Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is performing an admission assessment for a non-English speaking patient who is from China. Which actions could the nurse take to enhance communication (select one that does not apply)?

• A. Use an electronic translation application.
• B. Use a telephone-based medical interpreter.
• C. Wait until an agency interpreter is available.
• D. Ask the patient's teenage daughter to interpret.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Electronic translation applications, telephone-based medical interpreters, and agency interpreters are all appropriate tools to enhance communication with non-English-speaking patients. However, asking the patient's teenage daughter to interpret is not recommended due to potential misinterpretation of crucial information during the admission assessment. While family members may be considered in the absence of a professional interpreter, there is a risk of misunderstanding or lack of sharing essential details. It is important to rely on trained interpreters to ensure accurate communication and avoid miscommunication or misinterpretation of critical information. Using gestures can be helpful, but over-exaggeration of gestures is unnecessary and may lead to confusion.

2. When a client who has had a mastectomy sees her incision for the first time, she exclaims, 'I look horrible! Will it ever look better?' Which response would the nurse provide?

• A. 'You seem shocked by the way you look now.'
• B. 'Now that the tumor is gone, the area will heal quickly.'
• C. After it heals, others won't even know you had surgery.'
• D. 'You will feel better about it when the swelling subsides.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response, 'You seem shocked by the way you look now,' acknowledges the client's feelings and provides an opportunity for the client to express emotions freely. This reflection of feelings may help promote eventual acceptance of body image changes. Choices B, C, and D provide false reassurance and negate the client's feelings. Saying that the area will heal quickly now that the tumor is gone dismisses the client's concerns. Similarly, stating that others won't know about the surgery or that the client will feel better once the swelling subsides does not address the client's current emotional state and may undermine trust in the nurse-client relationship.

3. A client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Inform the client that the blood pressure is high and compare the reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings for accuracy.
• B. Contact the health care provider to report the reading and obtain a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
• C. Replace the cuff with a larger one to ensure a proper fit for the client and increase arm comfort during blood pressure measurement.
• D. Compare the current reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg is to compare the current reading with the client's previously documented readings. This comparison helps determine whether the current reading is abnormal for the client. Option A, which involves informing the client that the blood pressure is high and comparing it with the previous readings, is appropriate as it educates the client and aids in accurate assessment. Option B, contacting the health care provider for medication, is premature without further assessment. Option C, replacing the cuff with a larger one, is incorrect as it may affect the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement and is not a standard practice for managing high blood pressure readings.

4. What step should be taken when administering ear drops to an adult client?

• A. Place the client in a side-lying position.
• B. Hold the dropper 1 cm above the ear canal.
• C. Place a cotton ball into the outermost canal.
• D. Pull the auricle down and back.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct step when administering ear drops to an adult client is to place the client in a side-lying position (A). This position allows for easier administration of the drops and helps prevent spillage. The dropper should be held approximately 1 cm (½ inch) above the ear canal (B) to ensure accurate delivery of the medication. Placing a cotton ball into the outermost canal (C) is unnecessary and may interfere with the absorption of the ear drops. Pulling the auricle down and back (D) is a technique used for children younger than 3 years old to straighten the ear canal, but it is not necessary for adults and may cause discomfort.

5. A new mother with class II heart disease tells the nurse that she is afraid her heart condition will prevent her from caring for her baby at home when she is discharged. How would the nurse respond?

• A. Suggest that the client arrange for help at home
• B. Ask the client to describe her concerns more fully
• C. Tell the client to speak to her primary health care provider about her concerns
• D. Recommend that the client schedule times when family members can assist her

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client expresses fear or concern, it is essential for the nurse to first explore and understand the client's feelings and worries. Asking the client to describe her concerns more fully allows the nurse to gather more information, which is crucial in providing appropriate support and guidance. Suggesting that the client arrange for help at home is presumptuous and may not align with the client's preferences or resources. Telling the client to speak to her primary health care provider shifts the responsibility and does not directly address the client's immediate fears. Recommending that she schedule times when family members can assist her assumes the availability and willingness of family members without addressing the client's emotional needs and fears directly.

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