, and high fever are not typical signs of a heart attack. Choice C is incorrect as headache, confusion, and low blood pressure are not specific to myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because an acute myocardial infarction typically presents with an increased heart rate, not bradycardia.

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