Nursing Elites

1. A client is transferred from the emergency department to the locked psychiatric unit after attempting suicide by taking 200 acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablets. The client is now awake and alert but refuses to speak with the nurse. In this situation, the nurse’s first priority is to:

• A. Establish a rapport to foster trust
• B. Place the client in full restraints
• C. Try to communicate with the client in writing
• D. Ensure safety by initiating suicide precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse's highest priority should be to ensure the client's safety by initiating suicide precautions. Given the history of a suicide attempt by taking a large number of acetaminophen tablets, there is a high risk of further self-harm. Placing the client in full restraints without assessing the situation properly may escalate anxiety and hinder therapeutic communication. Trying to communicate with the client in writing could be an option but ensuring immediate safety takes precedence. Establishing rapport is essential for building trust and therapeutic relationship, but safety concerns must be addressed first in this critical situation.

2. Patients with gallbladder disease should reduce their intake of:

• A. Protein
• B. Sodium
• C. Cholesterol
• D. Fat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patients with gallbladder disease should reduce their intake of fat because high-fat foods can trigger gallbladder symptoms such as pain and indigestion. While proteins, sodium, and cholesterol may also need to be moderated for overall health, reducing fat intake is particularly crucial for managing gallbladder issues.

3. During a respiratory assessment, the nurse is determining respirations per minute. Which factor(s) generally affect the character of respirations? Select all that apply.

• A. Anxiety
• B. Exercise
• C. Smoking
• D. A, B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Anxiety and exercise can significantly alter the character of respirations, increasing the rate and depth. Smoking primarily affects the health of the respiratory system in the long term but may not immediately impact the character of respirations. Therefore, choice C is incorrect. Choices A and B are correct as anxiety and exercise can lead to changes in the rate and depth of respirations.

4. What causes hepatic encephalopathy?

• A. Buildup of ammonia in the body
• B. Buildup of urea in the body
• C. Fatty infiltration of the liver
• D. Jaundice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by the buildup of ammonia in the body. Ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, normally gets converted to urea in the liver for excretion. However, in liver dysfunction, such as cirrhosis, the liver cannot effectively convert ammonia to urea, leading to its accumulation in the body and subsequently causing hepatic encephalopathy. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly relate to the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy.

5. Which nursing instruction should the nurse discuss with the client who is receiving glucocorticoids for Addison’s disease?

• A. Discuss the importance of tapering medications when discontinuing medication
• B. Explain that the dose will need to be decreased during times of stress or infection
• C. Instruct the client to take medication on an empty stomach with a glass of water
• D. Encourage the client to wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry a card in the wallet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to discuss the importance of tapering medications when discontinuing medication. Tapering glucocorticoids is crucial to prevent adrenal insufficiency, which can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on adjustments during stress or infection, not discontinuation. Choice C is unrelated to the management of glucocorticoids. Choice D is important for emergency identification but is not directly related to medication management.

Similar Questions