Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client for risk of hyperphosphatemia, which piece of information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

• A. A history of radiation treatment in the neck region
• B. A history of recent orthopedic surgery
• C. A history of minimal physical activity
• D. A history of the client's food intake

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is a history of radiation treatment in the neck region. Previous radiation to the neck may have damaged the parathyroid glands, which are crucial for calcium and phosphorus regulation. This damage can lead to disruptions in phosphorus levels, increasing the risk of hyperphosphatemia. Choices B, C, and D are not as directly related to phosphorus regulation. Orthopedic surgery, minimal physical activity, and food intake are more closely associated with calcium levels rather than phosphorus regulation. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to focus on obtaining information about a history of radiation treatment in the neck region when assessing the risk of hyperphosphatemia in a client.

2. All of the following are common reasons that nurses are reluctant to delegate except:

• A. lack of self-confidence
• B. desire to maintain authority
• C. confidence in subordinate
• D. getting trapped in the 'I can do it better myself' mindset

Correct answer: C

Rationale: If a delegator has confidence in their subordinates and believes a task will be performed correctly, they are more likely to delegate. Reasons nurses may be reluctant to delegate include their own lack of self-confidence, the desire to maintain authority, and getting trapped in the 'I can do it better myself' mindset. Therefore, 'confidence in subordinate' is the exception as it actually encourages delegation. The other choices are common barriers to delegation in healthcare settings.

3. The nurse is caring for a client who is dying. While assessing the client for signs of impending death, the nurse observes the client for:

• A. elevated blood pressure.
• B. Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
• C. elevated pulse rate.
• D. decreased temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a pattern of breathing characterized by rhythmic waxing and waning of respirations from very deep to very shallow breathing with periods of temporary apnea. This pattern is often associated with conditions like cardiac failure and can be a sign of impending death. Elevated blood pressure and pulse rate are not typically associated with the dying process. Decreased temperature is also not a common sign of impending death. Therefore, option B, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, is the correct choice when assessing a client for signs of impending death.

4. Support-system enhancement includes all of the following except:

• A. determining the barriers to using support systems.
• B. discussing ways to help others who are concerned.
• C. exploring life problems of the support-team members.
• D. involving spouse, family, and friends in the care and planning.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Support-system enhancement involves various strategies to strengthen the support system. Determining the barriers to using support systems, discussing ways to help others who are concerned, and involving spouse, family, and friends in the care and planning are all essential aspects of enhancing the support system. However, exploring the life problems of the support-team members is not directly related to enhancing the support system. This approach could potentially invade personal boundaries and may not be necessary for improving the support system, making it the correct answer in this case. Therefore, option C is the correct answer as it does not align with the appropriate methods of support-system enhancement.

5. A home health nurse is making preparations for morning visits. Which one of the following clients should the nurse visit first?

• A. A client with brain attack (stroke) receiving tube feedings
• B. A client with congestive heart failure complaining of nighttime dyspnea
• C. A client who had a thoracotomy 6 months ago
• D. A client with Parkinson’s disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The client with congestive heart failure complaining of nighttime dyspnea should be seen first as airway management is a priority in nursing care. This client's symptoms indicate potential respiratory distress, requiring immediate attention. Choices A, C, and D involve clients who are more stable and do not present with urgent or acute conditions that require immediate intervention. Choice A with a client receiving tube feedings for a stroke may require attention, but the urgency of addressing potential respiratory distress in choice B takes precedence. Choice C, a client who had a thoracotomy 6 months ago, unless presenting with acute distress, does not necessitate immediate attention. Choice D, a client with Parkinson's disease, is usually a chronic condition that does not typically require immediate intervention for the described scenario.

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