Nursing Elites

1. A client on the nursing unit is terminally ill but remains alert and oriented. Three days after admission, the nurse observes signs of depression. The client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.' What is the most accurate and informative way to record this data in a nursing progress note?

• A. Client appears to be depressed, possibly suicidal
• B. Client reports being tired of being ill and wants to die
• C. Client does not want to live any longer and is tired of being ill
• D. Client states, 'I'm tired of being sick. I wish I could end it all.'

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Subjective data includes thoughts, beliefs, feelings, perceptions, and sensations that are apparent only to the person affected and cannot be measured, seen, or felt by the nurse. This information should be documented using the client's exact words in quotes. The other options indicate that the nurse has drawn the conclusion that the client no longer wishes to live. From the data provided, the cues do not support this assumption. A more complete assessment should be conducted to determine if the client is suicidal.

2. Madge is a 91-year-old nursing home resident with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation who has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. As you are performing her bed bath, you note bruising around her breasts and genital area. What potential issue should be of major concern in Madge's situation?

• A. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• B. Embolic stroke
• C. Sexual abuse
• D. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bruising around the breasts and genitals should trigger concern for sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a growing problem in America, and nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize and intervene on behalf of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), major types of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial or material exploitation, and self-neglect. In this scenario, given Madge's age, history of dementia, and the presence of unexplained bruising in sensitive areas, sexual abuse must be considered as a major concern. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a platelet disorder that presents with excessive bruising and bleeding, but it is less likely in this case as the bruising pattern is suggestive of a different cause. Embolic stroke is a neurological condition that typically presents with sudden onset neurological deficits and is not related to the observed bruising. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) is a common issue in elderly residents but would not manifest as bruising in specific areas like the breasts and genitals.

3. Which of the following vital signs can be expected in a child that is afebrile?

• A. Rectal Temp of 100.9 degrees F.
• B. Oral Temp of 38 degrees C.
• C. Axillary Temp of 98.6 degrees F.
• D. All of the above are incorrect.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the axillary temperature of 98.6 degrees F. Afebrile means without a fever, and an axillary temperature, which is taken in the armpit, is considered normal at 98.6 degrees F. Choice A is incorrect as a rectal temperature of 100.9 degrees F indicates a fever. Choice B is incorrect as an oral temperature of 38 degrees C is also indicative of a fever. Choice D is incorrect as not all options are wrong; only choices A and B are incorrect for an afebrile child.

4. A 1-month-old infant has a head measurement of 34 cm and a chest circumference of 32 cm. Based on the interpretation of these findings, what action would the nurse take?

• A. Refer the infant to a physician for further evaluation.
• B. Consider these findings normal for a 1-month-old infant.
• C. Expect the chest circumference to be greater than the head circumference.
• D. Ask the parent to return in 2 weeks to re-evaluate the head and chest circumferences.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In infants, a normal head measurement is approximately 32 to 38 cm, and it is usually around 2 cm larger than the chest circumference. These measurements vary with age; between 6 months and 2 years, both measurements are approximately the same, and after age 2 years, the chest circumference becomes greater than the head circumference. Given that the 1-month-old infant's head measurement is within the typical range and slightly larger than the chest circumference, the nurse should consider these findings normal. There is no indication to refer the infant for further evaluation or to have the parent return for re-evaluation in 2 weeks, as these measurements fall within the expected parameters for a 1-month-old infant.

5. When dismissing a 5-year-old boy from the pediatrics unit, what type of seat belt restraint should the child wear as the parents drive the car to the front door of the hospital?

• A. A 5-point restraint in the back seat, facing backward
• B. A booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt in the back seat
• C. A lap belt in the back seat
• D. A lap and shoulder belt in the front seat

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A 5-year-old child riding in a car should use a restraint system for safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that children under 13 years should not ride in the front seat of a car due to safety concerns. For a 5-year-old child, a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt in the back seat is the most appropriate choice. This setup ensures proper protection and restraint for the child's size and age. Choice A is incorrect because a 5-point restraint system facing backward is not suitable for a 5-year-old child in a car. Choice C is incorrect as a lap belt alone does not provide adequate protection for a child of this age. Choice D is incorrect as children should not be seated in the front seat, especially at this young age.

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