Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a dying client who has persistently requested that the nurse 'help her to die and be in peace.' According to the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the nurse should:

• A. Ask the client if she has signed an advance directives document.
• B. Tell the client that another nurse will be assigned to care for her.
• C. Instruct the client that only a physician can legally assist in suicide.
• D. Try to make the client as comfortable as possible, but refuse to assist in death.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the Code of Ethics for Nurses, the nurse should try to make the client as comfortable as possible but refuse to assist in death. It is not within the scope of nursing practice to assist in death, even if requested by the client. Choice A is incorrect as advance directives do not directly relate to the client's request for assistance in dying. Choice B is inappropriate as passing the responsibility to another nurse does not address the ethical dilemma at hand. Choice C is incorrect because instructing the client that only a physician can legally assist in suicide does not address the ethical considerations involved in the request. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the nurse is to provide comfort measures while upholding ethical standards and not participating in ending the client's life.

2. A client reports hearing voices. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Touch the client to help him return to reality.
• B. Leave the client alone until reality returns.
• C. Ask the client to describe what is happening.
• D. Tell the client there are no voices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client reports hearing voices, it might indicate hallucinations. It is essential for the nurse to ask the client to describe what is happening to gain a better understanding of the hallucinations. This approach helps in assessing the severity and content of the hallucinations, which can guide further interventions. Touching the client without consent can be intrusive and may escalate the situation, violating the client's personal space. Leaving the client alone may not address the underlying issue of hallucinations and can lead to potential risks if the client is distressed. Telling the client there are no voices denies their experience, invalidates their feelings, and can result in mistrust between the client and the nurse.

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. When questioning an elder about suspected abuse, how should the nurse keep the questions?

• A. Nonjudgmental.
• B. Probing.
• C. Confrontational.
• D. Indirect.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When questioning an elder about suspected abuse, the nurse should keep the questions nonjudgmental. This approach helps the elder feel safe and more willing to share information. Probing questions might be perceived as invasive, confrontational questions can lead to defensiveness and denial, and indirect questions may not elicit the necessary information, resulting in confusion or misinterpretation.

5. What type of relief behavior is Ashley using to cope with emotional conflict?

• A. acting out
• B. somatizing
• C. withdrawal
• D. problem-solving

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ashley is somatizing by experiencing emotional conflict as physical symptoms associated with severe anxiety. Somatizing involves converting emotions into physical symptoms. Acting out involves behaviors like anger, crying, and verbal abuse, not physical symptoms. Withdrawal is when one withdraws psychic energy in response to anxiety, not converting emotions into physical symptoms. Problem-solving occurs when anxiety is identified and the underlying need is addressed, not converting emotions into physical symptoms.

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