Nursing Elites

1. Mrs. Owens is the 81-year-old mother of Jonathan, who is 54 years old. Jonathan has had schizophrenia since he was 16 years old. Which of Mrs. Owens's concerns is likely to predominate?

• A. "Will my retirement funds outlast me?"?
• B. "Who will handle my funeral arrangements?"?
• C. "What will become of Jonathan when I am gone?"?
• D. "How can I communicate effectively with Jonathan's physician?"?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most prominent concern for Mrs. Owens is likely what will happen to her son, Jonathan, after she passes away. While retirement fund sustainability is important, it is not likely to be her primary concern. Funeral arrangements, although significant, are secondary to the welfare of her son with schizophrenia. The question of how to communicate with Jonathan's physician is less likely to be a predominant concern since Mrs. Owens has likely already addressed this issue over the 38 years of managing her son's care.

2. Why might the physician order antibiotics to be given through the central venous access device (CVAD) rather than through a peripheral IV line if the CVAD becomes infected?

• A. To prevent infiltration of the peripheral line
• B. To reduce the pain and discomfort associated with antibiotic administration in a small vein
• C. To lessen the chance of an allergic reaction to the antibiotic
• D. To attempt to eliminate microorganisms in the catheter and prevent having to remove it

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a patient's central venous access device (CVAD) becomes infected, administering antibiotics through the line is essential to attempt to eliminate microorganisms within the catheter. The goal is to prevent the necessity of removing the catheter, which might be required if the infection persists. Choice A, 'To prevent infiltration of the peripheral line,' is incorrect as the priority is addressing the catheter infection, not preventing issues with a peripheral line. Choice B, 'To reduce the pain and discomfort associated with antibiotic administration in a small vein,' is not relevant to the rationale for choosing the CVAD for antibiotic administration. Choice C, 'To lessen the chance of an allergic reaction to the antibiotic,' is also incorrect as the main focus is managing the catheter-associated infection rather than allergy prevention.

3. The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:

• A. administer both medications simultaneously.
• B. give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
• C. ask the physician or pharmacy which medication to give first and how long to wait before giving the other drug.
• D. start one medication now and begin the other medication in 2-4 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client with an infection needs both antibiotics as soon as possible. However, the pH of ampicillin is 8-10, and the pH of gentamicin is 3-5.5, making them incompatible when given together. Flushing well between drugs is necessary to prevent interaction. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse, not the physician or pharmacy, should determine the correct administration sequence. Consulting with the pharmacist is appropriate if uncertain. Choice D is incorrect because delaying the second medication by several hours can slow the treatment of the client's infection, as both antibiotics are needed promptly to address the infection effectively. Therefore, the correct action is to give the medications sequentially and flush well between them to prevent any potential interactions.

4. When assisting a client in gaining insight into anxiety, what should the nurse do?

• A. Help the client relate anxiety to specific triggers.
• B. Ask the client to describe events that precede increased anxiety.
• C. Instruct the client to practice relaxation techniques.
• D. Confront the client's resistive behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To assist a client in gaining insight into anxiety, it is crucial to identify triggers or events that lead to increased anxiety. This approach helps the client recognize causal factors contributing to their anxiety, promoting self-awareness and understanding. Choice A is incorrect because it should focus on triggers rather than specific behaviors. Choice C is incorrect as it emphasizes managing anxiety through relaxation techniques rather than understanding its roots. Choice D is incorrect as it addresses resistive behavior rather than exploring the causes of anxiety.

5. When helping a client gain insight into anxiety, the nurse should:

• A. help the client relate anxiety to specific triggers.
• B. ask the client to describe events that precede increased anxiety.
• C. encourage the client to practice relaxation techniques.
• D. address the client's resistive behavior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assisting a client in gaining insight into anxiety, it is crucial to explore the events that lead to increased anxiety. By asking the client to describe these events, the nurse can help the client recognize patterns and triggers, leading to a better understanding of their anxiety. Option A is incorrect because it refers to triggers rather than exploring the events leading to anxiety. Option C is incorrect as it focuses on relaxation techniques rather than delving into the root causes of anxiety. Option D is inappropriate as addressing resistive behavior may not foster a supportive therapeutic environment for the client.

Similar Questions