Nursing Elites

1. Becky is a 17-year-old type I diabetic who has been admitted for her third episode of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) since being diagnosed last year. She states that she hates feeling different from her friends and refuses to take her insulin as recommended. What would be the most helpful action for Becky?

• A. Scolding her for not taking her insulin
• B. Recommending that she use an insulin pump
• C. Contacting the local support group for diabetic teens
• D. Telling her parents they must provide more strict oversight

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Contacting the local support group for diabetic teens would be the most helpful action for Becky. By reaching out to see if another diabetic teenager could provide support, Becky would have the opportunity to connect with someone in her peer group who faces similar challenges. This connection can help reduce her sense of isolation and the feeling of being 'different.' Choice A, 'Scolding her for not taking her insulin,' is inappropriate and could further alienate Becky. It does not address the underlying emotional issues driving her behavior. Choice B, 'Recommending that she use an insulin pump,' does not directly address Becky's emotional struggle with feeling different from her friends. While an insulin pump may be a helpful tool, it does not tackle the root cause of her non-compliance. Choice D, 'Telling her parents they must provide more strict oversight,' focuses on imposing stricter control without addressing Becky's emotional needs or offering peer support, which may not be effective in improving her insulin adherence in the long term.

2. Which example best describes a nurse who exhibits moral courage?

• A. A nurse feels angry when a parent refuses important treatment for his child.
• B. A nurse considers seeking help for depression when she feels she cannot meet the needs of her clients in the oncology unit.
• C. A nurse contacts a physician for further orders when he fails to order comfort measures for a client with a terminal illness.
• D. A nurse is frustrated when the laboratory is slow in responding to an order for a stat blood glucose.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Moral courage involves taking action to do what is right, even when there might be negative consequences. The nurse who contacted a physician for further orders acted as a client advocate to seek help, even though she may have faced consequences such as lost time, decreased productivity, or criticism from the physician. Choices A, B, and D do not directly involve advocating for a client's needs or challenging a situation that goes against ethical standards. Feeling angry, seeking help for personal issues, or being frustrated with work processes do not necessarily demonstrate moral courage in the context of nursing practice.

3. You are caring for a patient with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis. Discharge instructions will likely include all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. PT referral for development of a planned exercise program
• B. Avoidance of prolonged sun exposure
• C. Hot baths to promote muscle relaxation
• D. Instructions to evaluate the home environment to ensure safety

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Discharge instructions for a patient with newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis should focus on promoting safety and minimizing exacerbations. Hot baths should be avoided as excessive heat can trigger acute symptoms. Therefore, instructions may include PT referral for an exercise program to maintain mobility, avoidance of prolonged sun exposure to prevent symptom exacerbation, and guidance to evaluate the home environment for safety as symptoms progress. Hot baths are not recommended due to the risk of exacerbating symptoms, making it the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are appropriate for a patient with multiple sclerosis, as they address mobility, symptom management, and safety concerns, respectively.

4. Which of the following situations might warrant a laboratory magnesium level?

• A. Hyperthyroidism
• B. Arthritis
• C. Ulcerative colitis
• D. Depression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea, and weight loss. This condition may impact the absorption of certain nutrients, including magnesium. Therefore, patients with chronic gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis should be screened for electrolyte imbalances related to impaired digestion. Hyperthyroidism, arthritis, and depression do not typically directly affect magnesium levels in the same way as gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis.

5. When teaching a Vietnamese patient who has been treated for pneumonia and needs to complete her antibiotic regimen at home, what is an important cultural component to consider?

• A. Cupping will help to pull toxins from the body
• B. Coining will help to release the wind or bad energy from the body
• C. Once symptoms disappear there is no longer an illness
• D. Most households consist of at least 3 generations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Once symptoms disappear there is no longer an illness'. In Vietnamese culture, there is a belief that once symptoms go away, the illness is no longer present and does not require further treatment. This is crucial to understand when educating Vietnamese patients about completing their antibiotic regimen. Choices A and B (cupping and coining) are traditional Vietnamese healing practices that are not directly related to completing antibiotic therapy. Choice D, about households consisting of multiple generations, is not directly relevant to the completion of antibiotic treatment for pneumonia in this context.

Similar Questions