Nursing Elites

1. When assisting a family who fails to take action during a sick member despite suggestions, you will:

• A. explain the consequences of inaction
• B. identify the courses of action open to the family and the resources needed for each
• C. discuss the consequences of each course of action available
• D. influence the family to act on what you think is best for the situation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When helping a family decide on actions to take, it is essential to identify the courses of action available to them and the resources needed for each. This empowers the family to make informed decisions based on their specific situation. Explaining the consequences of inaction (Choice A) may be necessary but does not provide a range of options. Discussing the consequences of each course of action (Choice C) is important but does not actively guide the family on the available actions. Influencing the family (Choice D) to act based on personal judgment undermines their autonomy and may not lead to the best outcome.

2. A hospitalized child suddenly has a seizure while his family is visiting. The nurse notes whole body rigidity followed by general jerking movements. The child vomits immediately after the seizure. A priority nursing diagnosis for the child is

• A. High risk for infection related to vomiting
• B. Altered family processes related to chronic illness
• C. Fluid volume deficit related to vomiting
• D. Risk for aspiration related to loss of consciousness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Risk for aspiration is a priority concern following a seizure, especially when the child vomits, as there is a danger of aspirating the vomit into the lungs, leading to respiratory complications. The other options are not the priority in this situation. While infection risk and fluid volume deficit are important, ensuring the child's airway is clear and there is no risk of aspiration takes precedence. Altered family processes may be a concern but addressing the immediate physiological risk is the priority.

3. A client with a fractured femur is in Buck's traction. The nurse should assess for which of the following complications?

• A. Foot drop
• B. Urinary retention
• C. Constipation
• D. Muscle spasms

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Foot drop is a potential complication of prolonged immobility and improper positioning in traction. In Buck's traction, the lower extremity is suspended to immobilize and align the fractured femur. Prolonged suspension of the leg in traction can lead to nerve damage, specifically to the common peroneal nerve, resulting in foot drop. Urinary retention, constipation, and muscle spasms are not directly associated with Buck's traction and a fractured femur.

4. Which client has the highest risk for developing community-acquired pneumonia?

• A. a 40-year-old first-grade teacher who works with underprivileged children
• B. a 75-year-old retired secretary with exercise-induced wheezing
• C. a 60-year-old homeless person who is an alcoholic and smokes
• D. a 35-year-old aerobics instructor who skips meals and eats only vegetables

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because homeless individuals who are alcoholics and smoke have a higher risk of developing community-acquired pneumonia due to factors like poor living conditions, compromised immune systems, and increased exposure to infections. Choice A is less likely as the teacher's profession, while involving contact with children, may not pose as high a risk as the factors in choice C. Choice B may have respiratory issues but does not have the same risk factors as choice C. Choice D, the aerobics instructor, may have a healthy lifestyle but skipping meals and a restrictive diet do not directly correlate with a higher risk of pneumonia compared to the risk factors in choice C.

5. A client with bipolar disorder is receiving lithium (Lithobid). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyponatremia. Lithium can lead to hyponatremia by affecting sodium balance in the body. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is unlikely with lithium use. Hyperglycemia (Choice C) and hypercalcemia (Choice D) are not typically associated with lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.

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