Nursing Elites

1. A 60-year-old widower is hospitalized after complaining of difficulty sleeping, extreme apprehension, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. What is the best response by the nurse?

• A. "You have nothing to worry about. You are in a safe place. Try to relax."?
• B. "Has anything happened recently or in the past that might have triggered these feelings?"?
• C. "We have given you a medication that helps to decrease feelings of anxiety."?
• D. "Take some deep breaths and try to calm down."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is the best response as it shows empathy, acknowledges the patient's feelings, and opens the door for discussion about potential triggers for anxiety. This approach helps the patient explore the root cause of his anxiety and provides an opportunity for therapeutic communication. Choice A dismisses the patient's feelings and offers false reassurance, which may not address the underlying issue. Choices C and D do not encourage the patient to express his emotions or delve into the reasons behind his anxiety, hindering the therapeutic process.

2. During a school screening, a nurse notices small bruises on the anterior and posterior ribs of an 8-year-old Asian child. The nurse should ask the child:

• A. if the family practices coining
• B. who performs coinings
• C. if the child has fallen
• D. how long the child has been abused

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ask if the family practices coining. In Asian cultures, coining is a traditional practice believed to draw infections from the body. It involves rubbing a heated coin on the chest and torso, which can cause bruising similar to what the nurse noticed on the child's ribs. This question is important to differentiate between cultural practices and potential child abuse. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because assuming abuse without considering cultural practices can lead to misinterpretation and inappropriate actions. It's crucial for healthcare providers to be culturally sensitive and gather all relevant information before making conclusions.

3. A client goes to the mental health center for difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and nightmares. The client reports being raped as a child. The nurse should assess the client for further signs of:

• A. generalized anxiety disorder.
• B. schizophrenia.
• C. post-traumatic stress disorder.
• D. bipolar disorder.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Given the history of childhood sexual abuse and the presenting symptoms of difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and nightmares, the nurse should assess the client for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Childhood sexual abuse is strongly associated with adult-onset depression and an increased risk for PTSD. Individuals with PTSD may exhibit re-experiencing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened reactions to trauma triggers. They may also display emotional numbing, avoidance behaviors, and increased arousal symptoms like difficulty sleeping and hypervigilance. Generalized anxiety disorder (Choice A) is characterized by excessive worry and anxiety about various events or activities, not necessarily tied to a specific trauma. Schizophrenia (Choice B) is a severe mental disorder characterized by distortions in thinking, perception, emotions, and behavior, unrelated to the traumatic event described. Bipolar disorder (Choice D) involves mood swings between depressive and manic episodes, and its symptoms differ from those typically seen in PTSD.

4. In a brief treatment program, what is a realistic short-term goal for a client who was raped?

• A. Identify all psychosocial problems
• B. Eliminate the client's enticing behaviors
• C. Resolve feelings of trauma and fear
• D. Verbalize feelings about the event

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A realistic short-term goal for a client who was raped and is receiving a brief treatment program is for the client to verbalize feelings about the event. This goal focuses on helping the client express their emotions, which can be a crucial step in the healing process. Options A and C are incorrect because a brief treatment program is not typically aimed at identifying or resolving all psychosocial problems or deep-rooted trauma and fear. Option B is also incorrect as the goal is to support the client in processing their feelings rather than focusing on behaviors.

5. A client with pancreatitis has been transferred to the intensive care unit. Which order would the nurse anticipate?

• A. Blood pressure monitoring every 15 minutes
• B. Insertion of a Levine tube
• C. Continuous cardiac monitoring
• D. Administration of pain medication every 4 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with pancreatitis who frequently experiences nausea and vomiting, insertion of a Levine tube is often anticipated to decompress the stomach and rest the bowel, helping to alleviate symptoms. This intervention is crucial in managing the gastrointestinal symptoms associated with pancreatitis. Blood pressure monitoring every 15 minutes may be necessary in some cases, but it is not a routine order for pancreatitis, making option A less likely. Continuous cardiac monitoring could be required based on the individual's condition, but it is not typically the first priority in pancreatitis management, so option C is not the most anticipated order. While pain medication administration is essential for managing discomfort, the priority in this scenario, especially considering the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, would be decompression with a Levine tube to address gastrointestinal issues, making option D less likely.

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