Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level?

• A. Observe the patient's facial expressions.
• B. Use a standardized pain scale, such as 0-10.
• C. Ask the patient to rate their pain based on their mood.
• D. Ask the patient's family members to assess the pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate method for assessing a patient's pain level is to use a standardized pain scale, such as a 0-10 scale. This method provides an objective and consistent way to measure and communicate the intensity of pain experienced by the patient. Choice A, observing facial expressions, can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain. Choice C, asking the patient to rate their pain based on their mood, may be influenced by various factors unrelated to pain. Choice D, involving the patient's family members in assessing the pain, is not ideal as pain is a subjective experience that should be reported by the patient themselves.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for cimetidine. Which of the following laboratory findings should the healthcare provider identify as the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. WBC count 9,000/mm3
• C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 50 units/L
• D. Fasting glucose 105 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level is indicative of liver damage, which is the priority finding to report to the provider when administering cimetidine. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver toxicity or damage. Monitoring liver function is crucial when using cimetidine, as it can sometimes lead to hepatotoxicity. The other laboratory findings are within normal ranges and not directly associated with cimetidine administration.

3. A nurse is preparing an in-service about family violence for a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Perpetrators of family-directed violence do not recognize their behavior as abnormal.
• B. Female clients who experience partner violence are at greater risk for chronic diseases.
• C. The victim's risk for homicide is greatest when they decide to leave the relationship.
• D. The level of violence increases over time in abusive relationships.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the risk of homicide increases significantly when a victim decides to leave an abusive relationship. This is a crucial point to emphasize in educating healthcare professionals about family violence. Choice A is incorrect because perpetrators often do not acknowledge their behavior as abnormal. Choice B is incorrect as victims of partner violence are at greater risk for chronic, not acute, diseases. Choice D is incorrect as the level of violence tends to escalate rather than decrease over time in abusive relationships.

4. A nurse manager is asked to select clients for early discharge from the unit following a mass casualty event. Which of the following clients should the nurse manager recommend?

• A. A client awaiting a screening colonoscopy later that day
• B. A client whose discharge was cancelled the prior day because they developed respiratory distress
• C. A client who is 6 hr postoperative following an open cholecystectomy
• D. A client who is prescribed gastric lavage treatments to treat acute aspirin toxicity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager should recommend the client awaiting a screening colonoscopy later that day for early discharge following a mass casualty event. This client is stable and not in immediate need of hospital care. Choices B, C, and D involve clients who require ongoing monitoring and care due to recent developments or treatments, making them unsuitable for early discharge during a mass casualty event.

5. When working with a client who does not speak the same language, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Speak directly to the interpreter
• B. Use family members to translate
• C. Speak directly to the patient
• D. Use medical jargon

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client who does not speak the same language, it is essential for the nurse to speak directly to the patient. This approach helps maintain rapport, establishes a trusting relationship, and ensures better communication. Speaking to the interpreter instead of the patient can lead to misunderstandings and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Using family members to translate is not recommended as they may not provide accurate or confidential information. Lastly, using medical jargon can further complicate communication and may not be understood by the patient.

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