Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who is dying. While assessing the client for signs of impending death, the nurse observes the client for:

• A. elevated blood pressure.
• B. Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
• C. elevated pulse rate.
• D. decreased temperature.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a pattern of breathing characterized by rhythmic waxing and waning of respirations from very deep to very shallow breathing with periods of temporary apnea. This pattern is often associated with conditions like cardiac failure and can be a sign of impending death. Elevated blood pressure and pulse rate are not typically associated with the dying process. Decreased temperature is also not a common sign of impending death. Therefore, option B, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, is the correct choice when assessing a client for signs of impending death.

2. A mother has just given birth to a baby who died soon after. The mother has been crying and states, "I can't believe this has happened to me. I did everything right during this pregnancy."? How should the nurse respond to this mother?

• A. Tell her she did nothing wrong; it was God's will.
• B. Tell her she can have another baby.
• C. Tell her that her behavior is not going to solve anything.
• D. Tell her nothing and let her mourn this loss in the manner she chooses.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Perinatal loss is a significant tragedy for parents, and it is crucial to provide sensitive and compassionate care. When a mother expresses her disbelief and feelings of doing everything right during the pregnancy, it is important for the nurse to acknowledge her pain and allow her to grieve in her way. Telling her that she did nothing wrong and it was God's will (Choice A) may not be comforting and can come across as dismissive of her feelings. Suggesting she can have another baby (Choice B) is insensitive and overlooks the grief she is experiencing for the current loss. Telling her that her behavior is not going to solve anything (Choice C) is invalidating her emotions and not supportive in this situation. Therefore, the best approach is to support her in her mourning process by respecting her feelings and allowing her to express her grief as she sees fit.

3. A 6-month-old client is admitted with possible intussusception. Which question during the nursing history is least helpful in obtaining information regarding this diagnosis?

• A. "Tell me about his pain."?
• B. "What does his vomit look like?"?
• C. "Describe his usual diet."?
• D. "Have you noticed changes in his abdominal size?"?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The least helpful question in obtaining information regarding intussusception is "Describe his usual diet."? This question is least relevant to the specific symptoms and presentation of intussusception. Choices A, B, and D are more directly related to symptoms commonly associated with intussusception and can provide important diagnostic clues. Asking about pain, vomit appearance, and changes in abdominal size can help in assessing the severity and progression of the condition, making them more crucial questions to ask in this scenario. Pain is a cardinal symptom of intussusception, changes in vomit appearance may indicate gastrointestinal issues, and alterations in abdominal size can signify the presence of a mass or obstruction, all of which are pertinent in diagnosing and managing intussusception.

4. The nurse is participating in discharge teaching for the postpartal client. The nurse is aware that an effective means of managing discomfort associated with an episiotomy after discharge is:

• A. Promethazine
• B. Aspirin
• C. Sitz baths
• D. Ice packs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A sitz bath is an effective method for managing discomfort associated with an episiotomy after discharge. It helps reduce swelling and promotes healing in the perineal area. Ice packs (option D) are typically used immediately after delivery to provide pain relief. Promethazine (option A) and aspirin (option B) are not indicated for managing discomfort associated with an episiotomy. Promethazine is an antihistamine, and aspirin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, both of which are not commonly used for this purpose.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with cerebral palsy. The nurse should provide frequent rest periods because:

• A. Grimacing and writhing movements decrease with relaxation and rest.
• B. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes become more active with rest.
• C. Stretch reflexes are increased with rest.
• D. Fine motor movements are improved.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Frequent rest periods help to relax tense muscles and preserve energy in clients with cerebral palsy. This can lead to a decrease in grimacing and writhing movements, as relaxation and rest help to alleviate muscle tension. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they provide inaccurate information. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes do not become more active with rest; stretch reflexes are not increased with rest in cerebral palsy patients, and fine motor movements are not necessarily improved solely by rest.

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