Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare professional is preparing to percuss the abdomen of a patient. What characteristic of the underlying tissue does percussion assess?

• A. Turgor
• B. Texture
• C. Density
• D. Consistency

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Percussion is a technique used to assess the density of underlying organs by producing sounds that help determine their location and size. Turgor, texture, and consistency are primarily assessed through palpation, not percussion. Turgor refers to skin elasticity, texture pertains to the feel of the tissue surface, and consistency relates to the firmness or resistance of the tissue.

2. During an assessment, the nurse notices that a patient is handling a small charm that is tied to a leather strip around their neck. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Ask the patient about the item and its significance.
• B. Ask the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe.
• C. Tell the patient that a family member should take valuables home.
• D. No action is necessary.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The small charm tied to a leather strip is likely an amulet, which many cultures consider an important means of protection from 'evil spirits.' When a patient appears to have a health practice the nurse is unfamiliar with, the nurse should ask for clarification in a non-judgmental way that communicates acceptance of their beliefs and allows for open communication. Thus, the nurse in this situation should inquire about the amulet's meaning to the patient. Asking the patient to lock the item with other valuables in the hospital's safe, telling the patient that a family member should take valuables home, or doing nothing does not address the importance or meaning of a cultural health practice to the patient and does not allow the nurse to gain an understanding of the patient's cultural health practices.

3. A client is being assisted to lie in the Sims' position. In what position does the nurse arrange the client?

• A. The client lies on his side with the upper leg flexed
• B. The client lies on his back with his head lower than his feet
• C. The client lies on his abdomen with a pillow supporting his head
• D. The client is sitting up at a 90-degree angle

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Sims' position is a side-lying position used for examinations or comfort. In the Sims' position, the client lies on their side with the upper leg flexed. The abdomen is slightly downward, and the lower arm is positioned behind the body. A pillow can be used to support the leg. Choice B is incorrect as it describes a position with the client lying on their back with the head lower than the feet. Choice C is incorrect as it describes a prone position, not the Sims' position. Choice D is incorrect as it describes a sitting position, not the Sims' position.

4. A client on the nursing unit is terminally ill but remains alert and oriented. Three days after admission, the nurse observes signs of depression. The client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.' What is the most accurate and informative way to record this data in a nursing progress note?

• A. Client appears to be depressed, possibly suicidal
• B. Client reports being tired of being ill and wants to die
• C. Client does not want to live any longer and is tired of being ill
• D. Client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Subjective data includes thoughts, beliefs, feelings, perceptions, and sensations that are apparent only to the person affected and cannot be measured, seen, or felt by the nurse. This information should be documented using the client's exact words in quotes. The other options indicate that the nurse has drawn the conclusion that the client no longer wishes to live. From the data provided, the cues do not support this assumption. A more complete assessment should be conducted to determine if the client is suicidal.

5. Which of the following statements best describes substance P?

• A. Substance P decreases a client's sensitivity to pain
• B. Substance P levels are drawn before administration of narcotic analgesics
• C. Substance P is found in the brain and is responsible for pain control and management of depression
• D. Substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and the dorsal horn of the spinal column, not just in the brain. It is associated with pain transmission and modulation. Substance P is known to cause inflammation, edema, and pain. While it plays a role in pain perception, it does not decrease a client's sensitivity to pain (Choice A), nor are its levels typically drawn before administering narcotic analgesics (Choice B). Although substance P is involved in pain control, it is not responsible for managing depression (Choice C). Therefore, the correct statement is that substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column.

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