Nursing Elites

1. A client recently had an abdominoperineal resection and colostomy. While the nurse changes the dressing, the client states, 'You think that it looks repulsive.' The nurse identifies that the client is using which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Sublimation
• C. Compensation
• D. Intellectualization

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Projection. Projection is the defense mechanism where unacceptable feelings and emotions are attributed to others. In this scenario, the client is projecting their own feelings of repulsion onto the nurse. Sublimation involves substituting socially acceptable feelings to replace threatening ones. Compensation refers to overachievement in a different area to cover up a weakness. Intellectualization is the use of mental reasoning to avoid facing emotional aspects of a situation.

2. A client who is to undergo dilation and curettage and conization of the cervix for cancer appears tense and anxious. Which approach would the nurse use to support the client emotionally?

• A. Explaining that these procedures are considered minor surgery
• B. Asking whether something is troubling the client and whether she'd like to talk about it
• C. Stating that the procedures are routine and asking what the client is really worried about
• D. Explaining that everyone is fearful before the surgery even though there is little reason to worry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to support the client emotionally is to ask whether something is troubling the client and if she would like to talk about it. This approach acknowledges the client's anxiety and encourages communication without dismissing her feelings. Option A, explaining that the procedures are minor surgery, may invalidate the client's emotions. Option C assumes the client is worried about something specific, which may not be the case, leading to miscommunication. Option D provides false reassurance and may hinder open communication by dismissing the client's feelings as unwarranted.

3. What initial response would the nurse give to a husband who is upset that his wife's alcohol withdrawal delirium has persisted for a second day?

• A. "I see that you're worried. We're using medication to ease your wife's discomfort."?
• B. "This is expected. I suggest that you go home because there's nothing you can do to help."?
• C. "If you're afraid that she will die, I assure you, very few alcoholics die during detoxification."?
• D. "If you are concerned that she is uncomfortable, I'm sure that she's not in pain."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to acknowledge the husband's feelings and provide information on the treatment plan to alleviate his concerns. This approach validates his emotions and educates him on the steps being taken to help his wife, promoting understanding and reducing anxiety. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the husband's worries and implies helplessness, potentially increasing his distress. Choice C is inappropriate as it introduces the concept of death, which can heighten fear and anxiety in the husband. Choice D is not recommended as it provides reassurance about the wife's pain without accurate knowledge of her discomfort, which could undermine trust and communication between the nurse and the husband.

4. An adolescent client comes to the clinic 3 weeks after the birth of her first baby. She tells the nurse she is concerned because she has not returned to her pre-pregnant weight. Which action should the nurse perform first?

• A. Review the client's weight pattern over the year
• B. Ask the mother to record her diet for the last 24 hours
• C. Encourage her to talk about her view of herself
• D. Give her several pamphlets on postpartum nutrition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the adolescent client to talk about her view of herself is the first action the nurse should take. Body image is crucial for adolescents, especially after pregnancy. By addressing the client's concerns about her weight and discussing her self-perception, the nurse can provide emotional support and open a dialogue for further assessment and teaching. Choice A, 'Review the client's weight pattern over the year,' is not the priority at this time as the client's immediate concern is her post-pregnancy weight. Choice B, 'Ask the mother to record her diet for the last 24 hours,' focuses on dietary habits rather than addressing the client's emotional concerns. Choice D, 'Give her several pamphlets on postpartum nutrition,' may be helpful but should come after addressing the client's emotional needs and concerns.

5. A client comes into the emergency room and asks to see a doctor. He is anxious, visibly upset, and keeps looking behind him to the waiting room. When the nurse asks his chief complaint, he says, 'My roommate is trying to kill me.' Which of the following is the most appropriate initial response of the nurse?

• A. Just wait here and I will notify security.
• B. I'm going to speak with the physician about getting some medication that may help you.
• C. Why is your roommate trying to kill you?
• D. Have you called the police to report this?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Upon initial assessment of a client who appears anxious and upset, with claims that need further exploration, the nurse's initial response should be to gather more information about the situation. By asking 'Why is your roommate trying to kill you?' the nurse shows empathy while trying to understand the patient's perspective. This open-ended question allows the nurse to assess the situation comprehensively. Options A and D jump to conclusions or suggest actions without understanding the situation. Option B focuses solely on medication without addressing the underlying issue. It is crucial to assess the situation further before taking any action or providing treatment.

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