Nursing Elites

1. The nurse instructs a client 5 days after a lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion about how to move from a supine position to standing at the left side of the bed with a walker. Which of the following directions by the nurse is BEST?

• A. Raise the head of the bed so you are sitting straight up, bend your knees, and swing your legs to the side and then to the floor
• B. Rock your body from side to side, going further each time until you build up enough momentum to be lying on your right side, and then raise your trunk toward your toes
• C. Reach over to the left side rail with your right hand, pull your body onto its side, bend your upper leg so the foot is on the bed, and push down to elevate your trunk
• D. Focus on using your arms, the left elbow as a pivot with the left hand grasping the mattress edge and the right hand pushing on the mattress above the elbow, then slide your legs over the side of the mattress

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the best direction provided by the nurse. This method involves reaching over to the left side rail with the right hand, pulling the body onto its side, bending the upper leg so the foot is on the bed, and pushing down to elevate the trunk. This approach helps maintain spinal alignment while moving from a lying to a standing position, reducing strain on the back. Choices A, B, and D involve movements that are not suitable for a client recovering from a lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion and could potentially cause harm or discomfort.

2. The nurse is told in report that the client has aortic stenosis. Which anatomical position should the nurse auscultate to assess the murmur?

• A. Second intercostal space, right sternal border
• B. Erb’s point
• C. Second intercostal space, left sternal border
• D. Fourth intercostal space, left sternal border

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Second intercostal space, right sternal border. The aortic valve is best auscultated at the second intercostal space, right sternal border, where the murmur of aortic stenosis is heard most clearly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they are not the recommended anatomical positions for auscultating the murmur of aortic stenosis.

3. The nurse had developed a close relationship with the family of a client who is dying. Which nursing intervention(s) are most appropriate in dealing with the family?

• A. Encouraging family discussion of feelings
• B. Accepting the family’s experience of anger
• C. Facilitating the use of spiritual practices identified by the family
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a nurse has developed a close relationship with a dying client's family, it is crucial to provide comprehensive support. Encouraging family discussion of feelings helps them express their emotions and concerns, fostering a sense of relief. Accepting the family's experience of anger without judgment validates their emotions and promotes trust. Facilitating the use of spiritual practices identified by the family acknowledges their beliefs and values, offering comfort and solace. Therefore, all of the above interventions are essential in providing holistic care and support during such a challenging time. Choices A, B, and C each play a vital role in addressing different aspects of the family's emotional and spiritual needs, making option D the correct answer.

4. A client scheduled for surgery cannot sign the operative consent form because he has been sedated with opioid analgesics. The nurse should take which best action regarding the informed consent?

• A. Obtain a court order for the surgery
• B. Sign the informed consent on behalf of the client
• C. Send the client to surgery without the consent form being signed
• D. Obtain a telephone consent from a family member, with the consent being witnessed by two healthcare providers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In situations where a client is unable to sign the consent form, obtaining a telephone consent from a family member witnessed by two healthcare providers is the appropriate action to ensure informed consent is obtained. Option A is not necessary and involves legal proceedings. Option B is not ethical as the nurse cannot sign the consent on behalf of the client. Option C is unsafe and violates the client's rights by proceeding without proper consent.

5. The client with chronic alcoholism has chronic pancreatitis and hypomagnesemia. What should the nurse assess when administering magnesium sulfate to the client?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Arterial blood gases
• C. Skin turgor
• D. Capillary refill time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Deep tendon reflexes. When administering magnesium sulfate to a client with chronic alcoholism, chronic pancreatitis, and hypomagnesemia, the nurse should assess deep tendon reflexes. Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system and decrease deep tendon reflexes, so monitoring them is crucial. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the assessment needed when administering magnesium sulfate in this scenario. Arterial blood gases are not typically assessed specifically for magnesium sulfate administration; skin turgor and capillary refill time are more related to hydration status and perfusion, respectively.

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