Nursing Elites

1. A patient who has been diagnosed with vasospastic disorder (Raynaud's disease) complains of cold and stiffness in the fingers. Which of the following descriptions is most likely to fit the patient?

• A. An adolescent male
• B. An elderly woman
• C. A young woman
• D. An elderly man

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A young woman.' Raynaud's disease is most common in young women and is often associated with rheumatologic disorders like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This disorder involves vasospasm of the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the fingers and toes. Typically, Raynaud's affects the fingers, and in some cases, it can affect the toes. Only rarely does it involve other body parts such as the nose, ears, nipples, and lips. Choices B, C, and D are less likely as Raynaud's disease predominantly affects young women, although it can occur in other demographic groups as well.

2. Which action represents the evaluation stage of the plan of care?

• A. The nurse assigns a nursing diagnosis of Impaired Skin Integrity related to diminished skin circulation
• B. The nurse assesses the client's vital signs and asks about symptoms
• C. The nurse determines that the client is not meeting his set outcomes and makes revisions
• D. The nurse discusses the client's health history

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The evaluation stage of the nursing process involves reviewing the assessments, diagnoses, and interventions given to the client and then determining if the client is meeting expected outcomes. In this scenario, the nurse is assessing whether the client is meeting the outcomes set for their care plan and making revisions as needed. Choice A is incorrect as assigning a nursing diagnosis is part of the nursing diagnosis phase, not the evaluation phase. Choice B represents the assessment phase of the nursing process, not the evaluation phase. Choice D involves discussing the client's health history, which is more aligned with the assessment phase rather than the evaluation phase.

3. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized in the care of the suicidal client?

• A. Remove all potentially harmful items from the client's room
• B. Allow the client to express feelings of hopelessness
• C. Note the client's capabilities to increase self esteem
• D. Set a "no suicide"? contract with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: accessibility of the means of suicide increases the lethality. Allowing a patient to express feelings and setting a no suicide contract are interventions for suicidal client but blocking the means of suicide is priority. Increasing self esteem is an intervention for depressed clients but not specifically for suicide.

4. A client in the emergency room enters the care area to start an IV. He finds a man sitting on the table, hunched over, and attempting to take deep breaths. He states, 'my chest hurts so much!' His wife is sitting on a chair in the corner, crying. Which of the following is the first action of the client?

• A. Bring the IV kit and quickly start an IV
• B. Assess his breathing and provide oxygen, if necessary
• C. Administer medication to control chest pain
• D. Talk with his wife and find out why she is crying

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the above scenario, the first action of the nurse should be to assess the client's airway and breathing. It is crucial to address respiratory status first, as the client appears to be experiencing difficulty breathing. Providing oxygen if necessary can help support oxygenation and alleviate potential respiratory distress. Administering medication for chest pain or starting an IV can come after ensuring adequate oxygenation. Talking with the client's wife, though important for emotional support, is not the priority when the client's respiratory status needs to be assessed and managed promptly.

5. A nurse is required to float to another unit within the hospital where he is asked to care for a client on a ventilator. The nurse is uncomfortable with this assignment, as he has not had a ventilated client since nursing school. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

• A. Explain to the nursing supervisor the level of discomfort and ask for a different assignment
• B. State that the client's needs are outside the nurse's scope of practice and request a different assignment
• C. Accept the assignment, asking for help when necessary
• D. Request to return to the home unit and send another nurse who can perform the job

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When floating to another unit and asked to take an assignment that falls outside a nurse's comfort zone, the nurse should notify the area supervisor of the level of discomfort and request a different assignment. Caring for ventilated clients typically falls within the scope of nursing practice; however, discomfort with the situation may not necessarily be overcome by accepting the assignment. Alternatively, the effects could be harmful to the client if the nurse is unfamiliar with this type of care. Requesting a different assignment is the most appropriate response in this situation, ensuring patient safety and the nurse's comfort level. Stating that the client's needs are outside the nurse's scope of practice (Choice B) may not be accurate, as caring for ventilated clients usually falls within the scope of nursing practice. Accepting the assignment (Choice C) without addressing the discomfort may compromise patient safety. Requesting to return to the home unit (Choice D) does not address the immediate need of caring for the ventilated client and may delay appropriate care.

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