Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a symptom associated with sensory overload?

• A. Disorientation
• B. Drowsiness
• C. Emotional lability
• D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Disorientation is a common symptom associated with sensory overload. When an individual experiences sensory overload, their brain may become overwhelmed with excessive information, leading to disorientation. This can manifest as an inability to concentrate, racing thoughts, and restless behavior. Sensory overload occurs when a person is unable to either control the amount of environmental stimuli they are exposed to or process the stimuli effectively. Drowsiness, emotional lability, and depression are not typical symptoms of sensory overload. Drowsiness may indicate fatigue or boredom, emotional lability refers to rapid and exaggerated changes in mood, and depression is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness.

2. A term used to describe members of the same group based on physiological characteristics, such as skin color or body structure, is known as:

• A. Ethnicity
• B. Culture
• C. Race
• D. Minority

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct term used to describe members of the same group based on physiological characteristics, such as skin color or body structure, is 'Race.' Race categorizes people based on physical traits like skin color. Ethnicity refers to shared cultural characteristics, traditions, language, and heritage, not physical attributes. Culture encompasses the values, beliefs, behaviors, and practices shared by a group. 'Minority' refers to a smaller number or part compared to the whole, not specifically based on physiological characteristics.

3. Which of the following individuals is at the highest risk of suicide?

• A. An 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year
• B. A 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide
• C. A 40-year-old married businessman
• D. A 46-year-old former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is an 80-year-old man who lost his wife last year. Certain factors increase the risk of suicide, such as recent loss of a loved one, in this case, the man's wife. The elderly are a high-risk group due to factors like social isolation, physical health issues, and bereavement. While experiencing a loss can affect anyone, the combination of age, loss of a spouse, and the associated emotional impact elevates the risk significantly. The other choices are not at the highest risk of suicide. A former alcoholic who has been sober for 12 years has taken steps towards recovery, reducing the immediate risk. A 40-year-old married businessman and a 36-year-old woman whose former neighbor committed suicide do not have the same level of immediate risk as the elderly man who recently lost his wife.

4. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?

• A. Increase in pulse rate
• B. Widened pulse pressure
• C. Increase in body temperature
• D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.

5. An older woman has lived alone since the death of her husband 10 years ago, and she has a long list of vague complaints. Which assessment is the priority for the home health nurse to perform?

• A. Assess for feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• B. Determine if the client has unresolved grief.
• C. Determine if there are safety issues.
• D. Ask about the availability of support systems.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority assessment for the home health nurse in this scenario is to determine if there are safety issues. The client is an older woman living alone with a long list of vague complaints, indicating several risk factors. Ensuring her safety should be the primary concern. While assessing for feelings of loneliness, isolation, or grief is important, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence due to her vulnerable situation. Although assessing the availability of support systems is essential in a home health assessment, safety issues must be addressed first given the client's profile.

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