Nursing Elites

1. When taking a client's blood pressure, the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Deflate the cuff completely and immediately reattempt the reading.
• B. Re-inflate the cuff completely and leave it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds before taking the second reading.
• C. Deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading.
• D. Document the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard while taking a client's blood pressure, the best action is to deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading. Deflating the cuff for this duration allows blood flow to return to the extremity, ensuring an accurate reading on that extremity a second time. Option A of deflating the cuff completely and immediately reattempting the reading could lead to a falsely high reading. Option B, re-inflating the cuff completely and leaving it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds, reduces circulation, causes pain, and may alter the reading. Option D, documenting the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen, is not a reliable method for assessing blood pressure and does not address the issue of obtaining an accurate reading.

2. While communicating with a client, the nurse determines that the client has realized the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and plans to stop drinking within 6 months. Which stage of the transtheoretical model of change would the nurse correlate the client's behavior with?

• A. Action
• B. Preparation
• C. Maintenance
• D. Contemplation

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The transtheoretical model of change defines changing patterns in individuals across five stages based on their readiness to change. The stages are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. In the contemplation stage, the client acknowledges the benefits of change and considers making the change within the next 6 months. This aligns with the client's realization of the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and intent to stop drinking within 6 months. The action stage involves actively making changes, the preparation stage includes goal-setting with an intention to change within 60 days, and the maintenance stage focuses on sustaining changed behavior for at least 6 months and taking preventive measures to avoid relapse. Therefore, in this scenario, the client's behavior aligns with the contemplation stage of the transtheoretical model of change.

3. After 5 years of unprotected intercourse, a childless couple comes to the fertility clinic. The husband tells the nurse that his parents have promised to make a down payment on a house for them if his wife gets pregnant this year. Which response would the nurse provide?

• A. ''This must be very difficult for you with this added pressure.''
• B. 'Having a child is a decision you should make without your parents' input.''
• C. 'You're lucky. It's nice that your parents are making such a generous offer.''
• D. ''Five years without a pregnancy is a long time. You were right to come to the fertility clinic.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response acknowledges the emotional challenge the couple is facing due to the added pressure of the incentive from the husband's parents. By expressing empathy and understanding, the nurse encourages the couple to open up about their feelings and concerns. Choice B is not the best response as it dismisses the husband's situation and fails to address the emotional impact of the added pressure. Choice C focuses on the parents' offer rather than the couple's emotional state, which is not the primary concern in this situation. Choice D, mentioning the duration of infertility, may come across as insensitive and may hinder open communication by potentially making the couple feel judged or discouraged.

4. What is the nurse's initial plan for providing pain relief measures during labor for a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse?

• A. Scheduling pain medication at regular intervals
• B. Administering the medication only when the pain is severe
• C. Avoiding the administration of medication unless it is requested
• D. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with other women in labor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse, scheduling pain medication at regular intervals is the initial plan for providing pain relief during labor. This client may have a lower tolerance for pain and a greater need for pain relief. If medication is only administered when the pain is severe, larger doses may be needed, leading to increased anxiety and discomfort. Avoiding medication unless requested is not ideal, as proactive pain management is crucial during labor. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with others is incorrect, as individuals with a history of opioid abuse often require more medication due to tolerance to addictive drugs.

5. Which of the following is an example of non-reversible dementia?

• A. Pick's disease
• B. Syphilis
• C. Encephalopathy
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Non-reversible dementia refers to a condition where individuals experience permanent and often progressive cognitive decline. Pick's disease is a type of non-reversible dementia characterized by changes in personality, behavior, and language difficulties. Syphilis (Choice B) is a reversible cause of dementia that can be treated with antibiotics. Encephalopathy (Choice C) is a broad term for brain dysfunction that can be reversible or irreversible depending on the cause. Hyperthyroidism (Choice D) can lead to cognitive impairment but is reversible with appropriate treatment. Therefore, Pick's disease is the correct example of non-reversible dementia among the options provided.

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