Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with glaucoma, a nurse expects which of the following findings?

• A. Complaints of double vision
• B. Complaints of halos around lights
• C. Intraocular pressure of 15 mm Hg
• D. Soft globe on palpation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with glaucoma, a common finding is complaints of halos around lights. Other symptoms of glaucoma include loss of peripheral vision or blind spots, reddened sclera, firm globe, decreased accommodation, and occasional eye pain. Glaucoma may be asymptomatic until permanent damage to the optic nerve and retina occurs. Double vision is not a typical symptom of glaucoma. In terms of intraocular pressure, normal levels range from 10 to 21 mm Hg, making an intraocular pressure of 15 mm Hg within the normal range. A soft globe on palpation is not a typical finding in glaucoma.

2. 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.

3. The nurse notes the patient care assistant looking through the personal items of the client with cancer. Which action should be taken by the registered nurse?

• A. Notify the police department for investigation
• B. Report this behavior to the charge nurse
• C. Monitor the situation and document any suspicious activities
• D. Confront the patient care assistant immediately

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The appropriate action for the registered nurse in this scenario is to report the behavior to the charge nurse. This allows for proper investigation and intervention. Inappropriate actions include notifying the police directly without following the chain of command (Choice A), monitoring without immediate action (Choice C), and confronting the assistant without involving a superior (Choice D). By reporting to the charge nurse, the situation is escalated appropriately within the healthcare setting, ensuring the well-being and safety of the client.

4. Upon arrival at the emergency room, the client presents with severe burns to the left arm, hands, face, and neck. What action should take priority?

• A. Starting an IV
• B. Applying oxygen
• C. Obtaining blood gases
• D. Medicating the client for pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with severe burns to the face and neck, airway assessment and supplemental oxygen are crucial. Therefore, applying oxygen is the priority to ensure adequate oxygenation for the client. This intervention takes precedence over other actions to stabilize the client's condition. Starting an IV for fluid resuscitation is the next appropriate step following ensuring oxygenation (Choice A). While pain management is important, it is a secondary priority after ensuring oxygenation and fluid resuscitation, making medicating the client for pain a later intervention (Choice D). Obtaining blood gases (Choice C) is not the immediate priority in this scenario and would typically be ordered by the healthcare provider based on the client's condition and response to initial interventions.

5. Which of the following attitudes is essential in a nurse who assists clients during crises?

• A. viewing crisis intervention as the first step in solving bigger problems
• B. wanting to help clients solve all problems identified
• C. taking an active role in guiding the process
• D. feeling that work requires identification with all of a client's problems

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Viewing crisis intervention as the first step in solving bigger problems is essential in a nurse who assists clients during crises. This approach focuses on addressing the immediate crisis first, which can potentially prevent the escalation of bigger problems. Wanting to help clients solve all problems identified (Choice B) may not be feasible or necessary during a crisis situation where immediate intervention is crucial. Taking an active role in guiding the process (Choice C) is important, but the primary focus should be on crisis intervention. Feeling that work requires identification with all of a client's problems (Choice D) may lead to a lack of focus on the immediate crisis at hand.

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