Nursing Elites

1. A client who exhibits blurred and double vision and muscular weakness is informed of the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The client becomes visibly upset. Which response would the nurse make?

• A. That must have shocked you. Tell me what the health care provider told you about it.
• B. You should see a psychiatrist who will help you cope with this overwhelming news.
• C. Don't worry; early treatment often alleviates the symptoms of the disease.
• D. You should be glad that we caught it early so you can be cured.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The response 'That must have shocked you. Tell me what the health care provider told you about it' acknowledges the effect of the diagnosis on the client and explores what is known. This response shows empathy and encourages the client to share their understanding. There is no evidence of ineffective coping, so a referral to a psychiatrist is not necessary at this initial stage. The statement 'Don't worry; early treatment often alleviates symptoms of the disease' provides false reassurance as the course of MS varies for each individual and may not always respond well to treatment. The statement 'You should be glad we caught it early so it can be cured' does not address the client's current emotional state and is inaccurate; MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that currently has no cure.

2. A 5-year-old child has been recently admitted to the hospital. According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages, the child is in which stage?

• A. Trust vs. mistrust
• B. Initiative vs. guilt
• C. Autonomy vs. shame and doubt
• D. Intimacy vs. isolation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Initiative vs. guilt.' According to Erik Erikson's psychosocial development stages, children aged 3-6 years old are in the stage of initiative versus guilt. During this stage, children begin to assert their power and control over the environment. They develop a sense of purpose and direction, but may also experience feelings of guilt if they believe their actions have caused harm or conflict. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. 'Trust vs. mistrust' is the first stage for infants, 'Autonomy vs. shame and doubt' is the second stage for toddlers, and 'Intimacy vs. isolation' is a stage that occurs later in adulthood.

3. The healthcare provider is aware that malnutrition is a common problem among clients served by a community health clinic for the homeless. Which laboratory value is the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition?

• A. Low serum albumin level
• B. Low serum transferrin level
• C. High hemoglobin level
• D. High cholesterol level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Long-term protein deficiency significantly lowers serum albumin levels. Albumin, derived from protein breakdown, is produced by the liver when adequate amino acids are available. Due to its long half-life, acute protein loss minimally affects serum albumin levels. In contrast, serum transferrin, with a shorter half-life of 8 to 10 days, decreases with acute protein deficiency and is not a reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. Elevated hemoglobin levels may occur in conditions like dehydration or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making it an unreliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition. High cholesterol levels are not directly linked to protein malnutrition and do not serve as a reliable indicator. Therefore, the most reliable indicator of chronic protein malnutrition among the options provided is a low serum albumin level.

4. What nonverbal action should the nurse implement to demonstrate active listening?

• A. Sit facing the client.
• B. Cross arms and legs.
• C. Avoid eye contact.
• D. Lean back in the chair.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Active listening is effectively demonstrated through attentive verbal and nonverbal communication strategies. To convey active listening and show the client that the nurse is engaged and attentive, it is essential for the nurse to sit facing the client. This posture communicates openness and willingness to listen. Option B, crossing arms and legs, creates a barrier and can signal defensiveness or disinterest, making it an incorrect choice. Option C, avoiding eye contact, hinders the establishment of a connection and can convey disengagement. Option D, leaning back in the chair, may give the impression of disinterest or lack of engagement. Therefore, maintaining eye contact and sitting facing the client are crucial nonverbal actions to exhibit active listening and promote effective therapeutic communication.

5. The client prepares to insert a nasogastric tube in a client with hyperemesis who is awake and alert. Which intervention(s) is(are) correct?

• A. Place the client in a high Fowler position.
• B. Assist the client in assuming a left side-lying position.
• C. Measure the tube from the tip of the nose to the xiphoid process.
• D. Assist the client in flexing the neck forward to facilitate tube insertion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention during nasogastric tube insertion in an awake and alert client is to place them in a high Fowler position (A). Left side-lying position (B) is more suitable for unconscious or obtunded clients. When measuring the tube length, it should be from the tip of the nose to behind the ear, and then from behind the ear to the xiphoid process (C). Assisting the client in flexing the neck forward (D) is appropriate to facilitate tube insertion rather than extending the neck back, which may lead to complications. Proper positioning and measurements are crucial to prevent complications and ensure successful nasogastric tube placement.

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