Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is making a home visit with a client diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The client recently started on lorazepam (Ativan) due to increased anxiety. The nurse is cautioning the family about the use of lorazepam (Ativan). The nurse should instruct the family to report which of the following significant side effects to the healthcare provider?

• A. Paradoxical excitement
• B. Headache
• C. Slowing of reflexes
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, paradoxical excitement. Lorazepam can cause an unexpected response of paradoxical excitement, which should be reported to the healthcare provider. This reaction is characterized by increased anxiety, restlessness, and agitation instead of the expected calming effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because headache, slowing of reflexes, and fatigue are more common side effects of lorazepam and may not warrant immediate reporting unless severe or persistent.

2. A healthcare professional is caring for a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who is prescribed aspirin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. A history of gastrointestinal bleeding
• B. A history of hypertension
• C. A platelet count of 180,000/mm³
• D. A prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding are at increased risk of complications when taking aspirin due to its effects on platelet function and the gastrointestinal tract. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial to ensure patient safety. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the increased risk associated with aspirin use in patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, making them less relevant in this scenario. While monitoring platelet count and PT are important in patients taking aspirin, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding takes precedence as it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of aspirin therapy in this client.

3. A nurse in a long-term care facility is serving on the ethics committee, which is addressing a client care dilemma. Which of the following strategies will facilitate resolving the dilemma?

• A. Ensure client autonomy only
• B. Consider only medical benefits
• C. Ensure clear communication among the health care team
• D. Identify possible solutions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In resolving ethical dilemmas, it is essential to identify possible solutions to address the client care dilemma effectively. Option A, 'Ensure client autonomy only,' is not comprehensive enough to resolve complex ethical issues. Option B, 'Consider only medical benefits,' overlooks other important factors beyond medical benefits that are involved in ethical decision-making. Option C, 'Ensure clear communication among the health care team,' is important but may not be sufficient on its own to resolve the ethical dilemma. Therefore, the most effective strategy among the given options is to identify possible solutions to navigate through the ethical dilemma.

4. What is the proper technique for measuring a patient's blood pressure?

• A. Place the cuff at heart level and listen for Korotkoff sounds
• B. Ensure the patient is in a seated position and inflate the cuff to 180 mmHg
• C. Use a manual sphygmomanometer and measure blood pressure on both arms
• D. Monitor pulse rate and apply pressure to the brachial artery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique for measuring blood pressure involves placing the cuff at heart level to ensure accurate readings. Listening for Korotkoff sounds helps determine the systolic and diastolic pressures. Choice B is incorrect as inflating the cuff to 180 mmHg is excessive and can lead to inaccurate readings. Choice C is incorrect as it is unnecessary to measure blood pressure on both arms unless there is a specific medical reason to do so. Choice D is incorrect as monitoring pulse rate and applying pressure to the brachial artery are not part of the standard blood pressure measurement technique.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who has peripheral arterial disease (PAD) about exercise recommendations. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Exercise to the point of pain
• B. Stop exercising if pain occurs
• C. Exercise only once per week
• D. Avoid walking to prevent pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include is to 'Stop exercising if pain occurs.' In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), it is crucial to avoid exercising to the point of pain as this may worsen the condition and lead to complications. Exercising to the point of pain can result in inadequate blood flow to the extremities, causing further damage. By stopping exercise if pain occurs, the client can prevent exacerbating their condition. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because exercising to the point of pain, limiting exercise to once per week, and avoiding walking altogether are not recommended strategies for managing PAD and could potentially harm the client.

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