Nursing Elites

1. A client in a long-term care facility reports to the nurse that he has not had a bowel movement in 2 days. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Instruct the caregiver to offer a glass of warm prune juice at mealtimes.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider and request a prescription for a large-volume enema.
• C. Assess the client's medical record to determine the client's normal bowel pattern.
• D. Instruct the caregiver to increase the client's fluids to five 8-ounce glasses per day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first step in addressing a client's reported change in bowel habits is to assess the client's normal bowel pattern. This assessment helps the nurse understand the client's typical bowel habits and identify any deviations from the norm. By assessing the medical record first, the nurse gains valuable information that guides further interventions. In this scenario, offering prune juice (Option A) or increasing fluids (Option D) may not be appropriate until the client's normal bowel pattern is known. Notifying the healthcare provider for a large-volume enema (Option B) is premature without understanding the client's baseline. Therefore, assessing the client's medical record is the priority before proceeding with any interventions.

2. The nurse is caring for an Asian patient who is being admitted to the hospital. Which action would be most appropriate for the nurse to take when interviewing this patient?

• A. Avoid eye contact with the patient
• B. Observe the patient's use of eye contact
• C. Look directly at the patient when interacting
• D. Ask the patient's family member about the patient's cultural beliefs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Observing the patient's use of eye contact will be most useful in determining the best way to communicate effectively with the patient. Different cultures have varying norms regarding eye contact, so by observing the patient, the nurse can adapt their communication style accordingly. Looking directly at the patient or avoiding eye contact may not be universally appropriate and could be misinterpreted. Asking a family member about the patient's cultural beliefs is not ideal as cultural beliefs can vary among individuals within the same cultural group. It is best to assess the patient directly to provide culturally sensitive care.

3. When emptying 350 mL of pale yellow urine from a client's urinal, the nurse notes that this is the first time the client has voided in 4 hours. Which action should the nurse take next?

• A. Record the amount on the client's fluid output record.
• B. Encourage the client to increase oral fluid intake.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of the findings.
• D. Palpate the client's bladder for distention.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take next is to record the amount of urine output on the client's fluid output record. The urine color and volume are within normal limits, indicating adequate hydration. There is no indication of a need to encourage increased oral fluid intake or notify the healthcare provider as the findings are normal. Palpating the client's bladder for distention is unnecessary in this scenario since the client has successfully voided a normal amount of urine after 4 hours.

4. A 17-year-old Asian client is being seen for lower abdominal pain in the right quadrant. The client is accompanied by his parents. The nurse notes that the client's father does not make eye contact and shows little response when told that the client will need surgery. Which of the following is the most appropriate action of the nurse?

• A. Contact an interpreter to give the information again in the father's native language
• B. Continue to provide information about surgery to both the client and his parents
• C. Call social services to evaluate the parent's standard of care
• D. Contact the physician about postponing the surgery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nurses may work with clients who have varying cultural beliefs. Because of this, nurses must remain aware of the cultural practices associated with certain ethnic groups. Asian Americans may avoid eye contact as a sign of respect; additionally, emotional responses may be avoided except for in private situations. If this family did not have a language barrier, the nurse should continue to provide appropriate information about the surgery and recognize the cultural differences that exist. Contacting an interpreter is not necessary as there was no mention of a language barrier. Calling social services to evaluate the parent's standard of care is premature and not within the nurse's immediate scope of practice. Contacting the physician about postponing the surgery is not warranted based on the information provided.

5. A client with invasive carcinoma of the bladder is scheduled for a cystectomy and an ileal conduit. The client expresses worries about the possibility of offensive odors associated with the urinary diversion. How would the nurse respond?

• A. ''Tell me more about your concerns.''
• B. ''Products are available to address this issue.''
• C. ''This is a valid concern, and we can discuss ways to manage it.''
• D. ''Many individuals who undergo this procedure have similar worries.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The response ''Tell me more about your concerns'' is open-ended, encouraging the client to express their worries freely. This approach fosters communication and shows empathy. Option B acknowledges the concern and offers a solution, demonstrating support and understanding. Option C validates the client's worry and suggests collaboration in finding solutions. Option D normalizes the concern but may not address the client's specific worries, making it less therapeutic than the other options. Overall, actively listening to the client's concerns and offering support are essential in providing holistic care.

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