Nursing Elites

1. Which response would the nurse make to a client who says, 'The voices say I'll be safe only if I stay in this room, wear these clothes, and avoid stepping on the cracks between the floor tiles'?

• A. Ask whether the voices are male or female and how many there are.
• B. Reassure the client by stating, 'I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear them.'
• C. Offer false reassurance by saying, 'Don't worry"?I've locked the door to your room and won't let anyone in.'
• D. Encourage the client to leave the room and keep busy to distract from the voices.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The response, 'I understand that these voices are real to you, but I want you to know that I don't hear them,' demonstrates empathy and validation of the client's experience while also gently bringing in the nurse's reality. This response acknowledges the client's feelings without reinforcing the hallucinations. Asking about the characteristics of the voices (Choice A) can inadvertently validate the hallucinations. Offering false reassurance (Choice B) may not be helpful as it does not address the client's distress. Encouraging the client to leave the room and keep busy (Choice D) is nontherapeutic as it disregards the client's experience and may increase anxiety.

2. Which term describes what an adolescent client is experiencing when she says to the nurse who has been caring for her, 'You're just like my mother; I hate you'?

• A. Insight
• B. Universality
• C. Transference
• D. Identification

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Transference occurs when a client unconsciously assigns feelings and attitudes originally associated with another important person in the client's life. In this scenario, the adolescent client is projecting emotions connected to her mother onto the nurse. This client's statement does not demonstrate insight but rather reflects the mechanism of transference. Universality refers to the sense that one is not alone in any situation, which is not evident in the client's statement. Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual takes on characteristics of someone considered admirable, which is not the case in this situation.

3. What action would the nurse take for a 4-year-old child who is called to the operating room for a planned myringotomy?

• A. Removing the child's undergarments
• B. Placing the child's toys on the bedside table
• C. Allowing the child to climb onto the stretcher
• D. Having the parents accompany the child to the operating suite

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action is to have the parents accompany the child to the operating suite. Current practice encourages parents to stay with the child as long as possible to reduce stress related to a frightening experience. Removing the child's undergarments is usually not necessary for a myringotomy procedure. Placing the child's toys on the bedside table is important, especially a favorite one, for comfort until sedation is induced. Allowing the child to climb onto the stretcher may not be safe or appropriate as the child is too young to do so independently.

4. A client decides to have hospice care rather than undergo an extensive surgical procedure. Which ethical principle does the client's behavior illustrate?

• A. Justice
• B. Veracity
• C. Autonomy
• D. Beneficence

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Autonomy.' Autonomy refers to an individual's right to make decisions about their own care. In this scenario, the client is choosing hospice care over surgery, demonstrating their autonomy in making healthcare choices. Justice involves fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and services, which is not the primary ethical principle illustrated in this case. Veracity pertains to truthfulness and honesty, which is not directly related to the client's decision-making process. Beneficence refers to the duty to do good and act in the best interest of the patient, which is not the central ethical principle demonstrated by the client's decision for hospice care.

5. A male client is laughing at a television program with his wife when the evening nurse enters the room. He says his foot is hurting and he would like a pain pill. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Ask him to rate his pain on a scale of 1 to 10.
• B. Encourage him to wait until bedtime so the pill can help him sleep.
• C. Attend to the acutely ill client's needs first because this client is laughing.
• D. Instruct him in the use of deep breathing exercises for pain control.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Obtaining a subjective estimate of the pain experience by asking the client to rate his pain helps the nurse determine which pain medication should be administered and also provides a baseline for evaluating the effectiveness of the medication. Medicating for pain should not be delayed to use it as a sleep medication, so encouraging him to wait until bedtime is incorrect. Option C is judgmental and inappropriate as all clients deserve prompt attention. Option D should be used as an adjunct to pain medication, not instead of medication, so instructing him in deep breathing exercises alone is not the priority in this situation.

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