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 whether she has signed the advance directives document.
• B. Tell the client that he or she will ask another nurse 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: The correct answer is to try to make the client as comfortable as possible but refuse to assist in death. According to the Code of Ethics for Nurses, nurses are committed to providing compassionate care, respecting the dignity and rights of the dying person. In this situation, it is important for the nurse to focus on providing comfort and support to the client while upholding ethical standards. Choice A is incorrect because discussing advance directives does not address the immediate request for assistance in dying. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the ethical dilemma presented. Choice C is incorrect because instructing the client that only a physician can assist in suicide does not fully address the complexity of the situation or the nurse's role in providing end-of-life care.

2. 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.

3. Client self-determination is the primary focus of:

• A. malpractice insurance
• B. nursing's advocacy for clients
• C. confidentiality
• D. health care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Client self-determination refers to the right of clients to make their own decisions about their health care. Nursing's advocacy for clients focuses on upholding this right by supporting and respecting the autonomy and self-determination of clients. This advocacy ensures that clients are empowered to participate in decision-making regarding their health. Confidentiality, while essential, is about maintaining the privacy of client information. Malpractice insurance is a protective measure for professionals in case of errors or negligence. Health care, though crucial for enabling client self-determination, is a broad term encompassing various services and not the primary focus when discussing the client's right to autonomy.

4. 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.

5. Six hours after birth, the infant is found to have an area of swelling over the right parietal area that does not cross the suture line. The nurse should chart this finding as:

• A. A cephalohematoma
• B. Molding
• C. Subdural hematoma
• D. Caput succedaneum

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, a cephalohematoma. A cephalohematoma is an area of bleeding outside the cranium but beneath the periosteum, typically not crossing the suture line. Answer B, molding, is the overlapping of the bones of the cranium and does not involve bleeding, making it an incorrect choice. Answer C, a subdural hematoma, involves intracranial bleeding and is typically diagnosed through imaging studies like a CAT scan or x-ray. Answer D, caput succedaneum, is characterized by edema that crosses the suture line, unlike the described swelling in this case.

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