Nursing Elites

1. A client with major depressive disorder is prescribed lithium carbonate. Which finding should the RN report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L
• B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 16 mg/dL
• C. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• D. Urine output of 800 mL in 24 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Elevated BUN levels may indicate renal impairment, which is crucial to report for clients on lithium due to its potential kidney effects. Option A, a serum lithium level of 0.8 mEq/L, is within the therapeutic range for lithium and does not require immediate reporting. Option C, a serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L, is within the normal range and not directly related to lithium therapy. Option D, urine output of 800 mL in 24 hours, may indicate a need for further assessment but is not the most critical finding to report compared to potential renal impairment indicated by an elevated BUN level.

2. A female client is brought to the emergency department after police officers found her disoriented, disorganized, and confused. The nurse also determines that the client is homeless and slightly suspicious. This client’s treatment plan should include what priority problem?

• A. Self-care deficit.
• B. Disturbed sensory perception.
• C. Ineffective community coping.
• D. Acute confusion.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Acute confusion.' In the given scenario, the client is disoriented, disorganized, and confused, indicating acute confusion. This is a priority issue to address for immediate safety and appropriate care. Option A, self-care deficit, is not the priority as the client's safety and mental status take precedence over self-care. Option B, disturbed sensory perception, is not applicable as the client's symptoms focus more on cognitive rather than sensory issues. Option C, ineffective community coping, is not the immediate concern as the client's cognitive state needs urgent attention to ensure her safety and well-being.

3. A client with schizophrenia explains that she has 20 children and then very seriously points to the nurse and explains that she is one of them. What is the most therapeutic response for the nurse to provide?

• A. Let’s go ask another nurse if this is true.
• B. My name tag shows that I am a nurse here.
• C. I cannot possibly be one of your children.
• D. I know that you don’t have 20 children.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Option B, 'My name tag shows that I am a nurse here,' is the most appropriate response as it provides clear and factual information to help the client differentiate between reality and delusion. By pointing out a concrete piece of evidence, the nurse can gently guide the client back to reality without directly challenging or contradicting their belief. Option A, 'Let’s go ask another nurse if this is true,' delays addressing the issue and doesn't provide immediate clarification. Option C, 'I cannot possibly be one of your children,' directly contradicts the client's statement and may increase distress. Option D, 'I know that you don’t have 20 children,' does not address the client's belief and can be perceived as dismissive.

4. A female client engages in repeated checks of door and window locks, behavior that prevents her from arriving on time and interferes with her ability to function effectively. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Discuss why the client checks the locks frequently
• B. Ask the client why she checks the locks
• C. Plan a daily list of activities to be carried out
• D. Determine the type and size of the locks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to ask the client why she checks the locks. By doing so, the nurse can help the client gain insight into the underlying anxiety that drives this behavior and assist her in developing new adaptive coping strategies. Choice A is not as effective as directly asking the client about her behavior. Choice C focuses on planning activities but does not address the root cause of the client's behavior. Choice D is irrelevant to addressing the client's repeated checking behavior.

5. The occupational health nurse is working with a female employee who was just notified that her child was involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and taken to the hospital. The employee states, “I can’t believe this. What should I do?” Which response is best for the nurse to provide in this crisis?

• A. Tell me what you think should be done.
• B. How serious was the collision?
• C. What do you think you should do?
• D. Call for transportation to the hospital.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a crisis situation where the female employee's child is involved in a motor vehicle accident (MVA) and taken to the hospital, the most appropriate response for the nurse is to provide immediate practical assistance. Calling for transportation to the hospital ensures that the employee can quickly reach her child in need of urgent medical attention. The other options (A, B, and C) do not address the immediate need for assistance and may not provide the necessary support required in such a critical situation.

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