Nursing Elites

1. In taking a client's history, the nurse asks about the stool characteristics. Which description should the nurse report to the healthcare provider as soon as possible?

• A. Daily black, sticky stool
• B. Daily dark brown stool
• C. Firm brown stool every other day
• D. Soft light brown stool twice a day

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Daily black, sticky stool.' Black sticky stool (melena) is indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding, a serious condition that requires immediate attention from the healthcare provider. Options B and D, 'Daily dark brown stool' and 'Soft light brown stool twice a day,' respectively, represent variations of normal stool characteristics and do not raise immediate concerns about the client's health. Option C, 'Firm brown stool every other day,' suggests constipation, which is of lesser concern and can be managed with interventions.

2. A mother complains to the nurse that her 3-year-old child refuses to go to preschool. The child rarely interacts and avoids playing with other children. Which statement would the nurse provide?

• A. Do not be concerned because all toddlers behave this way.
• B. Ask the teacher to push the child to speak up and open up to the other kids.
• C. Set boundaries and supervise the child closely.
• D. Give your child time to get acquainted and warm up to the new environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: According to the mother's description, the child is a slow-to-warm-up child. These children are uneasy in new situations or with unfamiliar people. The nurse would educate the mother to give the child time to be more familiar with the new environment. All toddlers do not behave in the same manner. A slow-to-warm-up child should not be pressured to do anything against his or her wishes. Setting boundaries and closely supervising the child is not the best approach for a child who needs time to adapt. Asking the teacher to push the child to open up can create more anxiety and stress for the child, which is not recommended.

3. The client admitted for uncontrolled diabetes is worried about how to pay bills for the family while hospitalized. Which statement by the nurse is therapeutic?

• A. "You are worried about paying your bills?"
• B. "Don't worry; your bills will get paid eventually."
• C. "When was the last time you were admitted for hyperglycemia?"
• D. "You really shouldn't be drinking alcohol because of your diagnosis of diabetes."

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The therapeutic communication technique used in this scenario is reflection. By repeating the client's concern, the nurse acknowledges the client's feelings and encourages further exploration of the topic. Choice A is correct as it reflects the client's worry without offering false assurance, advice, or using professional jargon. Choice B dismisses the client's concerns with false reassurance. Choice C introduces professional jargon, which may hinder effective communication. Choice D provides advice, which can limit the client's expression of feelings and concerns.

4. The nurse observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure in the lower extremity. Which observation of this procedure requires the nurse's intervention?

• A. The cuff wraps around the girth of the leg.
• B. The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.
• C. The client is placed in a prone position.
• D. The systolic reading is 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When obtaining blood pressure in the lower extremities, the popliteal pulse should be auscultated when the blood pressure cuff is applied around the thigh. The nurse should intervene when the UAP is auscultating the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg because this is incorrect placement. Option A, wrapping the cuff around the girth of the leg, ensures an accurate assessment. Option C, placing the client in a prone position, provides the best access to the artery. The systolic pressure in the popliteal artery is typically 10 to 40 mm Hg higher than in the brachial artery, so a systolic reading 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm is within the expected range and does not require intervention.

5. A client diagnosed with sexual dysfunction states, 'Well, I guess my sex life is over.' Which response would the nurse use as a reply?

• A. I'm sorry to hear that.'
• B. 'Oh, you have a lot of good years left.'
• C. 'You are concerned about your sex life?'
• D. 'Have you asked your primary health care provider about that?'

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The response 'You are concerned about your sex life?' explores the meaning of the statement and allows further expression of concern. It shows empathy and encourages the client to elaborate on their feelings. Choice A, 'I'm sorry to hear that,' does not prompt the client to share more about their concerns and may close off communication. Choice B, 'Oh, you have a lot of good years left,' lacks empathy and understanding of the client's emotions, diverting the focus from the client's feelings. Choice D, 'Have you asked your primary health care provider about that?' shifts the responsibility away from the nurse and may not address the client's emotional needs, potentially making them feel dismissed or embarrassed to seek help.

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