Nursing Elites

1. What psychodynamic process is suggested by a client calling the emergency department during a suicide attempt?

• A. A cry for help
• B. A need for attention
• C. Ambivalence about dying
• D. An inability to stick to a decision

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Ambivalence about dying.' When a client calls the emergency department during a suicide attempt, it suggests conflicting feelings about living and dying. This act can indicate an unconscious desire to be stopped from dying, showing ambivalence between the wish to die and the wish to live. It is not primarily a cry for attention or a need to punish others. The client's intention of suicide alongside seeking help demonstrates the struggle between life and death, making ambivalence the key psychodynamic process at play.

2. When caring for a patient who speaks a different language and an interpreter is unavailable, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Talk slowly to ensure clear understanding
• B. Speak loudly in close proximity to the patient's ears
• C. Repeat important words to emphasize their significance
• D. Use simple gestures to demonstrate meaning while communicating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When faced with a language barrier and lacking an interpreter, using simple gestures can help convey meaning to the patient. This approach can assist in basic communication and understanding. Talking slowly may not be effective if the patient does not understand the language, and speaking loudly can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating. Repeating words may not aid comprehension if the patient is unfamiliar with the language. Therefore, using gestures is the most appropriate option in this situation.

3. What approach should the nurse use when a manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors asks the nurse to talk while the nurse is orienting a new client to the unit?

• A. Suggest that the client requesting attention speak with another staff member.
• B. Leave the new client, saying, 'I'll talk with the other client until things calm down.'
• C. Introduce the two clients and suggest that the client join them on a tour of the facility.
• D. Say to the interrupting client, 'I'll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should respond to the manipulative client who uses acting-out behaviors by setting realistic limits on behavior without rejecting the client. Therefore, the correct approach is to say to the interrupting client, 'I'll be back to talk with you after I orient this new client.' This response acknowledges the client's request while prioritizing the needs of the new client and setting appropriate boundaries. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Suggesting that the client speak with another staff member would be a rejection of the client, not the behavior. Leaving the new client to attend to the manipulative client would encourage further manipulation and disrupt the orientation process for the new client. Introducing the two clients and suggesting a tour is inconsistent with setting limits and does not address the manipulative behavior being displayed.

4. 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.

5. Which response would the nurse make when a client moans softly, 'Oh no, I'm next. They couldn't protect him, and they can't protect me,' after learning a recently discharged client committed suicide?

• A. ''The other person was a lot sicker than you are.''
• B. 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.''
• C. 'That was different. He was at home, but you're here.''
• D. 'There's no need to worry. You have a better support system.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse would make the statement, 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.' This response acknowledges the client's emotional distress and opens up the opportunity for the client to discuss their feelings, showing empathy and understanding. Choice A, 'The other person was a lot sicker than you are,' dismisses the client's emotions and fails to address the underlying fear of self-harm. Choice C, 'That was different. He was at home, but you're here,' invalidates the client's concerns and does not encourage further discussion. Choice D, 'There's no need to worry. You have a better support system,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's expressed fear, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.

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