Nursing Elites

1. The nurse observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure in the lower extremity. Which observation of this procedure requires the nurse's intervention?

• A. The cuff wraps around the girth of the leg.
• B. The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.
• C. The client is placed in a prone position.
• D. The systolic reading is 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When obtaining blood pressure in the lower extremities, the popliteal pulse should be auscultated when the blood pressure cuff is applied around the thigh. The nurse should intervene when the UAP is auscultating the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg because this is incorrect placement. Option A, wrapping the cuff around the girth of the leg, ensures an accurate assessment. Option C, placing the client in a prone position, provides the best access to the artery. The systolic pressure in the popliteal artery is typically 10 to 40 mm Hg higher than in the brachial artery, so a systolic reading 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm is within the expected range and does not require intervention.

2. An adolescent reports irregularity in menses. Her mother complains that her child often fears gaining weight, has poor caloric intake, and has a distorted self-image. Which could be the reason for irregular menses?

• A. Bulimia
• B. Anorexia
• C. Orthorexia
• D. Binge eating disorder

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Anorexia.' Anorexia is characterized by a lack of caloric intake motivated by a strong fear of gaining weight, leading to poor nutrition and potential irregular menses. Bulimia involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors. Orthorexia is characterized by an obsession with eating only healthy or 'pure' foods. Binge eating disorder is characterized by consuming large amounts of high-calorie food in a short period.

3. A client who is to undergo dilation and curettage and conization of the cervix for cancer appears tense and anxious. Which approach would the nurse use to support the client emotionally?

• A. Explaining that these procedures are considered minor surgery
• B. Asking whether something is troubling the client and whether she'd like to talk about it
• C. Stating that the procedures are routine and asking what the client is really worried about
• D. Explaining that everyone is fearful before the surgery even though there is little reason to worry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to support the client emotionally is to ask whether something is troubling the client and if she would like to talk about it. This approach acknowledges the client's anxiety and encourages communication without dismissing her feelings. Option A, explaining that the procedures are minor surgery, may invalidate the client's emotions. Option C assumes the client is worried about something specific, which may not be the case, leading to miscommunication. Option D provides false reassurance and may hinder open communication by dismissing the client's feelings as unwarranted.

4. Which characteristic usually results in a behavior being viewed and accepted as normal?

• A. Fits within standards accepted by one's society
• B. Helps the person reduce the need for coping skills
• C. Allows the person to express feelings and thoughts
• D. Facilitates achievement of short-term and long-term goals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Behaviors that align with the standards accepted by a society are generally viewed as normal. Societal norms and values play a significant role in defining what is considered normal behavior. Choices B, C, and D may be important aspects of an individual's functioning, but they do not solely determine whether a behavior is viewed as normal. Coping skills, expressions of feelings, and goal achievement can vary in their cultural context and societal acceptance, therefore they are not definitive indicators of normalcy.

5. A community hospital is opening a mental health services department. Which document should the nurse use to develop the unit's nursing guidelines?

• A. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
• B. ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements
• C. ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice
• D. Patient's Bill of Rights of 1990

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct document the nurse should use to develop the unit's nursing guidelines for the mental health services department is ANA's Scope and Standards of Nursing Practice. This document specifically outlines the philosophy and standards of nursing practice, including psychiatric nursing. Option A, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and option D, the Patient's Bill of Rights of 1990, focus on client rights and legal protections rather than nursing practice guidelines. Option B, the ANA Code of Ethics with Interpretive Statements, provides ethical guidelines for nursing practice but does not specifically address the development of nursing guidelines for a mental health services department.

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