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. Which of the following outcomes is most appropriate during the crisis stage of caring for a victim of domestic violence?

• A. The client will verbalize community resources from which to seek shelter after discharge.
• B. The client will write a plan to keep herself and her children safe.
• C. The client will contact an attorney for help with pressing charges.
• D. The client will be safe and receive treatment for injuries.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the crisis stage of caring for a victim of domestic violence, the immediate priority is ensuring the client's safety and providing treatment for any injuries sustained. This focuses on addressing the urgent physical and emotional needs of the victim. While options like verbalizing community resources or creating safety plans are important for long-term support, they are not the primary concerns during the crisis phase. Contacting an attorney for legal assistance, though vital in the future, is not the immediate priority during the crisis stage when the client's safety and health are at the forefront.

3. While explaining an illness to a 10-year-old, what should the nurse keep in mind about cognitive development at this age?

• A. They are able to make simple associations of ideas.
• B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts.
• C. Interpretation of events originates from their own perspective.
• D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is that 10-year-olds are able to think logically in organizing facts. At this age, children are in the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's theory of cognitive development. In this stage, they can understand and organize information logically and can manipulate objects mentally. Choice A is incorrect because simple associations of ideas are more characteristic of earlier developmental stages. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to egocentrism, which is more typical of the preoperational stage. Choice D is incorrect as basing conclusions on previous experiences is a broader concept that applies across different ages and stages of development, rather than being specific to 10-year-olds in the concrete operational stage.

4. A female adolescent has anorexia nervosa and is malnourished and severely underweight. Which statement indicates that she is experiencing secondary gains from her behavior?

• A. "I'm huge; I'm as big as a house."
• B. "I get straight A's in all my subjects."
• C. "My mother keeps trying to get me to eat."
• D. "My hair is beginning to fall out in clumps."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement "My mother keeps trying to get me to eat" indicates that the adolescent is experiencing secondary gains from her behavior. This is because the behavior has garnered attention from her mother, providing a sense of power and control, which are considered secondary gains. The statement "I'm huge; I'm as big as a house" reflects a disturbed body perception and is not related to secondary gains. Getting straight A's in all subjects is an achievement but not a secondary gain related to anorexia nervosa. The hair falling out in clumps is a physical consequence of starvation, not a secondary gain.

5. Which behavior indicates that the client has learned the most effective method to cope with anger?

• A. Goes for a long jog
• B. Talks about the anger
• C. Goes outside and screams
• D. Focuses on cause of anger

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Talks about the anger.' This response indicates that the client has learned a positive coping method, as discussing angry feelings is a healthier way of dealing with anger. Talking about anger allows for expression and communication, leading to a better understanding of the emotions involved. Going for a long jog or screaming outside may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root cause or help in processing the emotions effectively. Focusing solely on the cause of anger without expressing feelings may lead to increased frustration and escalation of anger, rather than promoting constructive coping mechanisms.

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