Nursing Elites

1. A client with schizophrenia is taking loxapine. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the most important to report?

• A. Spasms of the tongue and face
• B. Orthostatic hypotension
• C. Dry mouth
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Spasms of the muscles of the tongue, face, neck, and back are indicative of acute dystonia, an extrapyramidal manifestation associated with loxapine use. Acute dystonia is a serious condition that can lead to airway obstruction and respiratory compromise. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting this finding to prevent potential harm to the client. Orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth, and increased appetite are common side effects of antipsychotic medications but are not as immediately life-threatening as acute dystonia. Monitoring and managing these side effects are essential for the client's overall well-being, but they do not pose the same level of urgency as addressing acute dystonia.

2. Which of the following components is associated with hypertonic dehydration?

• A. Plasma sodium levels above 150 mEq/L
• B. Fluid moves from extracellular space to intracellular space
• C. Water loss is greater than electrolyte loss
• D. Physical signs and symptoms are grossly apparent

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Water loss is greater than electrolyte loss.' In hypertonic dehydration, there is a higher loss of water compared to electrolytes, leading to elevated concentrations of electrolytes in the body. This condition is characterized by plasma sodium levels above 150 mEq/L. As water moves from the extracellular space to the intracellular space, it results in cellular dehydration. Choice A is incorrect because the plasma sodium levels associated with hypertonic dehydration are typically above 150 mEq/L, not between 130 and 150 mEq/L. Choice B is incorrect as fluid moves from the extracellular space to the intracellular space in hypertonic dehydration. Choice D is incorrect because physical signs and symptoms may not always be grossly apparent in hypertonic dehydration.

3. A 3-year-old pediatric patient's mother would like to stay at the patient's bedside throughout the night as the patient seems calmer when she is present. What is the most caring and appropriate response?

• A. Reinforce visiting hours
• B. Allow her to stay for a short period beyond normal hours
• C. Allow her to stay throughout the night
• D. Offer to get bedding for a couch in the waiting room

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Allowing the mother to stay throughout the night is the most caring and appropriate response in this situation. Pediatric facilities often recognize the crucial role parents play in their child's care and are supportive of unlimited visitation. Allowing the mother to stay can help maintain the child's calmness and enhance the bond between the family and healthcare team. Reinforcing visiting hours (Choice A) may not address the specific needs of this situation where the child benefits from the mother's presence. Allowing her to stay for a short period beyond normal hours (Choice B) may not fully address the need for her continuous presence. Offering to get bedding for a couch in the waiting room (Choice D) may not be necessary if the mother can stay with her child in the patient's room.

4. A nurse is assisting a pregnant client who is having an amniocentesis. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates the correct teaching for this procedure?

• A. I'm going to help you lie lat on your back for this."
• B. Don't worry, I'm sure everything will be all right."
• C. I will need to help you remove your shirt for this procedure."
• D. Now that the procedure is inished, I will put a small bandage over the puncture site."

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An amniocentesis is performed to draw amniotic luid from the sac around the fetus during pregnancy. It may be analyzed for certain disorders or complications associated with pregnancy. Following the procedure, the nurse should wash the client's abdomen and place a small bandage over the puncture site

5. Teresa is an 84-year-old with stage 4 ovarian cancer who has been admitted for a bowel obstruction. She recently stated that she has decided that she doesn't want any further aggressive care and is requesting to be placed under hospice care. Her husband and daughter are supportive of her decision. She spoke with her oncologist about it, and he stated that he did not agree and wrote orders on her chart for chemotherapy. What would be the best first response to this situation?

• A. Give the patient a list of other oncologists
• B. Tell the family to report the doctor to the state quality board
• C. Notify the doctor that the patient refuses the chemotherapy
• D. Give the patient hospice information

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient has the right to refuse any treatment, and the doctor should be notified that the orders on the chart cannot be performed, with appropriate documentation. In this situation, the best first response is to notify the doctor that the patient refuses the chemotherapy. This step ensures that the patient's wishes are respected and that inappropriate treatments are not administered. It also opens up a dialogue with the oncologist, giving him the opportunity to understand the patient's perspective and potentially support her decision. Providing hospice information is a good follow-up step after addressing the immediate issue of refusing chemotherapy, as it allows the patient to initiate her own hospice evaluation if desired. Giving the patient a list of other oncologists or telling the family to report the doctor to the state quality board are not appropriate initial responses and may not align with the patient's wishes or autonomy.

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