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 family member of a client with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia asks about the prognosis. The nurse's response is based on the knowledge that schizophrenia:

• A. affects both genders equally.
• B. is a chronic, deteriorating disease with periods of remission.
• C. is usually diagnosed in early adulthood.
• D. does not have a clear protective hormone effect delaying diagnosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'is a chronic, deteriorating disease with periods of remission.' While choices A, C, and D contain some truths about schizophrenia, they do not directly address the prognosis aspect of the question. Schizophrenia can affect both men and women equally, is typically diagnosed in early adulthood, and does not have a known protective hormone effect that delays diagnosis. Choice B accurately reflects the chronic and fluctuating nature of the disease, which is essential for understanding its long-term course.

3. Two staff nurses were considered for promotion to head nurse. The promotion is announced via a memo on the unit bulletin board. The nurse who was not promoted tells a friend, "Oh, well, I really didn't want the job anyway."? This is an example of:

• A. rationalization.
• B. denial.
• C. projection.
• D. compensation.

Correct answer: A.

Rationale: This is an example of rationalization, specifically the sour grapes form, where the individual convinces themselves that they didn't want something after realizing they couldn't have it. Rationalization is an unconscious form of self-deception involving making excuses. In this scenario, the nurse is rationalizing her disappointment by downplaying her desire for the promotion. Denial involves ignoring the existence of a situation, which is not demonstrated here. Projection involves blaming others unconsciously, which is also not present in this situation. Compensation is an attempt to offset a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strong point, which is not shown in the nurse's response.

4. A 12-year-old male is brought to his primary care provider to determine whether sexual abuse has occurred. The mother states, 'Because there is no permanent physical damage, he does not need any more treatment.' The nurse's response should be based on which of the following pieces of information?

• A. Male victims of sexual abuse can have long-term psychological problems.
• B. Survivors of male sexual abuse might become confused about their sexual identity.
• C. Not all male sex abuse survivors grow up to abuse other children.
• D. The needs of sexually abused children can vary based on gender and individual circumstances.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Male children are sexually abused nearly as often as female children. Perpetrators are usually men but can be women. Needs of male children who have been sexually abused might be different from the needs of female survivors. Male survivors might respond in anger, question their sexuality, use alcohol and other drugs, and might try to prove their masculinity by performing daring acts. Choice A is incorrect because male victims of sexual abuse can indeed have long-term psychological problems. Choice C is incorrect as not all male sex abuse survivors grow up to abuse other children. Choice D is incorrect as the needs of sexually abused children can vary based on gender and individual circumstances.

5. When assessing a client in crisis, what should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Allowing the client to work through independent problem-solving.
• B. Completing an in-depth evaluation of stressors and responses to the situation.
• C. Focusing on immediate stress reduction.
• D. Recommending ongoing therapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is in crisis, the nurse's priority is to focus on immediate stress reduction. Crisis intervention aims to stabilize the client in the present moment by addressing the most pressing issues. Allowing the client to work through independent problem-solving (Choice A) may not be appropriate during a crisis as they might need immediate support. Completing an in-depth evaluation of stressors (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority during a crisis. Recommending ongoing therapy (Choice D) may be considered later, but the immediate focus should be on reducing the client's stress and stabilizing the situation.

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