Nursing Elites

1. A college athlete sustained a complete transection of the spinal cord while practicing on a trampoline. The health care provider explained that return of function to the lower extremities is not likely. Two weeks later, the client verbalizes the need to practice for an upcoming tournament. Which conclusion would the nurse make about the client's statement?

• A. Exhibiting denial
• B. Verbalizing a fantasy
• C. No longer able to adapt
• D. Motivated to recover mobility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Exhibiting denial.' Denial is a common defense mechanism when facing a serious health issue. The individual rejects the existence of the problem due to the overwhelming anxiety and emotional distress it causes. In this case, the athlete's desire to practice for an upcoming tournament despite being informed about the unlikely return of lower extremity function indicates denial of the severity of their condition. Choice B, 'Verbalizing a fantasy,' is incorrect as a fantasy involves creating imagined events to fulfill unconscious wishes, which is not evident here. Choice C, 'No longer able to adapt,' is incorrect because the client is actually demonstrating a maladaptive coping mechanism by denying the reality of their situation. Choice D, 'Motivated to recover mobility,' is incorrect as the client's goal of practicing for a tournament does not align with the realistic expectation of recovering mobility after a complete spinal cord transection.

2. A female client who is undergoing infertility testing is taught how to examine her cervical mucus. After listening to the instructions, the client says, 'That sounds gross. I don't think I can do it.' Which conclusion would the nurse make from this statement?

• A. The client is unduly fastidious.
• B. The client feels that having a baby is not that important.
• C. The client may be uncomfortable with performing manual examination of the genitals.
• D. The client is afraid that she is the cause of the infertility.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client's statement expressing discomfort with the procedure indicates a potential unease with performing a manual examination of her genitals. It is not uncommon for individuals to feel uncomfortable or anxious about such intimate procedures. The nurse should explore this further with the client to address any concerns or fears. The option stating that the client is unduly fastidious lacks evidence and is not supported by the client's statement. The assumption that the client does not value having a baby is not warranted based on the given statement. While self-blame is a common emotional response in cases of infertility, the client's statement does not directly suggest this as the primary concern in this scenario.

3. A teenager begins to cry while talking with the nurse about the problem of not being able to make friends. Which is the correct therapeutic nursing intervention?

• A. Sitting quietly with the client
• B. Telling the client that crying is not helpful
• C. Suggesting that the client play a board game
• D. Recommending how the client can change this situation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct therapeutic nursing intervention in this situation is sitting quietly with the client. This approach conveys empathy, acceptance, and a willingness to listen, which can help the teenager feel supported and understood. It is important for the nurse to create a safe space for the client to express their emotions without judgment. Telling the client that crying is not helpful dismisses their feelings and can hinder the therapeutic relationship. Suggesting a board game as a distraction may prevent the client from fully exploring and addressing their emotions about the issue. Recommending how the client can change the situation may be premature at this stage, as the priority is to provide emotional support and establish trust before delving into problem-solving.

4. After 5 years of unprotected intercourse, a childless couple comes to the fertility clinic. The husband tells the nurse that his parents have promised to make a down payment on a house for them if his wife gets pregnant this year. Which response would the nurse provide?

• A. ''This must be very difficult for you with this added pressure.''
• B. 'Having a child is a decision you should make without your parents' input.''
• C. 'You're lucky. It's nice that your parents are making such a generous offer.''
• D. ''Five years without a pregnancy is a long time. You were right to come to the fertility clinic.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response acknowledges the emotional challenge the couple is facing due to the added pressure of the incentive from the husband's parents. By expressing empathy and understanding, the nurse encourages the couple to open up about their feelings and concerns. Choice B is not the best response as it dismisses the husband's situation and fails to address the emotional impact of the added pressure. Choice C focuses on the parents' offer rather than the couple's emotional state, which is not the primary concern in this situation. Choice D, mentioning the duration of infertility, may come across as insensitive and may hinder open communication by potentially making the couple feel judged or discouraged.

5. A client injured in a motor vehicle accident was brought to the emergency department and taken immediately for a scan. The client's family arrives and asks about the client's condition. Which response would the nurse provide?

• A. Please do not worry; everything will be all right.
• B. I am sorry; I do not have any information about the client.
• C. You will have to wait for the primary health care provider.
• D. Please wait; I will update you as soon as I have any information.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, the most appropriate response for the nurse to provide to the client's family is to assure them that they will be updated as soon as there is relevant information available. This response not only acknowledges the family's concern but also demonstrates the nurse's commitment to keeping them informed. Option A, providing false reassurances, is not advisable as it may impact the family's ability to cope with potential bad news. Option B, stating that the nurse has no information, is not helpful and can cause distress. Option C, directing the family to the primary health care provider, is not ideal as the nurse should strive to communicate directly with the family to establish trust and provide support.

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