Nursing Elites

1. What assessment is the priority focus for a client with major depression?

• A. Mood and affect.
• B. Suicidal ideation.
• C. Nutritional status.
• D. Fluid and electrolyte balance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Suicidal ideation. When dealing with a client diagnosed with major depression, assessing for suicidal ideation is of utmost importance. Individuals with major depression have an increased risk of suicide; hence, evaluating their risk for self-harm is crucial. Mood and affect, while important, come secondary to ensuring the safety of the client. Nutritional status and fluid and electrolyte balance are essential components of care but are not the priority when dealing with a client with major depression.

2. The LPN/LVN is caring for a client who has been prescribed lithium carbonate. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication with food to avoid stomach upset.
• B. Do not change your salt intake while on this medication.
• C. Drink plenty of water and maintain a consistent salt intake.
• D. Avoid excessive intake of caffeine while on this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction for a client prescribed lithium carbonate is not to change their salt intake. Alterations in sodium levels can impact lithium levels, leading to an increased risk of toxicity. Choice A is not crucial for lithium carbonate administration. While hydration is essential, maintaining a consistent salt intake is more critical than just increasing water intake (Choice C). Although caffeine can interact with lithium, it is not as important as maintaining a consistent salt intake (Choice D).

3. A female client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been experiencing flashbacks. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client?

• A. Encourage the client to talk about the trauma.
• B. Advise the client to avoid triggers that cause flashbacks.
• C. Help the client stay grounded in the present moment.
• D. Refer the client to group therapy for PTSD.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with PTSD experiencing flashbacks is to help them stay grounded in the present moment. This technique can reduce the intensity of flashbacks and provide a sense of safety. Encouraging the client to talk about the trauma (Choice A) may exacerbate the symptoms and should be done cautiously under professional guidance. Advising the client to avoid triggers (Choice B) is important, but solely relying on avoidance may not address the underlying issues. Referring the client to group therapy (Choice D) can be beneficial, but in the immediate context of managing flashbacks, grounding techniques are more appropriate.

4. A client with a history of bipolar disorder presents to the emergency department with symptoms of mania. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Administer prescribed medication to manage symptoms.
• B. Provide a calm environment with minimal stimulation.
• C. Encourage the client to express feelings and emotions.
• D. Reinforce the need for consistent medication adherence.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering prescribed medication to manage symptoms is the priority intervention for a client with symptoms of mania. During a manic episode, the client may be at risk of harm to self or others due to impulsivity and poor judgment. Medication helps stabilize the client, reduce manic symptoms, and prevent further escalation. Providing a calm environment (choice B) is important but not the priority when the client's safety is at risk. Encouraging expression of feelings (choice C) and reinforcing medication adherence (choice D) are valuable aspects of care but addressing the acute symptoms of mania takes precedence to ensure the client's immediate safety and well-being.

5. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing auditory hallucinations that command him to harm himself. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Ensure the client is not left alone.
• B. Document the content of the hallucinations.
• C. Administer PRN antipsychotic medication.
• D. Encourage the client to ignore the voices.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure the client is not left alone. When a client with schizophrenia is having auditory hallucinations that command self-harm, the priority is to ensure the client's safety. Leaving the client alone may increase the risk of self-harm. Documenting the content of the hallucinations (choice B) is important but not the priority when immediate safety is a concern. Administering PRN antipsychotic medication (choice C) may be necessary but is not the priority over ensuring the client's immediate safety. Encouraging the client to ignore the voices (choice D) is not as effective as ensuring the client's safety by being present and providing support.

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