Nursing Elites

1. A client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Inform the client that the blood pressure is high and compare the reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings for accuracy.
• B. Contact the health care provider to report the reading and obtain a prescription for an antihypertensive medication.
• C. Replace the cuff with a larger one to ensure a proper fit for the client and increase arm comfort during blood pressure measurement.
• D. Compare the current reading with the client's previously documented blood pressure readings.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a client's blood pressure reading is 156/94 mm Hg is to compare the current reading with the client's previously documented readings. This comparison helps determine whether the current reading is abnormal for the client. Option A, which involves informing the client that the blood pressure is high and comparing it with the previous readings, is appropriate as it educates the client and aids in accurate assessment. Option B, contacting the health care provider for medication, is premature without further assessment. Option C, replacing the cuff with a larger one, is incorrect as it may affect the accuracy of the blood pressure measurement and is not a standard practice for managing high blood pressure readings.

2. Which of the following examples indicates that the nurse is giving recognition as a form of therapeutic communication?

• A. You need to take your medicine now, Adam.
• B. Jill, your father is trying to make amends with you.
• C. The physician wants to meet with you and your husband, Amy.
• D. Linda, you brushed your hair this morning.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Recognition is a form of therapeutic communication in which the nurse points out a positive aspect of the client's behavior. Noting that a client brushed her hair herself indicates that the nurse recognizes the client's attempts at self-care. This recognition shows the client that the nurse is paying attention and may be open to further communication. Choices A, B, and C do not demonstrate recognition. Choice A focuses on a directive statement, Choice B involves informing the client about a situation without acknowledging their actions, and Choice C informs the client about a meeting without providing recognition for any behavior.

3. A 28-year-old woman is recovering from her third consecutive spontaneous abortion in 2 years. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for this client at her follow-up appointment?

• A. Focusing on the client's physical needs
• B. Encouraging the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss
• C. Reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again
• D. Encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client recovering from multiple spontaneous abortions is to encourage the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss. This allows the client to express and process her emotions, facilitating the grieving process and emotional healing. Focusing solely on the client's physical needs, as in choice A, overlooks the importance of addressing the emotional aspect of the client's experience. Choice C, reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again, fails to acknowledge the current loss and may minimize the client's feelings of grief. Choice D, encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future, does not directly address the client's immediate emotional needs related to the recent loss. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate intervention to support the client in coping with her emotional distress.

4. Which response would the nurse provide to a client in labor at 32 weeks' gestation who tells the nurse that she and her husband are very concerned because the baby will be born 2 months early?

• A. ''You should be concerned. I feel for you.''
• B. 'If you're concerned, let's talk about it.''
• C. ''Try not to worry about it; just concentrate on your labor.''
• D. 'Don't worry; the care of preterm babies has greatly improved.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: ''If you're concerned, let's talk about it.'' Offering to talk with the client encourages her to verbalize concerns, serving as an outlet for tension. The nurse's first step should be to listen to the client's concerns and emotions before providing more specific information. Choice A is incorrect as telling the client she should be concerned reinforces fears and conveys sympathy rather than empathy. Choice C is incorrect because telling the client not to worry and just concentrate on labor denies the client's feelings and cuts off communication. Choice D is incorrect as telling the client not to worry because care has improved denies the client's feelings and provides false reassurance.

5. A nurse is assigned to care for a close friend in the hospital setting. Which action should the nurse take first when given the assignment?

• A. Notify the friend that all medical information will be kept confidential.
• B. Explain the relationship to the charge nurse and ask for reassignment.
• C. Approach the client and ask if the assignment is uncomfortable.
• D. Accept the assignment but protect the client's confidentiality.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse is assigned to care for a close friend, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries to ensure the best care for the client and the nurse. The most appropriate action for the nurse to take first is to explain the relationship to the charge nurse and ask for reassignment (B). This is important to avoid potential conflicts of interest and maintain objectivity in the care provided. Option A, notifying the friend about confidentiality, may not address the underlying issue of the conflict of interest. Option C, asking the client if the assignment is uncomfortable, may not be appropriate as it puts the client in a difficult position. Option D, accepting the assignment but protecting the client's confidentiality, does not address the conflict of interest and potential ethical issues that may arise from caring for a close friend.

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