Nursing Elites

1. A health care provider discusses with a client the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy. After the health care provider leaves the room, the client tells the nurse about being relieved that only minor surgery is necessary. Which psychological process explains this client's reaction?

• A. Reflection
• B. Regression
• C. Repudiation
• D. Reconciliation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client's reaction of believing that only minor surgery is necessary when faced with the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy is an example of repudiation. Repudiation involves a refusal to acknowledge anticipated loss as a defense mechanism against the overwhelming stress of illness. The client is psychologically denying the seriousness of the situation. The other choices are incorrect because: - Reflection (Choice A) does not apply since the client is not contemplating the issues of the situation. - Regression (Choice B) is not demonstrated as the client's behavior does not indicate reverting to an earlier stage of development. - Reconciliation (Choice D) is not applicable as the client has not made a realistic adjustment to the illness but rather is in denial of its severity.

2. A patient with major depression who has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention is most directly related to this outcome: 'Patient will refrain from gestures and attempts to harm self'?

• A. Implement suicide precautions.
• B. Frequently offer high-calorie snacks and fluids.
• C. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
• D. Observe patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Implementing suicide precautions is the most critical intervention in this scenario as it directly addresses the patient's safety and the prevention of self-harm. The patient's significant weight loss, chronic low self-esteem, suicide plan, and recent initiation of an antidepressant medication indicate a high risk of self-harm. Suicide precautions involve close monitoring, removing harmful objects, and ensuring a safe environment to prevent the patient from acting on suicidal thoughts. While offering high-calorie snacks and fluids, assisting the patient in identifying personal strengths, and observing for therapeutic effects of the antidepressant are important aspects of care, they do not directly address the immediate risk of self-harm that implementing suicide precautions does.

3. A client asks the nurse, 'Should I tell my partner that I just found out I'm human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive?' Which is the nurse's most appropriate response?

• A. Do not tell your partner unless asked.
• B. This is a decision you alone can make.
• C. You are having difficulty deciding what to say.
• D. Tell your partner that you don't know how you became sick.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to acknowledge the client's struggle in deciding what to communicate to their partner. By stating 'You are having difficulty deciding what to say,' the nurse validates the client's feelings and encourages further discussion. Option A is incorrect as it suggests withholding information unless asked, which may not align with ethical principles of honesty and transparency in relationships. Option B, while acknowledging the client's autonomy, does not provide direct support or guidance. Option D is inappropriate as it involves dishonesty by suggesting telling the partner an untruthful reason for the illness.

4. Which characteristic usually results in a behavior being viewed and accepted as normal?

• A. Fits within standards accepted by one's society
• B. Helps the person reduce the need for coping skills
• C. Allows the person to express feelings and thoughts
• D. Facilitates achievement of short-term and long-term goals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Behaviors that align with the standards accepted by a society are generally viewed as normal. Societal norms and values play a significant role in defining what is considered normal behavior. Choices B, C, and D may be important aspects of an individual's functioning, but they do not solely determine whether a behavior is viewed as normal. Coping skills, expressions of feelings, and goal achievement can vary in their cultural context and societal acceptance, therefore they are not definitive indicators of normalcy.

5. The nurse is preparing an older client for discharge. Which method is best for the nurse to use when evaluating the client's ability to perform a dressing change at home?

• A. Determine how well the client can change the dressing.
• B. Ask the client to demonstrate the procedure.
• C. Seek a family member's opinion on the client's dressing change ability.
• D. Observe the client change the dressing unassisted.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best method for the nurse to evaluate the client's ability to perform a dressing change at home is by observing the client change the dressing unassisted. Direct observation allows the nurse to assess if the client has mastered the skill and provides an opportunity to confirm the proficiency. Options A, B, and C do not offer the same level of assessment as direct observation. Option A incorrectly focuses on the client's feelings rather than their actual performance ability. Option B, asking the client to demonstrate the procedure, may not accurately reflect their practical skills. Option C, seeking a family member's opinion, introduces potential bias and may not provide an accurate assessment of the client's ability to perform the dressing change independently.

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