Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an example of a living will?

• A. A client's son has been appointed to make his healthcare decisions if he becomes incapacitated
• B. A client has designated which of his children will receive his home and property before he dies
• C. A client has instructions that he does not want to be resuscitated through chest compressions if his heart stops beating
• D. A client designates what type of burial or cremation services he would want after his death

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A living will is a type of advanced directive that a client develops to stipulate his preferences for healthcare in the event that he is unable to do so. This includes specific instructions about medical treatments in certain situations. Choice C is the correct answer as it reflects a scenario where the client has clearly outlined their preference regarding resuscitation through chest compressions. Choices A, B, and D do not pertain to a living will. Choice A involves a healthcare proxy or agent, choice B involves a will or estate planning, and choice D involves funeral or burial arrangements, which are not part of a living will.

2. A patient with bipolar disorder asks the nurse, "Why did I get this illness? I don't want to be sick."? The nurse would best respond with:

• A. People who develop mental illnesses often had a very traumatic childhood experience.
• B. There is some evidence that contracting a virus during childhood can lead to mental disorders.
• C. Sometimes people with mental illness have an overactive immune system.
• D. We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct response is, 'We don't fully understand the cause, but mental illnesses do seem to run in the family.' Current research suggests that while genetics play a role in the development of mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, it is not the sole factor. Environmental influences, life experiences, and other non-genetic factors also contribute significantly to the manifestation of mental disorders. Choices A, B, and C provide incorrect information that is not supported by current research. Traumatic childhood experiences, contracting a virus during childhood, and an overactive immune system are not established causes of bipolar disorder or mental illnesses in general.

3. When planning care for an uninsured diabetic patient, which strategy should be a priority?

• A. Obtain less expensive medications
• B. Follow evidence-based practice guidelines
• C. Assist with dietary changes as the first action
• D. Teach about the impact of exercise on diabetes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when planning care for an uninsured diabetic patient should be to follow evidence-based practice guidelines. By adhering to standardized evidence-based guidelines, the nurse can help reduce healthcare disparities among different socioeconomic groups. While obtaining less expensive medications and assisting with dietary changes are important, the primary concern should be providing care that aligns with established standards of practice. Teaching about the impact of exercise is also valuable but may not be the priority when immediate care planning for an uninsured patient is considered.

4. A client returns from surgery after having a colon resection. The nurse is performing an assessment and notes the wound edges have separated. This condition is called:

• A. Evisceration
• B. Hematoma
• C. Dehiscence
• D. Granulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wound dehiscence occurs when the edges of a wound pull apart. The condition may occur following a surgical procedure if the sutures were deficient. Wound dehiscence may also occur following a wound infection or in cases where a client significantly stretches or overuses the associated tissues. Evisceration refers to the protrusion of internal organs through an open wound. Hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels. Granulation is the formation of new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels on the surface of a wound during the healing process.

5. A nurse is caring for an 83-year-old man who has had swallowing difficulties. All of the following interventions are appropriate for this client EXCEPT:

• A. Keep the client in an upright position at all times
• B. Auscultate lung sounds every shift and after feedings
• C. Maintain suction equipment at the client's bedside
• D. Instruct the client about how to perform swallowing exercises

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a client with swallowing difficulties, it is crucial to prevent aspiration of food into the lungs. Appropriate interventions include auscultating lung sounds every shift and after feedings to assess for any changes in breathing patterns, maintaining suction equipment at the client's bedside in case of difficulties, and providing instruction on swallowing exercises. Keeping the client in an upright position at all times is not necessary and may not always be feasible or comfortable for the client. This rigid requirement is not part of the standard care protocol for managing swallowing difficulties.

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