Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing to administer 10 mL of liquid potassium chloride through a feeding tube, followed by 10 mL of liquid acetaminophen. Which action should the nurse include in this procedure?

• A. Dilute each of the medications with sterile water prior to administration.
• B. Mix the medications in one syringe before opening the feeding tube.
• C. Administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications.
• D. Withdraw any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Water should be instilled into the feeding tube between administering the two medications to maintain the patency of the feeding tube and ensure that the total dose of medication enters the stomach and does not remain in the tube. These liquid medications do not need to be diluted when administered via a feeding tube. Mixing the medications in one syringe can lead to interactions or alterations in the medications' properties. Withdrawing any fluid from the tube before instilling each medication can cause inaccurate dosing and incomplete administration. Therefore, the correct action is to administer water between the doses of the two liquid medications to ensure proper delivery and avoid any complications.

2. Jerry is a 55-year-old veteran who has been admitted after a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries. His friend reported that he had been using synthetic marijuana prior to the accident, and that he also sees a psychiatrist at the VA hospital for an unknown diagnosis. He stated that Jerry sometimes gets "hyper"? for no reason, starts "ranting"? and becomes violent. Of the following, which general psychiatric disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggression or violence that includes irritability, agitation, and violent behavior during manic or psychotic episodes?

• A. Schizophrenia
• B. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• C. Bipolar disorder
• D. Delusional disorder

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bipolar disorder is characterized by a pattern of aggression or violence that includes irritability, agitation, and violent behavior during manic or psychotic episodes. This disorder is highly co-morbid with substance use, which can worsen the prognosis. While schizophrenia may involve aggression, it is not typically associated with mood episodes like mania that characterize bipolar disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is primarily characterized by re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance behaviors, and hyperarousal, but not the distinct mood episodes seen in bipolar disorder. Delusional disorder is characterized by fixed false beliefs without the mood changes seen in bipolar disorder. Therefore, the correct answer is Bipolar disorder.

3. A client experiences postpartum hemorrhage eight hours after the birth of twins. Following administration of IV fluids and 500 ml of whole blood, her hemoglobin and hematocrit are within normal limits. She asks the nurse whether she should continue to breastfeed the infants. Which of the following is based on sound rationale?

• A. Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.
• B. Breastfeeding twins will take too much energy after the hemorrhage.
• C. The blood transfusion may increase the risks to you and the babies.
• D. Lactation should be delayed until the 'real milk' is secreted.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.' Stimulation of the breast during nursing releases oxytocin, which contracts the uterus. This contraction is especially important following hemorrhage. Choice B is incorrect because breastfeeding can actually help prevent further bleeding by promoting uterine contractions. Choice C is incorrect as the blood transfusion is aimed at restoring the client's blood volume and should not significantly impact the babies. Choice D is incorrect as lactation should not be delayed, as breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits to both the mother and infants, including aiding in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.

4. Which response would the nurse make to a client with borderline personality disorder who receives the wrong tray for lunch and becomes upset at the dietary staff regarding this mistake?

• A. 'Getting angry is not appropriate; let's address this calmly.''
• B. ''Yelling is not acceptable and won't help us resolve this issue.''
• C. 'You must eat the first tray of food, and then I'll get another tray for you.''
• D. 'It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate response from the nurse would be, ''It must be frustrating to get the wrong tray. I'll order another tray for you.'' When interacting with clients with borderline personality disorder, it is crucial for nurses to acknowledge the client's emotions empathetically and provide constructive solutions. While expressing anger is understandable, guiding the client towards a more constructive approach is essential. Yelling is not a helpful way to address the situation and threatening seclusion is inappropriate. Additionally, instructing the client to eat the first tray before receiving another one is punitive and disregards the client's preferences and rights.

5. The family of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is at risk for difficult parenting issues. Which basis would the nurse conclude as the probable cause for this difficulty?

• A. Lack of social support
• B. Unrealistic expectations
• C. Loss of the expected healthy child
• D. Having a child with cognitive impairment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Loss of the expected healthy child.' Parents of a child with cerebral palsy often grieve the loss of the healthy child they expected, mourning what could have been and what may never be. While lack of social support can contribute to parenting difficulties, it is not the primary basis in this case. Unrealistic expectations may play a role for some parents, but not all. Additionally, it is important to note that not all children with cerebral palsy experience cognitive impairment; around 30% to 50% of children with cerebral palsy have cognitive challenges.

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