Nursing Elites

1. An adolescent client in an outpatient mental health facility tells the nurse that it is hard to follow his treatment plans because his friends discourage him. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Ask, 'Tell me more about how your friends discourage you.'
• B. Say, 'Your friends should support you, not discourage you.'
• C. Respond, 'It sounds like your friends are not supportive.'
• D. Suggest, 'You need to focus on your treatment plans regardless of your friends.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse is to ask the client to elaborate on how their friends discourage them. By doing so, the nurse shows empathy, encourages the client to express their feelings, and gains insight into the situation. This open-ended question can help the nurse understand the specific issues the client is facing and work towards finding solutions collaboratively. Choices B, C, and D do not effectively address the client's concerns or encourage further discussion. Choice B is directive and may come off as judgmental, choice C assumes the friends are not supportive without exploring further, and choice D dismisses the client's feelings and the impact of peer influence.

2. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is admitted with swelling and pain in the left leg. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?

• A. Apply warm compresses to the affected leg.
• B. Elevate the left leg above the level of the heart.
• C. Measure the circumference of the left leg.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the circumference of the left leg is the most appropriate action for an LPN/LVN when assessing a client with a history of DVT and presenting with swelling and pain in the left leg. This measurement helps to assess the extent of swelling objectively and monitor changes in the client's condition. Applying warm compresses (Choice A) may worsen the condition by potentially promoting clot development. Elevating the left leg above the level of the heart (Choice B) is generally recommended for DVT to improve venous return, but measuring the circumference is more appropriate in this scenario. Administering pain medication (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue and should not be the initial action taken.

3. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with a history of atrial fibrillation. Which assessment finding would be most concerning?

• A. Blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg
• B. Irregular heart rhythm
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Shortness of breath is the most concerning assessment finding in a client with a history of atrial fibrillation. It can indicate a worsening of the condition, pulmonary edema, or the development of a complication such as heart failure. A blood pressure of 150/90 mmHg, while elevated, is not as immediately concerning as respiratory distress in this context. An irregular heart rhythm is expected in atrial fibrillation and may not necessarily be a new or concerning finding. Fatigue is a common symptom in atrial fibrillation but is not as acutely concerning as shortness of breath, which may indicate compromised oxygenation and circulation.

4. A client has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following assessment findings indicates that the catheter requires irrigation?

• A. Bladder scan shows 525 mL of urine
• B. Urine has a strong odor
• C. The client reports abdominal discomfort
• D. The catheter is blocked or not draining

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because if the catheter is blocked or not draining, it may need irrigation to restore proper flow. Option A, 'Bladder scan shows 525 mL of urine,' does not necessarily indicate the need for irrigation as it could be within the expected range for catheter drainage. Option B, 'Urine has a strong odor,' may indicate a urinary tract infection but does not directly correlate with the need for catheter irrigation. Option C, 'The client reports abdominal discomfort,' could indicate various issues but does not specifically suggest the need for catheter irrigation.

5. Which serum blood finding in diabetic ketoacidosis alerts the nurse that immediate action is required?

• A. pH below 7.3
• B. Potassium of 5.0
• C. HCT of 60
• D. PaO2 of 79%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A hematocrit (HCT) of 60 indicates severe dehydration, a critical condition in diabetic ketoacidosis that requires immediate intervention. Severe dehydration can lead to hypovolemic shock and organ failure. While a low pH below 7.3 is indicative of acidosis, it may not require immediate action compared to severe dehydration. A potassium level of 5.0 is within the normal range and not a critical finding in this scenario. PaO2 of 79% reflects oxygenation status, which is important but not the most critical finding requiring immediate action in diabetic ketoacidosis.

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