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. A client admitted with a diagnosis of cervical cancer tells the nurse, 'I haven't had a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear for more than 8 years. I probably wouldn't be in the hospital today if I'd had those tests more often.' Which response would the nurse provide?

• A. ''Please tell me why you waited so long.''
• B. 'You feel as though you've neglected your health.''
• C. 'It's never too late to start taking care of yourself.''
• D. 'Most women hate to have Pap smears done, but they're really important.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response, ''You feel as though you've neglected your health,'' is appropriate as it indicates recognition of expressed feelings, encouraging verbalization. This response is nondirective and reflective. Choice A, asking the client why she waited so long, ignores the client's current emotional needs and may cut off communication. Choice C, stating that it is never too late to start taking care of her health, is judgmental as it implies that the client has been negligent. Choice D, although acknowledging the importance of Pap smears, fails to address the client's current emotional state and needs.

3. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?

• A. Increase in pulse rate
• B. Widened pulse pressure
• C. Increase in body temperature
• D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.

4. When bathing an uncircumcised boy older than 3 years, which action should the nurse take?

• A. Remind the child to clean his genital area.
• B. Defer perineal care because of the child's age.
• C. Retract the foreskin gently to cleanse the penis
• D. Ask the parents why the child is not circumcised

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When bathing an uncircumcised boy older than 3 years, it is essential to gently retract the foreskin to cleanse the penis. This helps in preventing the buildup of bacteria and maintaining good hygiene. Reminding the child to clean his genital area (Option A) may not be effective due to the child's cognitive development level. Perineal care should not be deferred (Option B) as it is necessary for maintaining hygiene at any age. Asking the parents why the child is not circumcised (Option D) is not relevant to the immediate care required during bathing.

5. A client experiences postpartum hemorrhage eight hours after the birth of twins. Following administration of IV fluids and 500 ml of whole blood, her hemoglobin and hematocrit are within normal limits. She asks the nurse whether she should continue to breastfeed the infants. Which of the following is based on sound rationale?

• A. Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.
• B. Breastfeeding twins will take too much energy after the hemorrhage.
• C. The blood transfusion may increase the risks to you and the babies.
• D. Lactation should be delayed until the 'real milk' is secreted.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Nursing will help contract the uterus and reduce your risk of bleeding.' Stimulation of the breast during nursing releases oxytocin, which contracts the uterus. This contraction is especially important following hemorrhage. Choice B is incorrect because breastfeeding can actually help prevent further bleeding by promoting uterine contractions. Choice C is incorrect as the blood transfusion is aimed at restoring the client's blood volume and should not significantly impact the babies. Choice D is incorrect as lactation should not be delayed, as breastfeeding can provide numerous benefits to both the mother and infants, including aiding in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.

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