Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client as part of a neurologic examination. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect as changes associated with aging?

• A. Slower light touch sensation
• B. Some vision and hearing decline
• C. Slower fine finger movement
• D. Some short-term memory decline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As individuals age, it is common to experience changes in vision and hearing, leading to some decline in these senses. Slower light touch sensation and slower fine finger movement are also typical findings associated with aging. However, some short-term memory decline is more closely related to cognitive aging rather than typical age-related changes in the neurologic system. Therefore, the correct answer is the decline in vision and hearing. Decreased risk of depression is not a typical finding in aging; in fact, the risk of depression may increase as individuals age.

2. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is dividing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to take instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn't like him.'
• B. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions.
• C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks the provider not to tell the client the diagnosis.
• D. A client who has Crohn's disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not pay for his medications.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because an ethical dilemma involves conflicting moral principles. In this scenario, the family's request not to disclose the terminal diagnosis to the client raises the moral question of truth-telling and patient autonomy. Choice A does not present an ethical dilemma but rather a challenge in client compliance. Choice B involves professional responsibility and accountability, not an ethical dilemma. Choice D relates to financial concerns and insurance coverage, which do not constitute an ethical dilemma but rather a financial issue.

3. A charge nurse on an acute care unit is planning care for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to promote the client’s continuity of care?

• A. Plan to assign the client a different nurse each shift
• B. Limit the number of interdisciplinary team members involved in managing the client’s care
• C. Request that the client complete a satisfaction survey at discharge
• D. Start discharge planning on the day of admission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Starting discharge planning on the day of admission is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care for the client. It allows for early identification of needs, coordination of services, and timely interventions. Assigning a different nurse each shift (Choice A) can disrupt continuity of care and lead to inconsistencies in the client's treatment. Limiting the number of interdisciplinary team members (Choice B) may hinder comprehensive care coordination. Requesting a satisfaction survey at discharge (Choice C) focuses more on feedback rather than proactive care planning and coordination.

4. When planning care for a newly admitted elderly client who is severely dehydrated, which task is appropriate to assign to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. Converse with the client to determine if the mucous membranes are impaired
• B. Report hourly outputs of less than 30 ml/hr
• C. Monitor client's ability to move in the bed
• D. Check skin turgor every 4 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Assigning the UAP to report hourly outputs of less than 30 ml/hr is appropriate as it falls within their scope of practice and does not involve making clinical assessments or decisions. Choices A, C, and D involve tasks that require a higher level of clinical judgment and training. Choice A requires assessing mucous membranes, which is beyond the UAP's scope. Choice C involves assessing movement ability, which requires more specialized training. Choice D involves assessing skin turgor, which also requires a higher level of clinical judgment.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which assessment finding would be most concerning?

• A. Barrel chest
• B. Clubbing of the fingers
• C. Cough with sputum production
• D. Use of accessory muscles

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The use of accessory muscles is the most concerning finding in a client with COPD. It indicates increased work of breathing and may signal respiratory distress, requiring immediate attention. Barrel chest is a common physical characteristic in individuals with COPD due to chronic air trapping and hyperinflation of the lungs but is not as acutely concerning as the use of accessory muscles. Clubbing of the fingers is a late sign of chronic hypoxia and is often seen in conditions with prolonged hypoxemia but is not as acute as the use of accessory muscles. Cough with sputum production is a common symptom in COPD due to excess mucus production but does not indicate immediate respiratory distress as the use of accessory muscles does.

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