Nursing Elites

1. An older woman has lived alone since the death of her husband 10 years ago, and she has a long list of vague complaints. Which assessment is the priority for the home health nurse to perform?

• A. Assess for feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• B. Determine if the client has unresolved grief.
• C. Determine if there are safety issues.
• D. Ask about the availability of support systems.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority assessment for the home health nurse in this scenario is to determine if there are safety issues. The client is an older woman living alone with a long list of vague complaints, indicating several risk factors. Ensuring her safety should be the primary concern. While assessing for feelings of loneliness, isolation, or grief is important, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence due to her vulnerable situation. Although assessing the availability of support systems is essential in a home health assessment, safety issues must be addressed first given the client's profile.

2. Identify the type of 'trigger' with the correct 'trigger' that can possibly lead to disturbed behavior.

• A. Emotional: room coldness
• B. Environmental: boredom
• C. Physical: pain
• D. Communication: silence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Physical pain is a common trigger that can lead to disturbed behavior in individuals, especially when they are unable to communicate their pain effectively. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Room coldness falls under environmental triggers, boredom is associated with emotional triggers, and silence is a communication aspect rather than a direct trigger for disturbed behavior.

3. When a man with dementia is admitted to a long-term care facility, his wife, who appears tired and angry, says in a sarcastic tone, 'Let's see what you can do with him.' Which response is therapeutic?

• A. It sounds like it's been difficult for you.'
• B. I don't understand what you mean.'
• C. 'I have experience with all types of clients.'
• D. It's too bad you didn't admit him sooner.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the caregiver's feelings and challenges without blaming them. Option A, 'It sounds like it's been difficult for you,' shows empathy and opens the channel of communication. Options B and C, 'I don't understand what you mean' and 'I have experience with all types of clients,' are nurse-focused responses that block effective communication. Option D, 'It's too bad you didn't admit him sooner,' is a hostile response that shifts the blame to the caregiver, which is not therapeutic in this situation.

4. A 65-year-old client who attends an adult daycare program and is wheelchair-mobile has redness in the sacral area. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take a vitamin supplement tablet once a day.
• B. Change positions in the chair at least every hour.
• C. Increase daily intake of water or other oral fluids.
• D. Purchase a newer model wheelchair.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction for the nurse to provide to the client is to change positions in the chair at least every hour. This is crucial to prevent pressure ulcers, as prolonged pressure on the skin can lead to tissue damage. Repositioning helps relieve pressure on vulnerable areas like the sacrum. Increasing fluid intake can also aid in preventing skin breakdown by maintaining skin hydration. While a vitamin supplement may support overall health, it is not as critical as repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers. Purchasing a new wheelchair is an expensive intervention and should be considered a last resort after implementing less costly preventive measures.

5. A client is having difficulty applying for a job due to panic and anxiety. A nurse is helping by pretending to be the job supervisor while the client practices answering questions during an imaginary interview. This technique is an example of:

• A. Reinforcement
• B. Presenting reality
• C. Role playing
• D. Summarizing

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Role-playing is the correct answer. It involves practicing appropriate behaviors during imaginary scenarios that simulate real-life situations. In this scenario, the nurse is helping the client prepare for a job interview by acting as the job supervisor. Role-playing allows the client to practice and develop strategies to cope with anxiety and panic during the actual interview. Reinforcement (Choice A) involves providing consequences to strengthen a behavior. Presenting reality (Choice B) involves helping the client differentiate between real and unreal experiences. Summarizing (Choice D) involves condensing information. In this context, role-playing is the most appropriate technique to address the client's anxiety and panic related to job interviews.

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