Nursing Elites

1. How does the nurse interpret the client's actions of combing her hair only on the right side of her head and washing only the right side of her face after a stroke?

• A. Poor left-sided motor control
• B. Paralysis or contractures on the right side
• C. Limited visual perception of the left fields
• D. Unawareness of the existence of her left side

Correct answer: Unawareness of the existence of her left side

Rationale: The client's selective grooming and washing habits indicate a condition known as 'unawareness of the existence of her left side,' also called hemispatial neglect. This condition is characterized by a lack of awareness or attention to one side of the body or space, typically the left side in stroke patients. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the client's actions are not due to poor motor control, paralysis, contractures, or limited visual perception. Instead, they are indicative of a specific cognitive deficit related to neglecting one side of the body.

2. The nurse assesses distended neck veins in a client sitting in a chair to eat. What intervention is the nurse’s priority?

• A. Document the observation in the chart.
• B. Measure urine specific gravity and volume.
• C. Assess the pulse and blood pressure.
• D. Assess the client’s deep tendon reflexes.

Correct answer: Assess the pulse and blood pressure.

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the pulse and blood pressure. Distended neck veins can indicate fluid volume overload or heart failure, which can lead to hemodynamic instability. Assessing the pulse and blood pressure will provide immediate information on the client's cardiovascular status. Documenting the observation in the chart (choice A) is important but not the priority when immediate assessment is needed. Measuring urine specific gravity and volume (choice B) is important for assessing renal function but is not the priority in this situation. Assessing the client's deep tendon reflexes (choice D) is not relevant to addressing distended neck veins in a client sitting to eat.

3. A nurse is caring for several clients with dehydration. The nurse assesses the client with which finding as needing oxygen therapy?

• A. Tenting of skin on the back of the hand
• B. Increased urine osmolarity
• C. Weight loss of 10 pounds
• D. Pulse rate of 115 beats/min

Correct answer: Pulse rate of 115 beats/min

Rationale: The correct answer is the pulse rate of 115 beats/min. A rapid pulse rate is a sign of compensatory mechanisms in response to dehydration, indicating that the body is trying to deliver oxygen more efficiently. Oxygen therapy may be needed to support the increased oxygen demand. Tenting of skin on the back of the hand is a classic sign of dehydration due to decreased skin turgor. Increased urine osmolarity and weight loss are also indicators of dehydration, but they do not directly suggest a need for oxygen therapy.

4. The nurse is caring for a client who has had surgery the previous day. The client tells the nurse, “Breathing in using this thing (incentive spirometer) is a ridiculous waste of time.” What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. “The spirometer will help you cough effectively.”
• B. “The spirometer will help your lungs expand.”
• C. “The spirometer will help prevent blood clots.”
• D. “The spirometer will improve blood flow in your lungs.”

Correct answer: “The spirometer will help your lungs expand.”

Rationale: The correct answer is, '“The spirometer will help your lungs expand.”' Incentive spirometry is used postoperatively to help prevent atelectasis by expanding the lungs and improving lung function. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of the spirometer is not to help cough effectively. Choice C is incorrect because while deep breathing with the spirometer can indirectly help prevent blood clots by improving lung function, its primary purpose is not to prevent blood clots directly. Choice D is incorrect because although using the spirometer can improve ventilation and oxygenation, its main purpose is not to improve blood flow in the lungs.

5. A female client with deteriorating neurologic function states, “I am worried I will not be able to care for my young children.” How does the nurse respond?

• A. “Caring for your children is a priority. You may not want to ask for help, but you have to.”
• B. “Our community has resources that may help you with some household tasks so you have energy to care for your children.”
• C. “You seem distressed. Would you like to talk to a psychologist about adjusting to your changing status?”
• D. “Give me more information about what worries you, so we can see if we can do something to make adjustments.”

Correct answer: “Give me more information about what worries you, so we can see if we can do something to make adjustments.”

Rationale: When a client expresses worry about not being able to care for her children due to deteriorating neurologic function, the most appropriate response from the nurse is to gather more information from the client. This open-ended approach allows the nurse to better understand the client's specific concerns and needs, leading to tailored interventions and support. Choice A is dismissive and may make the client feel guilty for needing help. Choice B focuses on external resources without addressing the client's worries directly. Choice C suggests a psychological referral without exploring the client's concerns further. Therefore, the correct response is to gather more information to provide personalized support.

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