Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with cerebral palsy. The nurse should provide frequent rest periods because:

• A. Grimacing and writhing movements decrease with relaxation and rest.
• B. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes become more active with rest.
• C. Stretch reflexes are increased with rest.
• D. Fine motor movements are improved.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Frequent rest periods help to relax tense muscles and preserve energy in clients with cerebral palsy. This can lead to a decrease in grimacing and writhing movements, as relaxation and rest help to alleviate muscle tension. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they provide inaccurate information. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes do not become more active with rest; stretch reflexes are not increased with rest in cerebral palsy patients, and fine motor movements are not necessarily improved solely by rest.

2. The nurse is assessing the client recently returned from surgery. The nurse is aware that the best way to assess pain is to:

• A. Take the blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
• B. Ask the client to rate his pain on a scale of 0-5
• C. Watch the client's facial expression
• D. Ask the client if he is in pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best way to evaluate pain levels is to ask the client to rate his pain on a scale. This method provides a more standardized and quantifiable measure of pain compared to subjective observations like facial expressions (choice C) or direct questioning (choice D). Monitoring vital signs (choice A) can be part of pain assessment but is not as specific or reliable as asking the client to self-report pain intensity.

3. A client has been taking alprazolam (Xanax) for four years to manage anxiety. The client reports taking 0.5 mg four times a day. Which statement indicates that the client understands the nurse's teaching about discontinuing the medication?

• A. "I can drink alcohol now that I am decreasing my Xanax."?
• B. "I should not take another Xanax pill. Here is what is left of my last prescription."?
• C. "I should take three pills per day next week, then two pills for one week, then one pill for one week."?
• D. "I can expect to be sleepy for several days after stopping the medicine."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that the client should take three pills per day next week, then two pills for one week, and then one pill for one week. This statement indicates a gradual tapering schedule, which is crucial when discontinuing alprazolam (Xanax) to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Choice A is incorrect because alcohol should be avoided while tapering off benzodiazepines due to the increased risk of respiratory depression. Choice B is incorrect because abruptly stopping alprazolam can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because while drowsiness can be a side effect of alprazolam, it is not the primary concern when discontinuing the medication; preventing withdrawal symptoms is the priority.

4. The physician has ordered a culture for the client with suspected gonorrhea. The nurse should obtain which type of culture?

• A. Blood
• B. Nasopharyngeal secretions
• C. Stool
• D. Genital secretions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A culture for gonorrhea is taken from the genital secretions as gonorrhea primarily affects the genital area. The culture is incubated in a warm environment to promote the growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium causing gonorrhea. Genital secretions provide a direct sample from the site of infection, increasing the accuracy of diagnosis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not suitable specimens for diagnosing gonorrhea. Blood cultures are used to detect bloodstream infections, nasopharyngeal secretions are collected for respiratory infections, and stool cultures are done to identify gastrointestinal infections, none of which are related to gonorrhea.

5. When caring for a Native-American family, what does the nurse need to consider?

• A. The family may consist of extended family members beyond parents and children.
• B. Native Americans tend to value their heritage and traditions.
• C. Some Native Americans use herbs and psychologic treatments for illnesses.
• D. Health care practices vary among different tribes and individuals.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a Native-American family, it is crucial to acknowledge and respect their cultural beliefs and practices. Choice A, while relevant, is not as specific as understanding the use of herbs and psychologic treatments in Native American healing practices. Choice B, though generally true, does not directly impact the nursing care provided. Choice D, although true, is too broad and does not focus on the specific aspect of treatment practices. Choice C is the most appropriate answer as it highlights the importance of recognizing and incorporating traditional healing methods into the nursing care plan, promoting culturally sensitive and holistic care.

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