Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the nurse should expect which of the following findings?

• A. mental confusion
• B. muscular weakness
• C. sensory loss
• D. emotional liability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clients with ALS typically present with progressive muscular weakness and wasting as a hallmark feature of the disease. This weakness affects voluntary muscles, leading to challenges in mobility and daily activities. Sensory loss is not a characteristic feature of ALS, and individuals usually maintain their mental clarity without experiencing mental confusion. Emotional liability, characterized by sudden, uncontrolled changes in emotions, is not a common finding in ALS. While individuals may experience periods of grief due to the progressive nature of the disease, emotional liability is not a usual manifestation. Therefore, the correct finding to expect when assessing a client with ALS is muscular weakness.

2. Which of the following statements indicates adequate dietary understanding in a client with constipation?

• A. "I should decrease my intake of fluids."?
• B. "I should decrease my level of activity."?
• C. "I should increase my intake of apples."?
• D. "I should increase my intake of milk."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is, "I should increase my intake of apples."? This statement indicates adequate dietary understanding in a client with constipation because apples are a good source of fiber, which helps alleviate constipation. Adequate fiber intake is essential for promoting bowel regularity. Choices A and B are incorrect as decreasing fluids and activity level can worsen constipation. Insufficient fluid intake can lead to hard stools, exacerbating constipation. Decreasing activity can also slow down bowel movements. Choice D is incorrect because milk is not a high-fiber food and may not effectively address constipation. While milk can have a mild laxative effect on some individuals, it is not a primary solution for constipation, especially when compared to high-fiber foods like apples.

3. The client has asked if you would be able to offer any alternative or complementary therapy during their hospitalization. Which of the following would be appropriate to suggest?

• A. Physical therapy
• B. Music therapy
• C. Psychiatric therapy
• D. Occupational therapy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Music therapy is an appropriate suggestion as an alternative or complementary therapy during hospitalization. Music therapy can help improve the client's condition and comfort level by providing emotional support and reducing stress. Physical therapy and occupational therapy are crucial for rehabilitation and improving physical function, while psychiatric therapy focuses on mental health treatment. These therapies are essential components of care but are not typically considered alternative or complementary therapies in this context.

4. A nurse discharge planner is preparing a client for discharge from an acute care setting. The nurse assesses that skilled home care services are clinically indicated. This assessment is based on all of the following indicators except:

• A. the client has been admitted to the hospital three times in the last 2 months.
• B. the client has a Foley catheter.
• C. the client's family is available to care for him 24 hours a day.
• D. the client is ordered to continue IV antibiotics 5 days post discharge.

Correct answer: V

Rationale: Family availability to provide care and assistance is not an indicator for skilled home care services. In fact, the nurse might see an opportunity for family education to meet the client's needs so that less community support is needed. This should be discussed and negotiated with the family. Frequent hospital readmissions indicate that the client has not been able to manage either due to condition instability or lack of care needs being met, which is a red flag for home care services to monitor and meet those needs appropriately. A Foley catheter requires home health care due to infection potential and care requirements. IV antibiotics also necessitate home care for maintaining line patency and assessing the site.

5. When managing time effectively, which of the following stimuli should the nurse respond to first?

• A. the physician's loud verbal direction
• B. the nursing supervisor who is going to a meeting
• C. unit staff leaving on a break
• D. the care needs of the returning postoperative client just exiting the elevator

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to attend to the care needs of the returning postoperative client just exiting the elevator first. In a healthcare setting, patient care should always take precedence, especially for complex or unstable clients requiring immediate assessment and care. The physician's loud verbal direction, the nursing supervisor going to a meeting, and unit staff leaving on a break are important but do not involve direct patient care. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize responding to the returning postoperative client to ensure their immediate needs are met.

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