Nursing Elites

1. During a home visit to an elderly client with mild dementia, the client's daughter reports that she has one major problem with her mother. She says, 'She sleeps most of the day and is up most of the night. I can't get a decent night's sleep anymore.' Which suggestions should the nurse make to the daughter?

• A. Ask the client's physician for a strong sleep medicine
• B. Establish a set routine for rising, hygiene, meals, short rest periods, and bedtime
• C. Engage the client in simple, brief exercises or a short walk when she gets drowsy during the day
• D. Promote relaxation before bedtime with a warm bath or relaxing music

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to establish a set routine for rising, hygiene, meals, short rest periods, and bedtime. By creating a structured daily schedule, the client's natural sleep-wake cycle can be regulated, helping to address the issue of daytime sleeping and nighttime wakefulness. Option A, asking for a strong sleep medicine, may not address the underlying cause and can have potential side effects in the elderly. Option C, engaging in exercises when drowsy, may not be suitable for someone with dementia and could disrupt sleep patterns further. Option D, promoting relaxation before bedtime, is helpful but may not be sufficient to address the client's significant sleep issue.

2. How can pain in a post-operative patient be managed effectively?

• A. Administer analgesics as prescribed
• B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• C. Provide distractions
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Managing pain in a post-operative patient requires a multimodal approach, which includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Administering analgesics as prescribed helps in controlling pain pharmacologically. Encouraging deep breathing exercises can aid in pain management by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Providing distractions, such as music or activities, can help divert the patient's attention from pain. Therefore, all the given options are essential components of an effective pain management plan for post-operative patients.

3. What is the role of a nurse in managing a patient with kidney disease?

• A. Monitor blood pressure and provide dietary education
• B. Monitor urine output and provide IV fluids
• C. Administer diuretics and restrict fluid intake
• D. Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias and provide dialysis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Nurses play a crucial role in managing patients with kidney disease by monitoring blood pressure and providing essential dietary education. This helps in maintaining kidney function and overall health. Choice B is incorrect because monitoring urine output and providing IV fluids are tasks usually performed by healthcare providers such as physicians or specialized staff. Choice C is incorrect as administering diuretics and restricting fluid intake are typically prescribed by a physician, and nurses may assist in monitoring the effects. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias and providing dialysis are tasks that are usually overseen by healthcare providers with specialized training in cardiology and nephrology.

4. When using restraints for an agitated/aggressive patient, which of the following statements should NOT influence the nurse's actions during this intervention?

• A. The institution's restraints/seclusion policies
• B. The patient's competence
• C. The patient's voluntary/involuntary status
• D. The patient's nursing care plan

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the patient's voluntary or involuntary status should not impact the nurse's actions when using restraints. The use of restraints should be based on the patient's behavior and the need to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Choices A, B, and D are important factors that should influence the nurse's actions. The institution's restraints/seclusion policies provide guidelines on the appropriate use of restraints, the patient's competence helps determine their understanding and ability to control their behavior, and the patient's nursing care plan guides the overall care provided, including the use of restraints if necessary.

5. When caring for a client experiencing delirium, which of the following is essential?

• A. Controlling behavioral symptoms with low-dose psychotropics
• B. Identifying the underlying causative condition or illness
• C. Manipulating the environment to increase orientation
• D. Decreasing or discontinuing all previously prescribed medications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client experiencing delirium, it is essential to identify the underlying causative condition or illness. Delirium can be caused by various factors such as infections, medication side effects, dehydration, or underlying health conditions. By identifying the root cause, appropriate treatment can be provided. Controlling behavioral symptoms with low-dose psychotropics (Choice A) may be considered in some cases but is not the primary essential step. Manipulating the environment to increase orientation (Choice C) can help manage symptoms but does not address the underlying cause. Decreasing or discontinuing all previously prescribed medications (Choice D) should only be done under medical supervision, as some medications may be necessary for the client's well-being.

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