Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving treatment for delusional behavior. He believes that his neighbor is purposefully poisoning his water system in an attempt to make him sick. Which of the following responses of the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Did you have the water tested to be sure?
• B. Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?
• C. Let's just sit here and watch this television program.
• D. Don't be silly; your neighbor would do no such thing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client presents with delusional beliefs, the nurse should avoid arguing with the client and should accept the client's initial need to hold onto the delusions. By asking the client 'Why do you feel like your neighbor is trying to poison you?' the nurse encourages the client to express his beliefs further. This open-ended question allows the client to elaborate on his delusions without feeling judged. It helps build trust between the nurse and the client, which is crucial for therapeutic communication. This approach may eventually lead to the client being more receptive to exploring and addressing his delusions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A may come off as dismissive and does not address the client's underlying beliefs. Choice C is a distraction and does not address the client's concerns. Choice D is confrontational and dismissive of the client's beliefs, which can damage the therapeutic relationship.

2. The family of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is at risk for difficult parenting issues. Which basis would the nurse conclude as the probable cause for this difficulty?

• A. Lack of social support
• B. Unrealistic expectations
• C. Loss of the expected healthy child
• D. Having a child with cognitive impairment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Loss of the expected healthy child.' Parents of a child with cerebral palsy often grieve the loss of the healthy child they expected, mourning what could have been and what may never be. While lack of social support can contribute to parenting difficulties, it is not the primary basis in this case. Unrealistic expectations may play a role for some parents, but not all. Additionally, it is important to note that not all children with cerebral palsy experience cognitive impairment; around 30% to 50% of children with cerebral palsy have cognitive challenges.

3. Which intervention should the nurse use for a client who hallucinates, yells, and curses throughout the day?

• A. Ignore the client's behavior if the client is not harming anyone.
• B. Isolate the client until the behavior decreases or stops.
• C. Explain how the behavior affects other people on the unit.
• D. Seek to understand what the behavior means to the client.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client experiences hallucinations, yells, and curses, it is essential to seek to understand the underlying meaning of their behavior. All behavior has significance, and understanding the client's perspective can guide appropriate interventions. Ignoring the behavior may exacerbate the situation and isolating the client could lead to increased anxiety and further acting out. Explaining the impact on others is not helpful in this scenario as the client is not intentionally hallucinating; yelling and cursing are responses to the hallucinations.

4. The nurse who is preparing to give an adolescent client a prescribed antipsychotic medication notes that parental consent has not been obtained. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Review the chart for a signed consent for medication administration.
• B. Get the guardian's permission to give the medication.
• C. Do not give the medication and document the reason.
• D. Complete an incident report and notify the supervisor.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to take is not to administer the medication and document the reason. Since the adolescent client is a minor, parental or guardian consent is required for medical treatment, including medication administration. Option A, reviewing the chart for a signed consent for medication administration, is not the appropriate action in this situation as the focus is on parental consent for the client. Option B is incorrect because obtaining the health care provider's permission does not replace the need for parental consent for a minor. Option D, completing an incident report and notifying the supervisor, is unnecessary as there is no adverse event to report; the key concern is the lack of parental consent for medication administration.

5. Under what patient conditions or situations are restraints sometimes used?

• A. As punishment when the patient is uncontrollable
• B. To prevent the patient from pulling their IV out
• C. When a patient is a danger to self and others
• D. Both B and C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Restraints are sometimes used to prevent a patient from pulling out their IV or another life-saving tube and when the person poses a serious danger to themselves and/or others. Restraints are never used as a form of punishment. Choice A is incorrect because restraints are not utilized for punishment but for patient safety and care. Choice B and C are correct because they reflect the appropriate and necessary situations where restraints may be used in healthcare settings.

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