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. Which parameter would be assessed to determine the degree of anxiety being experienced by the client?

• A. Memory state
• B. Creativity level
• C. Perceptual field
• D. Delusional system

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct parameter to assess the degree of anxiety experienced by a client is the perceptual field. As anxiety increases, perceptual fields tend to narrow. Memory state, creativity level, and delusional system are not directly related to the level of anxiety and are not appropriate parameters for determining the degree of anxiety. Memory state refers to the ability to remember, creativity level to the ability to generate new ideas or solutions, and delusional system to a set of false beliefs.

3. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?

• A. Arrange to change client care assignments.
• B. Explain that this behavior is expected.
• C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'.
• D. Explain that the child needs extra attention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to explain that this behavior is expected. During normal development, fear of strangers becomes prominent beginning around age 6-8 months. Such behaviors include clinging to parents, crying, and turning away from the stranger. These fears and behaviors extend into the toddler period and may persist into preschool. Changing client care assignments (Choice A) is not necessary as the child's behavior is developmentally appropriate. Discussing the appropriate use of 'time-out' (Choice C) is not relevant in this situation as the child is displaying normal attachment behavior, not misbehavior. Explaining that the child needs extra attention (Choice D) may not be necessary as the child is likely seeking comfort from the familiar presence of the mother, which is a typical response in a stressful situation like being in a hospital environment.

4. While planning care for a 2-year-old hospitalized child, which situation would the nurse most likely expect to affect the behavior?

• A. Strange bed and surroundings.
• B. Separation from parents.
• C. Presence of other toddlers.
• D. Unfamiliar toys and games.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Separation from parents.' Separation anxiety is most evident from 6 months to 30 months of age. It is the greatest stress imposed on a toddler by hospitalization. If separation is avoided, young children have a tremendous capacity to withstand other stress. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while strange bed and surroundings, presence of other toddlers, and unfamiliar toys and games may contribute to some level of stress or discomfort, the separation from parents is the primary factor affecting the behavior of a 2-year-old hospitalized child.

5. A client recently had an abdominoperineal resection and colostomy. While the nurse changes the dressing, the client states, 'You think that it looks repulsive.' The nurse identifies that the client is using which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Sublimation
• C. Compensation
• D. Intellectualization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Projection. Projection is the defense mechanism where unacceptable feelings and emotions are attributed to others. In this scenario, the client is projecting their own feelings of repulsion onto the nurse. Sublimation involves substituting socially acceptable feelings to replace threatening ones. Compensation refers to overachievement in a different area to cover up a weakness. Intellectualization is the use of mental reasoning to avoid facing emotional aspects of a situation.

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