Nursing Elites

1. A client who is in a late stage of pancreatic cancer intellectually understands the terminal nature of the illness. Which behaviors indicate the client is emotionally accepting the impending death?

• A. Revising the client's will and planning a visit to a friend
• B. Alternating between crying and talking openly about death
• C. Seeking second, third, and fourth medical opinions
• D. Refusing to follow treatments and stating they won't help anyway

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Revising the will and planning a visit to a friend are indicative of emotional acceptance of impending death as they demonstrate realistic, productive, and constructive ways of using the remaining time. Alternating between crying and talking openly about death may suggest depression rather than acceptance. Seeking multiple medical opinions shows disbelief, denial, or desperation rather than acceptance. Refusing treatments and stating they won't help reflects anger and hopelessness, not acceptance.

2. When doing an admission assessment for a patient, the nurse notices that the patient pauses before answering questions about the health history. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Interview a family member instead.
• B. Wait for the patient to answer the questions.
• C. Remind the patient that you have other patients who need care.
• D. Give the patient an assessment form listing the questions and a pen.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient pauses before answering questions about their health history, it is important for the nurse to be patient and wait for the patient to answer the questions. Patients from different cultures may take time to consider a question carefully before responding. By waiting patiently, the nurse shows respect for the patient's pace and helps foster a trusting relationship. Asking a family member to answer instead may not provide accurate information from the patient themselves. Reminding the patient about other patients needing care could make the patient feel rushed or unimportant. Giving the patient an assessment form and pen does not address the underlying reason for the pause and may come across as dismissive of the patient's need for time to respond thoughtfully.

3. Which of the following is an age-related developmental task for a 68-year-old client?

• A. Dealing with loss of friends
• B. Commitment to parenthood
• C. Setting career goals
• D. Solidification of sense of self

Correct answer: A

Rationale: As individuals age, they face various developmental tasks unique to that stage of life. For a 68-year-old client, dealing with the loss of friends becomes a significant aspect of their development. This age group often experiences the passing of peers and friends, leading to feelings of loneliness and the need to adjust to a changing social circle. Commitment to parenthood (Choice B) is more relevant to younger adults in their child-rearing years. Setting career goals (Choice C) is typically associated with early to mid-career stages rather than later in life. Solidification of sense of self (Choice D) is a task that is more commonly associated with earlier adulthood when individuals are establishing their identity. Therefore, the most appropriate developmental task for a 68-year-old client is dealing with the loss of friends.

4. The nurse assesses a 2-year-old who is admitted for dehydration and finds that the peripheral IV rate by gravity has slowed, even though the venous access site is healthy. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Apply a warm compress proximal to the site.
• B. Check for kinks in the tubing and raise the IV pole.
• C. Adjust the tape that stabilizes the needle.
• D. Flush with normal saline and recount the drop rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When encountering a slowed peripheral IV rate, the nurse should initially check for common factors affecting infusion rates. Factors such as the height of the IV bag, presence of kinks in the tubing, needle size or position, client blood pressure, fluid viscosity, and infiltration can impact the rate. It is crucial to ensure the tubing is free of any kinks and that the IV pole is at an appropriate height to facilitate proper flow by gravity. Applying warmth proximal to the site might help with venospasm, but this intervention should come after ensuring proper tubing flow. Adjusting the tape that stabilizes the needle or flushing with normal saline may be necessary later in the troubleshooting process, but these actions should follow checking for kinks and adjusting the IV pole height, which are less invasive interventions.

5. Which statement regarding an interpreter is correct?

• A. Relatives or friends of the client cannot serve as interpreters.
• B. The interpreter should aim to convey meaning rather than provide literal translations.
• C. Interpreting not only the language but also the culture is important.
• D. The interpreter should be available only during client-provider communication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that interpreting not only the language but also the culture is important. Health care facilities should provide professional interpreters to ensure accurate communication with clients who do not speak English proficiently. It is crucial for interpreters to understand and convey cultural nuances to prevent misunderstandings. Relatives or friends of the client should not serve as interpreters as they may not be impartial or adequately skilled. Providing literal word-for-word translations is not always effective as it may not capture the intended meaning. Interpreters should be available throughout the client's care process, not just during direct communication, to ensure effective and culturally sensitive care.

Similar Questions