Nursing Elites

1. During the care of a client with Legionnaire's disease, which finding would require the nurse's immediate attention?

• A. Pleuritic pain on inspiration
• B. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth
• C. A decrease in respiratory rate from 34 to 24
• D. Decrease in chest wall expansion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A decrease in chest wall expansion suggests that the client may be experiencing a serious complication, such as worsening pneumonia or respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical attention. This finding indicates a potential decrease in lung function, which could lead to respiratory distress. Pleuritic pain on inspiration may be related to the disease process but does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Dry mucus membranes in the mouth may require attention but are not as critical as a decrease in chest wall expansion. A decrease in respiratory rate could be concerning but is not as urgent as a decrease in chest wall expansion, which directly impacts respiratory function.

2. The client with Parkinson's disease spends over 1 hour to dress for scheduled therapies. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation?

• A. Ask family members to dress the client
• B. Encourage the client to dress more quickly
• C. Allow the client the time needed to dress
• D. Demonstrate methods on how to dress more quickly

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse is to allow the client the time needed to dress. Patients with Parkinson's disease may experience difficulties with activities of daily living due to their condition. Allowing the client sufficient time to dress promotes independence and dignity, which are essential aspects of patient-centered care. Asking family members to dress the client may undermine the client's autonomy and self-esteem. Encouraging the client to dress more quickly may lead to frustration and feelings of inadequacy. Demonstrating methods on how to dress more quickly may not address the underlying challenges the client faces and could be perceived as insensitive or dismissive of the client's needs.

3. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?

• A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
• B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
• C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
• D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.

4. Which of the following behaviors is influenced by cultural expectations?

• A. talking openly about the details of the illness
• B. deciding whether to 'feed a cold' or 'starve a fever'
• C. taking herbal supplements to boost the immune system
• D. all of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cultural expectations can influence all the listed behaviors. Talking openly about the details of an illness may be culturally acceptable or taboo. The decision to 'feed a cold' or 'starve a fever' is often influenced by cultural beliefs and practices. Additionally, the use of herbal supplements to boost the immune system can also be shaped by cultural norms and traditions. Therefore, all the behaviors listed can be influenced by cultural expectations, making option D the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cultural expectations can impact each of these behaviors.

5. The hospital is planning to downsize and eliminate a number of staff positions as a cost-saving measure. To assist staff in this change process, the nurse manager is preparing for the "unfreezing" phase of change. With this approach and phase the nurse manager should

• A. Discuss with the staff how to deal with any defensive behavior
• B. Explain to the unit staff why change is necessary
• C. Assist the staff during the acceptance of the new changes
• D. Clarify what the changes mean to the community and hospital

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The "unfreezing" phase involves preparing staff for change by explaining the necessity and benefits of the change, helping them to understand and accept it.

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