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. As a type of quality indicator, an example of a structure standard is:

• A. a written philosophy.
• B. a procedure for a straight catheterization.
• C. a protocol for treatment of a client with chest pain.
• D. the diagnostic work-up for a client with abdominal pain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'a written philosophy.' Structure standards define the conditions needed to operate a system and do not directly involve client care. Examples include philosophy, objectives, goals, hours of operation, and management responsibility. Choices B, C, and D involve specific procedures and protocols related to client care, which are not structure standards.

3. A nurse provides information about feeding to the mother of a 6-month-old infant. Which statement by the mother indicates an understanding of the information?

• A. Meats are really important for iron, and I should start feeding meats to my infant right away.
• B. Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.
• C. I can mix the food in my infant's bottle if he won't eat it.
• D. Fluoride supplementation is not necessary until permanent teeth come in.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Egg white should not be given to my infant because of the risk for an allergy.' Egg white, even in small quantities, is not recommended for infants until the end of the first year of life due to its common allergenic potential. Choice A is incorrect because while meats are important for iron, they are not typically introduced to infants until around 6-8 months. Choice C is incorrect because food should never be mixed with formula in the bottle as it may lead to feeding difficulties and inaccurate monitoring of intake. Choice D is incorrect because fluoride supplementation may be required around 6 months depending on the infant's fluoride intake from water. Introducing solid foods like rice cereal, fruits, or vegetables is usually done around 5-6 months, following healthcare provider recommendations.

4. A 60-year-old widower is hospitalized after complaining of difficulty sleeping, extreme apprehension, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. "You have nothing to worry about. You are in a safe place. Try to relax."?
• B. "Has anything happened recently or in the past that might have triggered these feelings?"?
• C. "We have given you a medication that helps to decrease feelings of anxiety."?
• D. "Take some deep breaths and try to calm down."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the best response as it shows empathy, acknowledges the patient's feelings, and opens the door for discussion about potential triggers for anxiety. This approach helps the patient explore the root cause of his anxiety and provides an opportunity for therapeutic communication. Choice A dismisses the patient's feelings and offers false reassurance, which may not address the underlying issue. Choices C and D do not encourage the patient to express his emotions or delve into the reasons behind his anxiety, hindering the therapeutic process.

5. Which of the following coping mechanisms protects an individual from anxiety?

• A. denial and fantasy
• B. rationalization and suppression
• C. regression and displacement
• D. reaction formation and projection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'denial and fantasy.' Denial involves blocking external events from awareness to avoid anxiety, while fantasy is escaping to a more comfortable, less threatening place. These mechanisms can protect individuals from anxiety by providing temporary relief or distraction. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Rationalization and suppression do not directly protect individuals from anxiety. Regression and displacement involve reverting to earlier developmental stages or redirecting emotions to a substitute target, which do not directly shield individuals from anxiety. Reaction formation and projection entail behaving in the opposite way to one's impulses or attributing one's feelings to others respectively, which do not directly protect individuals from anxiety.

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