Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with epilepsy who is being treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol). Which laboratory value might indicate a serious side effect of this drug?

• A. Uric acid of 5 mg/dL
• B. Hematocrit of 33%
• C. WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter
• D. Platelets 150,000 per cubic millimeter

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can suppress the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the white blood cell count. A laboratory value of WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter indicates a serious side effect of the drug. Choices A and D are within normal limits, while choice B is at the lower limit of normal. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

2. What are appropriate nursing strategies to assist a client in maintaining a sense of self?

• A. Addressing the client by their first name when interacting with them
• B. Treating the client with dignity
• C. Explaining procedures to the client regardless of their attentiveness
• D. Encouraging the use of personal items to foster a sense of identity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining a sense of self is crucial for clients in healthcare settings. Treating the client with dignity is a fundamental nursing principle that helps preserve the client's self-worth and identity. Addressing the client by their first name when interacting with them is a way to show respect, but it alone may not significantly contribute to maintaining their sense of self. Explaining procedures to the client, regardless of their attentiveness, is essential for informed consent and autonomy, empowering them in their care. Encouraging the use of personal items can foster a sense of identity as these items often hold personal significance and emotional value for the client, thus supporting their sense of self; therefore, discouraging their use would be counterproductive in maintaining a client's sense of self.

3. In the context of milieu therapy, what is its primary purpose?

• A. exploring the client's perception of reality
• B. enhancing social interaction abilities
• C. addressing maladaptive behaviors
• D. providing routine daily experiences

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Milieu therapy aims to provide routine daily experiences to clients. By offering a structured and predictable environment, it helps individuals feel safe and secure, reducing disruptive behaviors. Exploring the client's perception of reality (choice A) may be part of therapy but not the primary focus. Enhancing social interaction abilities (choice B) and addressing maladaptive behaviors (choice C) are important aspects of therapy but not the primary purpose of milieu therapy.

4. What is an effective intervention for a client diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

• A. Discussing the repetitive actions.
• B. Insisting the client not perform the repetitive act.
• C. Informing the client that the act is not necessary.
• D. Encouraging daily exercise.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An effective intervention for a client diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is encouraging daily exercise. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder, and exercise can help release emotional energy, limit the time available for maladaptive behaviors, and direct the client's attention outward. Discussing the repetitive actions (choice A) may reinforce the behavior by providing attention to it. Insisting the client not to perform the repetitive act (choice B) can increase anxiety and resistance, as abruptly stopping the behavior may be challenging. Informing the client that the act is not necessary (choice C) may not address the underlying anxiety and could invalidate the client's experiences, leading to increased distress. Encouraging daily exercise is a proactive intervention that can help manage symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by addressing core features of the disorder and promoting overall well-being.

5. To decrease a client's use of denial and increase the client's expression of feelings, what should the nurse do?

• A. Tell the client to stop using the defense mechanism of denial
• B. Positively reinforce each expression of feelings
• C. Instruct the client to express feelings
• D. Challenge the client each time denial is used

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate approach to decrease a client's use of denial and promote the expression of feelings is to positively reinforce each expression of feelings. This method helps the client feel supported and validated, encouraging them to continue expressing their emotions openly. Positively reinforcing the expression of feelings can help reduce the need for denial as the client learns that their emotions are acknowledged and accepted. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A of telling the client to stop using denial is too directive and may be ineffective. Instructing the client to express feelings (Choice C) lacks positive reinforcement, and challenging the client each time denial is used (Choice D) can create a confrontational environment that hinders therapeutic progress.

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