Nursing Elites

1. According to Erik Erikson's developmental theory, which choice is a developmental task of the middle adult?

• A. Redefining self-perception and capacity for intimacy
• B. Making decisions concerning career, marriage, and parenthood
• C. Providing guidance during interactions with his children
• D. Verbalizing readiness to assume parental responsibilities

Correct answer: C

Rationale: According to Erikson's developmental theory, the primary developmental task of the middle adult is to achieve generativity. Generativity is the willingness to care for and guide others. Middle adults can achieve generativity with their own children or the children of close friends or through guidance in social interactions with the next generation. Providing guidance during interactions with his children aligns with this developmental task. Choices A, B, and D are not specific to the middle adult stage as they are tasks associated with young adults. Redefining self-perception and capacity for intimacy, making decisions concerning career, marriage, and parenthood, and verbalizing readiness to assume parental responsibilities are all developmental tasks of the young adult according to Erikson's theory.

2. A nurse provides instructions to an older adult about measures to prevent heatstroke. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further instruction?

• A. ''I should wear cool, light clothing in warm weather.''
• B. ''I need to wear a hat with a wide brim when I go outdoors.''
• C. ''I need to wear additional antiperspirant and deodorant in warm weather.''
• D. ''I should drink extra fluids during the summer.''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: As an individual ages, the number of sweat glands decreases, resulting in reduced body odor and decreased evaporative heat loss due to less sweating. The need for antiperspirants and deodorants is reduced in older adults. Therefore, the statement 'I need to wear additional antiperspirant and deodorant in warm weather' indicates a need for further instruction. Older adults should focus on wearing cool, light clothing in warm weather to prevent overheating, wearing a hat with a wide brim when outdoors to protect from the sun's rays, and staying hydrated by drinking extra fluids during the summer. These measures are more effective in preventing heatstroke in older adults compared to using additional antiperspirants and deodorants, which are not necessary.

3. How should a client's neck be positioned for palpation of the thyroid?

• A. flexed toward the side being examined
• B. hyperextended directly backward
• C. flexed away from the side being examined
• D. flexed directly forward

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to position a client's neck for palpation of the thyroid is to have it flexed toward the side being examined. This positioning helps to better access and palpate the thyroid gland. Option B, hyperextending the neck directly backward, is incorrect as it can make palpation more difficult and uncomfortable for the client. Option C, flexing the neck away from the side being examined, is also incorrect as it may obscure the thyroid gland, making it harder to palpate. Option D, flexing the neck directly forward, is not ideal for thyroid palpation as it does not provide the best access to the gland.

4. An older client reports that she has been awakening during the night, awakes early in the morning and is unable to fall back to sleep, and feels sleepy during the daytime. Based on these reported data, what should the nurse do?

• A. Encourage the client to consume stimulants such as caffeinated coffee or tea during the daytime hours.
• B. Ask the registered nurse to obtain a prescription for a nighttime sedative.
• C. Report the findings to the registered nurse.
• D. Document the findings in the medical record.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Age-related changes in sleep include reduced sleep efficiency, increased incidence of nocturnal awakening, increased incidence of early-morning awakening, and increased daytime sleepiness. Since the reported data are normal age-related changes, the appropriate action for the nurse would be to document the findings in the medical record. Reporting the findings to the registered nurse is unnecessary as these changes are expected with aging and do not indicate a need for immediate intervention. Prescribing sedatives should be avoided as a first-line approach due to potential side effects and risks, especially in older adults. Encouraging the consumption of stimulants like caffeinated beverages during the daytime may further disrupt sleep patterns, which is counterproductive in addressing the client's reported sleep issues.

5. When a 16-year-old girl visits the women's health clinic to obtain information about birth control because she is sexually active and wants to avoid pregnancy, what should the nurse do first when interviewing the client?

• A. Assess the client's knowledge of available birth control methods.
• B. Inform the client that birth control methods can be discussed without the client's boyfriend present.
• C. Tell the client that for her age and lifestyle, birth control pills would be one of the methods of contraception.
• D. Give the client written material about various birth control methods and ask her to read them and to call if she has any questions.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client seeks information about birth control, it is essential for the nurse to first assess the client's existing knowledge on the subject. This enables the nurse to provide tailored information that complements what the client already knows, facilitating better understanding and decision-making. Providing written material is a helpful educational tool but should not be the first intervention. Offering specific advice on birth control methods based on age and lifestyle limits the client's autonomy and decision-making process. Mentioning the client's boyfriend as a requirement for discussing birth control is inappropriate and nontherapeutic, as the client should be able to seek information independently.

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