Nursing Elites

1. You are performing a neurological assessment of your adolescent patient. The patient has the Moro reflex. How should you interpret this neurological assessment finding?

• A. It is normal among adolescents.
• B. It indicates that the patient has an intact peripheral nervous system.
• C. It indicates that the patient has an intact central nervous system.
• D. It is not a normal finding.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The Moro reflex, also known as the startle reflex, is typically present in infants up to around 4-6 months of age and is characterized by the infant's response to a sudden loss of support or loud noise. It is not a normal finding in adolescents or older individuals. Therefore, if an adolescent patient exhibits the Moro reflex during a neurological assessment, it is considered abnormal and warrants further evaluation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the Moro reflex is not expected or normal among adolescents and does not specifically indicate the status of either the peripheral or central nervous system in this age group.

2. Your client is adversely affected with fever, night sweats, occult hematuria, tenderness of the spleen, and Osler's nodes. What disorder would you most likely suspect?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. AIDS/HIV
• C. Pericarditis
• D. Endocarditis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client is likely suffering from endocarditis based on the symptoms described. Endocarditis is characterized by fever, night sweats, hematuria, splenomegaly (tenderness of the spleen), and Osler's nodes (painful nodules on the pads of the fingers or toes). While tuberculosis and AIDS/HIV can present with some similar symptoms, the presence of Osler's nodes is more specific to endocarditis. Pericarditis typically presents with chest pain, not the combination of symptoms seen in this case.

3. A nurse at a long-term care facility is planning a fall prevention program for the residents. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Apply vest restraints to residents who are confused
• B. Keep all four side rails up on beds at night
• C. Accompany residents over 85 years of age during ambulation
• D. Implement rounds every 2 hours during the day to offer toileting

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to implement rounds every 2 hours during the day to offer toileting. This intervention helps prevent falls by addressing the common cause of unassisted mobility, which is the need to use the bathroom. Choice A is incorrect as restraints should not be the first choice for fall prevention due to the risk of injury and loss of independence. Choice B is incorrect because all side rails up can lead to entrapment and should only be used based on individualized assessments. Choice C may not be feasible for all residents over 85 years old and does not directly address the risk of falls.

4. You are caring for a patient who has no cognitive functioning but only basic human functions such as opening the eyes and the sleep-wake cycle. What level of consciousness does this patient have?

• A. Obtunded
• B. A persistent vegetative state
• C. Locked-in syndrome
• D. Brain death

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A persistent vegetative state is characterized by the absence of cognitive functioning while basic human functions like the sleep-wake cycle are retained. In this state, the patient shows reflex movements and basic responses to stimuli but lacks awareness or higher mental functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A) Obtunded refers to a decreased level of consciousness, not the absence of cognitive functioning. C) Locked-in syndrome is a condition where the patient is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles except for vertical eye movements and blinking. D) Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all brain activity, including the brainstem, leading to the loss of all functions of the brain.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer. The client’s adult child asks the nurse for information about the client’s treatment plan. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. I will ask your mother's primary care provider to speak with you
• B. What would you like to know about your mother's treatment?
• C. I cannot provide this information to you without your mother's consent
• D. You will have to speak directly to your mother about her treatment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should not provide treatment information without the client's consent.

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