Nursing Elites

1. A client who is newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis is obviously upset and asks, 'Am I going to die?' Which response would the nurse make?

• A. Most individuals with your disease live a normal life span.
• B. Is your family here? I would like to explain your disease to all of you.
• C. The prognosis varies, as most individuals have remissions and exacerbations.
• D. Why don't you speak with your health care provider to get more details?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response to the client's question regarding their prognosis is to acknowledge the variable nature of multiple sclerosis by stating that 'The prognosis varies, as most individuals have remissions and exacerbations.' This response provides realistic information while offering some hope. Choice A ('Most individuals with your disease live a normal life span.') gives false reassurance as repeated exacerbations may affect life span. Choice B ('Is your family here? I would like to explain your disease to all of you.') does not directly address the client's question and involves the family unnecessarily. Choice D ('Why don't you speak with your health care provider to get more details?') deflects the responsibility and does not address the client's immediate concerns about their prognosis.

2. When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle.
• B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
• C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
• D. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Solutions labeled as opened within 24 hours may be used for clean procedures, but only newly opened solutions are considered sterile. This solution is not newly opened and is out of date, so it should be discarded. Options B and C are incorrect as they involve using the expired solution. Option A is incorrect as reusing the solution after it has been opened for more than 24 hours poses a risk of contamination. Therefore, the best course of action is to discard the expired solution and obtain a new unopened bottle for sterile wound care.

3. When attempting to incorporate the Latino client's cultural background into the plan of care, which consideration is the most important?

• A. Socioeconomic considerations regarding hospitalization
• B. The meaning and attention the client places on the future
• C. The client's need to control care to ensure desired outcomes
• D. Inclusion of the family in the plan of care with the client's permission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important consideration when incorporating the Latino client's cultural background into the plan of care is the inclusion of the family in the care plan with the client's permission. In Latino cultures, family plays a vital role, and there is a strong emphasis on family support during challenging times. This support can positively impact the client's health outcomes and overall well-being. Socioeconomic status, although relevant, does not carry more weight than usual in healthcare decisions. Latino clients typically focus on the present rather than the future, and they often attribute outcomes to external factors like fate or divine intervention. While the client's need for control is important, involving the family aligns more closely with the cultural values and preferences of Latino clients.

4. What would be the first step for a nurse in efficiently addressing a situation of moral dilemma?

• A. Helping the client make a moral decision
• B. Recognizing one's own moral development level
• C. Abiding by the decision of the hospital authority
• D. Having one's own opinion that differs from the health care team

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for a nurse in efficiently addressing a moral dilemma is to recognize their own moral development level. By understanding their own moral reasoning, a nurse can effectively navigate moral challenges. Helping clients make moral decisions comes after the nurse has assessed their own moral standpoint. Abiding by hospital authority decisions may not always align with a nurse's ethical beliefs, so it's crucial for a nurse to form their own opinions and communicate concerns with the healthcare team to ensure ethical practice and decision-making.

5. An older woman has lived alone since the death of her husband 10 years ago, and she has a long list of vague complaints. Which assessment is the priority for the home health nurse to perform?

• A. Assess for feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• B. Determine if the client has unresolved grief.
• C. Determine if there are safety issues.
• D. Ask about the availability of support systems.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority assessment for the home health nurse in this scenario is to determine if there are safety issues. The client is an older woman living alone with a long list of vague complaints, indicating several risk factors. Ensuring her safety should be the primary concern. While assessing for feelings of loneliness, isolation, or grief is important, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence due to her vulnerable situation. Although assessing the availability of support systems is essential in a home health assessment, safety issues must be addressed first given the client's profile.

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