Nursing Elites

1. In a client with moderate, persistent, chronic neuropathic pain due to diabetic neuropathy who takes gabapentin (Neurontin) and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) daily, if Step 2 of the World Health Organization (WHO) pain relief ladder is prescribed, which drug protocol should be implemented?

• A. Continue gabapentin.
• B. Discontinue ibuprofen.
• C. Add aspirin to the protocol.
• D. Add oral methadone to the protocol.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the presence of moderate, persistent, chronic neuropathic pain, the WHO pain relief ladder recommends continuing gabapentin, as it is effective for managing both anxiety and pain. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is not the mainstay for neuropathic pain relief according to the ladder and can be discontinued if needed. Aspirin is not typically added to the protocol for neuropathic pain management at this step. Methadone is reserved for severe pain and is not the standard choice at Step 2 of the WHO pain relief ladder for neuropathic pain.

2. A client has a nursing diagnosis of 'Spiritual distress related to a loss of hope, secondary to impending death.' What intervention is best for the nurse to implement when caring for this client?

• A. Help the client accept the final stage of life.
• B. Assist and support the client in establishing short-term goals.
• C. Encourage the client to make future plans, even if they are unrealistic.
• D. Instruct the client's family to focus on positive aspects of the client's life.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is experiencing spiritual distress due to a loss of hope related to impending death, it is crucial for the nurse to assist and support the client in establishing short-term goals. This approach helps the client maintain hope and a sense of purpose, as achieving immediate goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and meaning. While acceptance of the final stage of life is important, helping the client set short-term goals is a more immediate and effective intervention in addressing spiritual distress. Encouraging the client to make future plans, especially if they are unrealistic, may not be beneficial as it could lead to further distress if those plans are unattainable. Instructing the client's family to focus on positive aspects of the client's life, though supportive, does not directly address the client's spiritual distress and loss of hope.

3. A client with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is being discharged. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Avoid foods high in iodine.
• B. Take your medication with meals.
• C. Monitor your weight daily.
• D. Decrease your daily fluid intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid foods high in iodine.' Clients with hyperthyroidism should avoid foods high in iodine to prevent exacerbation of their condition. Iodine is an essential component in thyroid hormone production, and excessive iodine intake can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms. Taking medication with meals (B) can interfere with the absorption of certain thyroid medications. Monitoring weight daily (C) is more relevant for conditions that may lead to weight changes like hypothyroidism. Decreasing fluid intake (D) is not a standard recommendation for hyperthyroidism unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider.

4. The client is being taught how to self-administer a subcutaneous injection. To ensure sterility of the procedure, which subject is most important for the instructor to include in the teaching plan?

• A. Hand washing before preparing the injection.
• B. Technique for drawing medication from a vial.
• C. Selection and rotation of injection sites.
• D. Proper disposal of injection equipment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To maintain the sterility of the procedure, it is crucial to teach the client the correct technique for drawing medication from a vial. This ensures that the medication remains sterile during preparation and administration. While hand washing, injection site selection, and equipment disposal are important aspects of injection safety, the key focus should be on maintaining the sterility of the medication itself to prevent infections and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

5. The client has received a new diagnosis of heart failure, and the nurse is providing dietary management education. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Increase intake of foods high in potassium.
• B. Avoid foods high in sodium.
• C. Limit fluid intake to 1.5 liters per day.
• D. Increase intake of foods high in vitamin K.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Avoiding foods high in sodium (choice B) is essential for clients with heart failure to prevent fluid retention and decrease the strain on the heart. High sodium intake can lead to fluid buildup, exacerbating heart failure symptoms. Increasing potassium intake (choice A) can be harmful in heart failure if not monitored closely as it can affect heart rhythm. Limiting fluid intake (choice C) may be necessary in some cases, but the specific amount should be individualized based on the client's condition. Increasing vitamin K intake (choice D) is not a primary concern in heart failure management and is more relevant for clients on anticoagulants to manage blood clotting.

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