Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving chlorpromazine HCL (Thorazine) is in psychiatric home care. During a home visit, the nurse observes the client smacking her lips alternately with grinding her teeth. The nurse recognizes this assessment finding as what?

• A. Dystonia
• B. Akathisia
• C. Bradykinesia
• D. Tardive dyskinesia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a potential side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, characterized by involuntary movements like lip smacking and repetitive, purposeless movements. Choice A, dystonia, presents with sustained or repetitive muscle contractions. Choice B, akathisia, involves motor restlessness and a compelling need to be in constant motion. Choice C, bradykinesia, refers to slowness of movement typically seen in Parkinson's disease, not lip smacking and teeth grinding, which are indicative of tardive dyskinesia.

2. When providing oral care to an unconscious patient, what action should the nurse take to protect the patient from injury?

• A. Moisten the mouth using lemon-glycerin sponges.
• B. Hold the patient's mouth open with gloved fingers.
• C. Use foam swabs to help remove plaque.
• D. Suction the oral cavity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for an unconscious patient, it is crucial to prevent choking and aspiration. Suctioning the oral cavity helps in removing secretions and preventing potential harm. Moisten the mouth using lemon-glycerin sponges may not effectively clear secretions. Holding the patient's mouth open with gloved fingers can cause discomfort and potential harm. Using foam swabs to remove plaque may not address the immediate risk of aspiration.

3. A dying client is coping with feelings regarding impending death. The nurse bases care on the theory of death and dying by Kübler-Ross. During which stage of grieving should the LPN/LVN primarily use nonverbal interventions?

• A. Anger
• B. Denial
• C. Bargaining
• D. Acceptance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nonverbal interventions are primarily used during the acceptance stage according to Kübler-Ross's theory of death and dying. During the acceptance stage, the individual is more likely to be reflective and less communicative, making nonverbal interventions more effective. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because anger, denial, and bargaining are stages that precede the acceptance stage in Kübler-Ross's model, where verbal communication and processing emotions play a more significant role.

4. A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The client is short of breath and has a pulse oximetry reading of 88%. What action should the LPN take first?

• A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 liters per minute.
• B. Reposition the client to a high Fowler's position.
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's condition.
• D. Encourage the client to use pursed-lip breathing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Repositioning the client to a high Fowler's position should be the first action taken by the LPN. This position helps improve oxygenation by maximizing lung expansion, making it easier for the client to breathe. Increasing the oxygen flow rate without addressing positioning may not fully optimize oxygen delivery. Notifying the healthcare provider should come after immediate interventions. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing is beneficial but should follow the initial positioning to further assist the client in managing their breathing difficulty.

5. What immediate action should a healthcare worker take after being stuck in the hand by an exposed needle?

• A. Look up the policy on needle sticks
• B. Contact employee health services
• C. Immediately wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water
• D. Notify the supervisor and risk management

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct immediate action for a healthcare worker who has been stuck by an exposed needle is to wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection. This helps to remove any potential pathogens introduced by the needle stick. Looking up the policy on needle sticks (Choice A) is important but not the immediate action required. Contacting employee health services (Choice B) and notifying the supervisor and risk management (Choice D) are crucial steps to take, but they should follow the initial step of washing the hands to mitigate the risk of infection.

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