Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is experiencing severe pain. Which medication is likely to be prescribed?

• A. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• B. Ibuprofen (Advil)
• C. Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
• D. Prednisone (Deltasone)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Methotrexate is commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression. It is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that helps control symptoms and prevent joint damage in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. While acetaminophen and ibuprofen are used for pain relief, they are not typically prescribed to address the underlying inflammation and disease progression associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Prednisone may be used for short-term symptom relief or during disease flares, but it is not a first-line treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

2. A recently widowed middle-aged female client presents to the psychiatric clinic for evaluation and tells the nurse that she has 'little reason to live.' She describes one previous suicidal gesture and admits to having a gun in her home. To maintain the client's confidentiality and to help ensure her safety, which action is best for the nurse to implement?

• A. Encourage the client to remove the gun from her possession.
• B. Notify the client's healthcare provider of the availability of the weapon.
• C. Contact a person of the client's choosing to remove the weapon from the home.
• D. Call the local police department and have the weapon removed from the home.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, it is crucial to maintain the client's confidentiality while ensuring her safety. Contacting a person chosen by the client to remove the weapon from her home is the best course of action. This approach respects the client's autonomy and helps reduce the risk of harm without involving external authorities unnecessarily.

3. The mental health nurse observes that a female client with delusional disorder carries some of her belongings with her because she believes that others are trying to steal them. Which nursing action will promote trust?

• A. Explain that distrust is related to feeling anxious.
• B. Initiate short, frequent contacts with the client.
• C. Explain that these beliefs are related to her illness.
• D. Offer to keep the belongings at the nurse's desk.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Initiating short, frequent contacts with the client is the most appropriate action to promote trust. This approach helps build trust and rapport, addressing the client's need for security. By maintaining regular contact, the nurse can provide reassurance and support, which can help alleviate the client's anxiety related to her delusional beliefs. Choice A does not directly address the client's need for trust and security. Choice C focuses on the client's illness but does not actively address building trust. Choice D, offering to keep the belongings at the nurse's desk, may not be well-received by the client and could potentially worsen her anxiety and distrust.

4. A client receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) through a central line suddenly develops dyspnea, chest pain, and a drop in blood pressure. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Stop the TPN infusion.
• B. Notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Place the client in Trendelenburg position.
• D. Administer oxygen at 2 liters/minute.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Placing the client in Trendelenburg position should be the initial action as it can help manage a suspected air embolism, a potential complication of TPN administration. This position helps trap air in the apex of the atrium, reducing the risk of air reaching the pulmonary circulation and causing further harm. Once the client is in a safe position, further actions such as stopping the TPN infusion, notifying the healthcare provider, and administering oxygen can be taken as appropriate.

5. Following a CVA, the nurse assesses that a client has developed dysphagia, hypoactive bowel sounds, and a firm, distended abdomen. Which prescription for the client should the nurse question?

• A. Continuous tube feeding at 65 ml/hr via gastrostomy.
• B. Total parenteral nutrition to be infused at 125 ml/hour.
• C. Nasogastric tube connected to low intermittent suction.
• D. Metoclopramide (Reglan) intermittent piggyback.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with dysphagia and gastrointestinal symptoms such as hypoactive bowel sounds and a firm, distended abdomen, continuous tube feeding might exacerbate the symptoms. This can lead to complications and should be questioned by the nurse.

Similar Questions