Nursing Elites

1. A client with cancer develops xerostomia. The nurse can help alleviate the discomfort associated with xerostomia by:

• A. Offering hard candy
• B. Administering analgesic medications
• C. Splinting swollen joints
• D. Providing saliva substitute

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Xerostomia is dry mouth, a common side effect in cancer patients. Providing a saliva substitute helps alleviate the discomfort associated with dry mouth by moistening the oral mucosa. Offering hard candy, as mentioned in choice A, can worsen xerostomia by increasing sugar content and potentially causing irritation. Administering analgesic medications, as in choice B, is not directly related to treating dry mouth. Splinting swollen joints, as in choice C, is irrelevant to xerostomia, which primarily affects the oral cavity.

2. A teenage client is admitted to the hospital because of an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Overdoses of acetaminophen can precipitate life-threatening abnormalities in which of the following organs?

• A. lungs
• B. liver
• C. kidneys
• D. adrenal glands

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetaminophen is extensively metabolized in the liver. An acetaminophen overdose can lead to severe liver damage and even liver failure, which can be life-threatening. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Acetaminophen overdose does not typically cause life-threatening problems in the lungs, kidneys, or adrenal glands. While prolonged acetaminophen use may increase the risk of renal dysfunction, a single overdose primarily affects the liver.

3. A client tells the nurse that his wife's nagging really gets on his nerves. He asks the nurse to talk with her about her nagging during their family session tomorrow afternoon. Which of the following responses is the most therapeutic for the client?

• A. "Tell me more specifically about her complaints."?
• B. "Can you think of reasons why she might nag you so much?"?
• C. "I'll help you think about how to bring this up yourself tomorrow afternoon."?
• D. "Why do you want me to initiate this in tomorrow's session rather than you?"?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most therapeutic response is to empower the client to address the issue himself. By offering assistance in thinking about how to bring up the topic during the family session, the nurse is promoting the client's autonomy and communication skills. This response encourages the client to take an active role in resolving the situation. Choices A and B focus on the wife's behavior, which is not the immediate concern during this interaction. Choice D challenges the client's request and shifts the responsibility back to the client, potentially hindering progress and discouraging open communication.

4. An elderly client denies that abuse is occurring. Which of the following factors could be a barrier for the client to admit being a victim?

• A. knowledge that elder abuse is rare
• B. personal belief that abuse is deserved
• C. lack of developmentally appropriate screening tools
• D. fear of reprisal or further violence if the incident is reported

Correct answer: D

Rationale: One of the significant barriers for elderly clients to admit being victims of abuse is the fear of reprisal or further violence if the incident is reported. Elderly individuals may be afraid of the consequences of reporting abuse, such as retaliation or increased violence from the abuser. This fear can prevent them from disclosing their victimization. Choices A and C are incorrect as knowledge of the rarity of elder abuse and the availability of appropriate screening tools do not directly impact the client's willingness to admit abuse. Choice B, personal belief that abuse is deserved, may be a factor for some individuals but is not as common or impactful as the fear of reprisal or further violence.

5. A 10-month-old child is brought to the Emergency Department because he is difficult to awaken. The nurse notes bruises on both upper arms. These findings are most consistent with:

• A. wearing clothing that is too small for the child.
• B. the child being shaken.
• C. falling while learning to walk.
• D. parents trying to awaken the child.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'the child being shaken.' In cases of suspected child abuse, bruises on both upper arms can be indicative of a child being shaken, as children who are shaken are frequently grasped by both upper arms. The presentation of a 10-month-old child being difficult to awaken, along with bruises on the upper arms, raises concern for inflicted injury. Symptoms of brain injury associated with shaking include a decreased level of consciousness. Choices A, C, and D are less likely in this scenario as they do not align with the concerning signs of suspected abuse indicated by the bruises and the child's altered level of consciousness.

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