Nursing Elites

1. How should a nurse respond to a client with terminal cancer who has requested a change in the level of pain medication?

• A. Increase the dosage without consulting the healthcare provider.
• B. Consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication.
• C. Ignore the request as the client is near the end of life.
• D. Increase the medication to reduce pain faster.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the medication. It is crucial for the healthcare provider to be involved in changing pain medication for a client with terminal cancer to ensure that the new dosage is appropriate and safe. Option A is incorrect because adjusting medication without consulting the healthcare provider can be dangerous and is not within the scope of the nurse's practice. Option C is incorrect because ignoring the client's request goes against the principles of patient-centered care. Option D is incorrect as the primary goal should be to provide effective pain relief with the appropriate dosage, not to increase the medication arbitrarily.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has schizophrenia about thioridazine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Report any sign of infection to the provider immediately
• B. Expect your blood pressure to increase
• C. Easy bruising may occur while taking this medication
• D. Muscle rigidity is an expected adverse effect during the first few days of therapy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Report any sign of infection to the provider immediately.' This instruction is essential for clients taking thioridazine or other antipsychotic medications. Thioridazine does not typically affect blood pressure or cause easy bruising. Muscle rigidity is more commonly associated with other antipsychotic medications. Reporting signs of infection promptly is crucial as antipsychotic medications can affect the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Early detection and treatment of infections help prevent complications and ensure proper medication management.

3. A healthcare provider is assessing a client who has carpal tunnel syndrome. The provider should expect which of the following findings?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Cool extremities
• C. Positive Phalen's sign
• D. Decreased radial pulse

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Phalen's sign is often positive in clients with carpal tunnel syndrome due to nerve compression. Chvostek's sign (Choice A) is related to hypocalcemia, cool extremities (Choice B) are not typically associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and decreased radial pulse (Choice D) is not a common finding in carpal tunnel syndrome.

4. If a client refuses surgery, but the family insists, what should the nurse do in this situation?

• A. Respect the family's decision and proceed with the surgery.
• B. Respect the client's decision and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Try to mediate between the family and the client.
• D. Encourage the client to follow their family's wishes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should respect the client's decision and notify the healthcare provider. The client has the right to refuse treatment, and the nurse must advocate for the client's autonomy. Proceeding with the surgery against the client's wishes would violate their autonomy and ethical principles. Trying to mediate between the family and the client may be appropriate, but ultimately, the client's decision should be respected. Encouraging the client to follow their family's wishes disregards the client's autonomy and is not ethically appropriate.

5. A patient with severe pain and leg swelling is admitted. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Check for signs of deep vein thrombosis.
• B. Assess for compartment syndrome.
• C. Increase the patient's fluid intake.
• D. Prepare the patient for surgery to relieve pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient presents with severe pain and leg swelling, the nurse should assess for compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition that can develop due to increased pressure within a muscle compartment, leading to compromised circulation and potential tissue damage. It is crucial to identify compartment syndrome promptly as it may require immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Checking for signs of deep vein thrombosis (Choice A) is also important in a patient with leg swelling, but in this scenario, the focus should be on assessing for compartment syndrome due to the severity of the symptoms. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) may not address the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms. Preparing the patient for surgery (Choice D) without a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis is premature and may not be the appropriate initial intervention.

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