Nursing Elites

1. A patient has damage to the cerebellum. Which disorder is most important for the nurse to assess?

• A. Impaired balance
• B. Hemiplegia
• C. Muscle sprain
• D. Lower extremity paralysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When the cerebellum is damaged, it leads to impaired balance. The cerebellum plays a crucial role in coordinating movements and maintaining balance. Therefore, assessing the patient's balance is essential in determining the extent of cerebellar damage. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because hemiplegia refers to paralysis of one side of the body, muscle sprain is a soft tissue injury, and lower extremity paralysis involves loss of function in the lower limbs. These conditions are not directly associated with damage to the cerebellum.

2. A healthcare provider is preparing to perform mouth care for an unresponsive client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare provider plan to take?

• A. Raise the level of the bed
• B. Administer mouth care with the client in a supine position
• C. Use a tongue depressor to open the mouth
• D. Place the client in a prone position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Raising the bed level is the correct action to facilitate easier access for mouth care in an unresponsive client. This position enhances the safety and comfort of both the client and the healthcare provider. Administering mouth care with the client in a supine position (lying flat on their back) can increase the risk of aspiration. Using a tongue depressor to open the mouth is not recommended as it can cause discomfort and potential injury. Placing the client in a prone position (lying face down) is contraindicated for mouth care and can compromise the client's airway.

3. When ethical dilemmas arise, what should newly licensed nurses expect and identify as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit demonstrates signs of chemical impairment.
• B. A nurse overhears another nurse telling an older adult client that if he doesn’t stay in bed, she will have to apply restraints.
• C. A family has conflicting feelings about the initiation of enteral tube feedings for their father, who is terminally ill.
• D. A client who is terminally ill hesitates to name their partner on their durable power of attorney form.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where there are conflicting values or principles that make it difficult to make a clear decision. In the given scenarios, option C best represents an ethical dilemma as the family has conflicting feelings about initiating enteral tube feedings for their terminally ill father. This situation presents a clash between different values and beliefs, making it challenging to reach a resolution. Options A, B, and D do not illustrate conflicting values or principles that characterize an ethical dilemma. Option A describes a nurse's impairment, which is a concern but not a direct ethical dilemma. Option B depicts a potential breach of client autonomy and restraint use, which is an ethical issue but not a true ethical dilemma. Option D involves a client's personal decision regarding a durable power of attorney form, which, although important, does not present conflicting values or principles that define an ethical dilemma.

4. A client with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 is seeking advice on the initial approach to a weight loss plan. What action should the nurse recommend?

• A. Plan meals with low carbohydrates and high protein
• B. Engage in strenuous activity for an hour daily
• C. Keep a record of daily food and beverage intake
• D. Participate in a group exercise class three times a week

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping a food diary is an essential practice when starting a weight loss plan as it helps in tracking calorie intake, identifying eating patterns, and making informed decisions about dietary changes. Planning meals with low carbohydrates and high protein (Choice A) can be beneficial for some individuals, but keeping a food diary is more foundational. Engaging in strenuous daily activity (Choice B) may not be sustainable for everyone and could lead to burnout or injuries. Participating in a group exercise class (Choice D) is beneficial for fitness but may not address dietary habits, which are crucial for weight loss.

5. What action should the nurse take if she observes an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) soaking a client's foot in a basin of warm water placed on the bed during a total bed bath for a confused and lethargic client?

• A. Remove the basin of water from the client's bed immediately
• B. Remind the UAP to dry between the client's toes completely
• C. Advise the UAP that this procedure may damage the skin
• D. Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to remove the basin of water from the client's bed immediately. Soaking a client's foot in a basin of water placed on the bed can lead to spills, create infection risks, and is not a safe practice. It is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of the client by ensuring a safe environment during care procedures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the immediate risk associated with the situation. Reminding the UAP to dry between the client's toes, advising about potential skin damage, or adding skin cream do not mitigate the immediate hazards of having a basin of water on the bed.

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