Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the mental status of a young school-aged child, which action would be important for the nurse to take?

• A. Listen to the parents' description of the child's behavior.
• B. Compare the child's function from one occasion to another.
• C. Engage the parents in a discussion about the child's feelings.
• D. Determine the child's mental status through direct questioning.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To accurately assess the mental status of a young school-aged child, it is crucial for the nurse to compare the child's function over time. This approach allows for a more objective evaluation of the child's mental status. While listening to the parents' description of the child's behavior can provide valuable insights, it may be biased and subjective. Engaging parents in discussions about the child's feelings is important for overall understanding but may not directly assess the child's mental status. Directly questioning the child about their mental status can be threatening and may lead to anxiety, making it a less optimal approach compared to observing and comparing the child's function over time.

2. The mental health nurse plans to discuss a client's depression with the health care provider in the emergency department. There are two clients sitting across from the emergency department desk. Which nursing action is best?

• A. Only refer to the client by gender
• B. Identify the client only by age
• C. Avoid using the client's name
• D. Discuss the client another time

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best nursing action is to discuss the client another time to ensure confidentiality. It is important to maintain the privacy of the client's information, so discussing sensitive topics like depression in a public area where conversations can be overheard is not appropriate. While options A, B, and C may seem like ways to protect the client's identity, they do not guarantee confidentiality since details like gender or age can still lead to identification. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize privacy and confidentiality by finding a more suitable time and location to have a private discussion about the client's concerns.

3. Which factor is most critical for a single mother of 2 children who recently lost her job and does not know what to do?

• A. Developmental history of children
• B. Available situational supports
• C. Underlying unconscious conflict
• D. Willingness to restructure lifestyle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a crisis intervention, the priority is to identify available situational supports, such as family, friends, community resources, and social services, that can help the single mother and her children during this difficult time. Understanding the developmental history of the children may be important to assess their needs, but it is not the most critical factor in this immediate crisis. Exploring underlying unconscious conflicts is more suited for long-term therapy rather than crisis intervention. While the willingness to restructure lifestyle may eventually be necessary, the immediate focus should be on finding support systems to address the current crisis.

4. After being medicated for anxiety, the client says to the nurse, 'I guess you are too busy to stay with me.' Which response by the nurse is correct?

• A. I'm so sorry, but I need to see other clients.'
• B. 'I have to go now, but I will come back in 10 minutes.'
• C. You'll be able to rest after the medicine starts working.'
• D. You'll feel better after I've made you more comfortable.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should respond with empathy and reassurance to address the client's emotional needs. The correct response, 'I have to go now, but I will come back in 10 minutes,' acknowledges the client's feelings while providing a timeframe for the nurse's return, showing care and concern. Choice A, 'I'm so sorry, but I need to see other clients,' prioritizes other tasks over the client's emotional needs, which can increase anxiety. Choice C, 'You'll be able to rest after the medicine starts working,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's immediate emotional distress. Choice D, 'You'll feel better after I've made you more comfortable,' does not acknowledge the client's concerns and fails to establish a supportive connection with the client.

5. Which of the following is a true statement about palliative care?

• A. The goal of palliative care is to provide end-of-life care for a client as they transition toward death.
• B. Palliative care provides comfort and support for those who may have a terminal illness.
• C. Palliative care provides resources for funeral arrangements after death.
• D. Palliative care is a support network for family and friends after the death of a loved one.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Palliative care is a type of care that focuses on providing support and comfort to individuals who may have a terminal illness or severe symptoms. It aims to improve the quality of life for both the individual receiving care and their family. While it can be provided in various settings, including hospitals, homes, or specialized facilities, the primary focus is on symptom management and addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the individual. Choice A is incorrect because palliative care is not solely limited to end-of-life care but also includes managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Choice C is incorrect as palliative care is focused on providing care and support during the individual's life, not on funeral arrangements after death. Choice D is incorrect as palliative care is primarily directed towards the individual receiving care, although it may also provide support to their family and friends during the care process.

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