Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A 19-year-old client is paralyzed in a car accident. Which statement used by the client would indicate to the nurse that the client was using the mechanism of 'suppression'?

• A. "I don't remember anything about what happened to me."?
• B. "I'd rather not talk about it right now."?
• C. "It's the other entire guy's fault! He was going too fast."?
• D. "My mother is heartbroken about this."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, '"I don't remember anything about what happened to me."?' Suppression involves willfully putting an unacceptable thought or feeling out of one's mind. In this case, the client is purposely choosing not to remember details of the traumatic event to avoid dealing with the associated emotions. Choice B, '"I'd rather not talk about it right now,"?' suggests avoidance or deflection rather than active suppression. Choice C, '"It's the other entire guy's fault! He was going too fast,"?' indicates blaming someone else for the situation, which is a form of defense mechanism known as externalization. Choice D, '"My mother is heartbroken about this,"?' expresses empathy towards the mother's emotions and does not demonstrate suppression of personal feelings.

3. A client who is to undergo dilation and curettage and conization of the cervix for cancer appears tense and anxious. Which approach would the nurse use to support the client emotionally?

• A. Explaining that these procedures are considered minor surgery
• B. Asking whether something is troubling the client and whether she'd like to talk about it
• C. Stating that the procedures are routine and asking what the client is really worried about
• D. Explaining that everyone is fearful before the surgery even though there is little reason to worry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to support the client emotionally is to ask whether something is troubling the client and if she would like to talk about it. This approach acknowledges the client's anxiety and encourages communication without dismissing her feelings. Option A, explaining that the procedures are minor surgery, may invalidate the client's emotions. Option C assumes the client is worried about something specific, which may not be the case, leading to miscommunication. Option D provides false reassurance and may hinder open communication by dismissing the client's feelings as unwarranted.

4. In completing a client's preoperative routine, the nurse finds that the operative permit is not signed. The client begins to ask more questions about the surgical procedure. What action should the nurse take next?

• A. Witness the client's signature on the permit.
• B. Answer the client's questions about the surgery.
• C. Inform the surgeon that the operative permit is not signed and the client has questions about the surgery.
• D. Reassure the client that the surgeon will answer any questions before the anesthesia is administered.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to inform the surgeon that the operative permit is not signed and that the client has questions about the surgery. It is the responsibility of the surgeon to explain the procedure to the client and obtain the client's signature on the permit. While the nurse can witness the client's signature on the permit, the procedure must first be explained by the healthcare provider or surgeon, including addressing the client's questions. Therefore, informing the surgeon is the priority to ensure proper communication and consent before the surgery. Answering the client's questions about the surgery (Choice B) may not provide accurate information and could lead to misunderstanding. Reassuring the client (Choice D) is important, but obtaining proper consent and addressing concerns should come first. Witnessing the client's signature (Choice A) is not sufficient if the client has unanswered questions and the permit is not signed.

5. Which implemented strategies would not be effective in preventing post-traumatic stress in the nursing staff?

• A. Providing breaks to the staff whenever needed
• B. Encouraging the staff to work for more than 12 hours per day
• C. Encouraging the staff to encourage and support their coworkers
• D. Asking the staff and managers to talk about their feelings with each other

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To prevent post-traumatic stress in the nursing staff, it is crucial to avoid overworking them. Encouraging staff to work for more than 12 hours per day can lead to burnout and increased stress levels, thus exacerbating post-traumatic stress. Providing breaks whenever needed is essential to ensure rest and rejuvenation during demanding shifts. Encouraging staff to support and uplift their coworkers can create a positive work environment, fostering resilience against stress. Additionally, promoting open communication by asking staff and managers to discuss their feelings can facilitate emotional processing and mutual support, ultimately reducing the risk of post-traumatic stress.

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