Nursing Elites

1. A client is complaining of pain that starts in the shoulder and travels down the length of his arm. This type of pain is referred to as:

• A. Referred pain
• B. Superficial pain
• C. Radiating pain
• D. Precipitating pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Radiating pain is the correct term for pain that originates in one part of the body and extends to other related areas. In this scenario, the pain starting in the shoulder and traveling down the arm describes radiating pain. Referred pain (Choice A) is pain felt at a site different from the actual origin of the pain. Superficial pain (Choice B) is pain that arises from the skin or tissues just beneath it. Precipitating pain (Choice D) refers to pain that is triggered by specific actions or events, not the characteristic described in the question.

2. When assessing the pulse of a 6-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. What action would the nurse take next?

• A. Notify the physician.
• B. Record this finding as normal.
• C. Check the child's blood pressure and note any variation with respiration.
• D. Document that this child has bradycardia and continue with the assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take next is to record this finding as normal. Sinus dysrhythmia, characterized by heart rate variation with the respiratory cycle, is commonly found in children and young adults. The heart rate speeds up at the peak of inspiration and slows to normal with expiration. This phenomenon is a normal variant and does not require any intervention. There is no need to notify the physician as this finding is within the expected range for this age group. Checking the child's blood pressure for variations with respiration or documenting the child as having bradycardia would not be appropriate in this case, as sinus dysrhythmia is a normal physiological response.

3. A patient works with a nurse to establish outcomes. The nurse believes that one outcome suggested by the patient is not in the patient's best interest. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Remain silent.
• B. Educate the patient that the outcome is not realistic.
• C. Explore with the patient possible consequences of the outcome.
• D. Formulate an appropriate outcome without the patient's input.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should collaborate with the patient rather than impose personal opinions. While the nurse should respect the patient's autonomy, they also have a duty to provide guidance. By exploring possible consequences of the suggested outcome with the patient, the nurse can facilitate a discussion that helps the patient make an informed decision. This approach respects the patient's input while ensuring their well-being. Remaining silent (Choice A) may not address the issue, educating the patient unilaterally (Choice B) may be perceived as dismissive, and formulating an outcome without patient input (Choice D) disregards the patient's autonomy and preferences.

4. Which of the following is an example of a positive effect of exercise on a client?

• A. Decreased basal metabolic rate
• B. Decreased venous return
• C. Decreased work of breathing
• D. Decreased gastric motility

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Decreased work of breathing.' Exercise has numerous positive effects on clients, such as increasing metabolic rate, improving gastric motility, and enhancing venous return. When a client exercises regularly, their work of breathing decreases, meaning that everyday activities require less exertion. This is beneficial as it indicates improved cardiovascular and respiratory efficiency. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a decreased basal metabolic rate, decreased venous return, and decreased gastric motility are not typically considered positive effects of exercise. Instead, an increased basal metabolic rate, improved venous return, and optimal gastric motility are desired outcomes associated with physical activity.

5. When educating a client about their new prescription for warfarin, what should the nurse advise?

• A. To have his white blood cell count tested once a month
• B. To avoid any activities that could lead to injury
• C. To avoid eating leafy green vegetables
• D. Both A and B

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid any activities that could lead to injury when taking warfarin. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that decreases blood clotting, increasing the risk of bleeding. Engaging in activities that may result in injury can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, which can be serious. While monitoring white blood cell count is not specifically related to warfarin therapy, avoiding leafy green vegetables is important due to their vitamin K content, which can interfere with warfarin's effectiveness. Therefore, the client should be educated to avoid activities that could cause injury to prevent potential bleeding complications.

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