Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following mental health situations is considered a psychiatric emergency?

• A. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• B. Depression with melancholic features
• C. Major depressive episode with psychotic features
• D. Bipolar depression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A major depressive episode with psychotic features is considered a psychiatric emergency because it poses a significant risk to the individual's safety. Psychotic features in depression can include hallucinations, delusions, or other severe symptoms that require immediate intervention. While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression with melancholic features are serious conditions, they do not inherently represent an acute emergency that necessitates immediate hospitalization. Bipolar depression, although severe, does not inherently involve psychotic symptoms that would classify it as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. It's crucial to recognize the urgency and severity of major depressive episodes with psychotic features to ensure appropriate and timely treatment.

2. When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle.
• B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
• C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
• D. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Solutions labeled as opened within 24 hours may be used for clean procedures, but only newly opened solutions are considered sterile. This solution is not newly opened and is out of date, so it should be discarded. Options B and C are incorrect as they involve using the expired solution. Option A is incorrect as reusing the solution after it has been opened for more than 24 hours poses a risk of contamination. Therefore, the best course of action is to discard the expired solution and obtain a new unopened bottle for sterile wound care.

3. The health care provider has changed a client's prescription from the PO to the IV route of administration. The nurse should anticipate which change in the pharmacokinetic properties of the medication?

• A. The client will experience increased tolerance to the drug's effects and may need a higher dose.
• B. The onset of action of the drug will occur more rapidly, resulting in a more rapid effect.
• C. The medication will be more highly protein-bound, increasing the duration of action.
• D. The therapeutic index will be increased, placing the client at greater risk for toxicity.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When changing the route of administration from PO to IV, the absorption process is bypassed, leading to a more rapid onset of action of the medication and consequently a quicker effect. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased drug tolerance and higher doses are not typical outcomes of changing the route of administration. Protein binding does not increase with a change to IV administration; rather, it is the bioavailability and onset of action that are affected. Moreover, an increased therapeutic index reduces the risk of drug toxicity, contrary to what is stated in choice D.

4. What factor is likely the reason a woman with bipolar disorder, manic episode, rarely eats?

• A. Feelings of guilt
• B. Need to control others
• C. Desire for punishment
• D. Excessive physical activity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a manic episode of bipolar disorder, individuals often experience hyperactivity and an inability to stay still. This hyperactivity can manifest as excessive physical activity, which can prevent them from eating regularly. The correct answer is 'Excessive physical activity' because it directly relates to the woman's lack of appetite during the manic episode. Feelings of guilt, the need to control others, and the desire for punishment are not typically associated with eating difficulties in individuals with bipolar disorder during a manic episode. Clients in a manic episode usually have heightened energy levels and may engage in activities that exhaust them, leading to a decreased focus on eating.

5. A client who has undergone a mastectomy because of breast cancer is now undergoing chemotherapy, which has caused hair loss. The client states, 'I feel like I've lost my sense of power.' Which response would the nurse give?

• A. 'Hair does not empower a person.'
• B. 'Losing power seems important to you.'
• C. Knowledge is power; I'll give you some pamphlets to read.'
• D. 'Hair loss is common; it will grow back, so you should not worry.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is, 'Losing power seems important to you.' This response acknowledges the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for further discussion. Choice A is confrontational and dismissive, potentially shutting down communication. Choice C offers pamphlets, which may be seen as dismissing the client's concerns and avoiding engaging in a conversation. Choice D minimizes the client's feelings and may discourage further expression of emotions. By choosing option B, the nurse shows empathy and encourages the client to explore their emotions in a supportive environment.

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