Nursing Elites

1. A male client with schizophrenia is jerking his neck and smacking his lips. Which finding indicates to the nurse that he is experiencing an irreversible side effect of antipsychotic agents?

• A. Cramping muscular pain
• B. Worming movements of the tongue
• C. Decreased tendon reflexes
• D. Dry oral mucous membranes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Worming movements of the tongue. Worming movements of the tongue, known as tardive dyskinesia, are an irreversible side effect of antipsychotic medications. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, trunk, and extremities. Cramping muscular pain (Choice A) is more indicative of dystonia, an extrapyramidal side effect that can be treated effectively with antiparkinsonian medications. Decreased tendon reflexes (Choice C) are not typically associated with irreversible side effects of antipsychotic agents. Dry oral mucous membranes (Choice D) are not specific to irreversible side effects of antipsychotic medications.

2. The nurse is planning to assess a client's oxygen saturation to determine if additional oxygen is needed via nasal cannula. The client has bilateral below-the-knee amputations and weak, thread pedal pulses. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Document that an accurate oxygen saturation reading cannot be obtained
• B. Elevate the client's hands for five minutes prior to obtaining a reading from the finger
• C. Increase the oxygen based on the client's breathing patterns and lung sounds
• D. Place the oximeter clip on the earlobe to obtain the oxygen saturation reading

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Placing the oximeter clip on the earlobe is appropriate for clients with poor peripheral circulation, such as those with weak and thread pedal pulses due to bilateral below-the-knee amputations. This placement can provide a more accurate reading of oxygen saturation in such clients. Choice A is incorrect because alternative methods, such as earlobe placement, can be used to obtain accurate readings. Choice B is unnecessary and not related to obtaining an accurate oxygen saturation reading. Choice C is incorrect because increasing oxygen without assessing the oxygen saturation level first can be detrimental and is not based on evidence-based practice.

3. A female client with fibromyalgia asks the nurse to arrange for hospice care to help her manage the severe, chronic pain. Which interdisciplinary team member should the nurse consult to assist the client?

• A. Contact a hospice nurse for an evaluation
• B. Arrange an appointment with a pain specialist
• C. Ask for a consultation with a psychologist
• D. Form an interdisciplinary team for evaluation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the most appropriate interdisciplinary team member for the nurse to consult is a hospice nurse. Hospice nurses specialize in managing pain and symptom control, which aligns with the client's needs for managing severe chronic pain. While pain specialists (choice B) focus on pain management, in this case, the client specifically requested hospice care for pain management. Consulting a psychologist (choice C) may be beneficial for addressing psychological aspects, but the client's immediate need is pain management. Forming an interdisciplinary team (choice D) is not as specific as consulting a hospice nurse, who has the specialized skills required to address the client's pain effectively.

4. What explanation is best for the nurse to provide a client who asks the purpose of using the log-rolling technique for turning?

• A. Working together can decrease the risk of back injury.
• B. The technique is intended to maintain straight spinal alignment.
• C. Using two or three people increases client safety.
• D. Turning instead of pulling reduces the likelihood of skin damage.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The technique is intended to maintain straight spinal alignment.' Log-rolling is a technique used to move a person as a single unit to maintain the alignment of the spinal column. This is crucial to prevent spinal cord injury, especially in clients with suspected spine fractures. Choice A is incorrect because log-rolling focuses on spinal alignment, not just decreasing back injury risks. Choice C is incorrect because the number of people involved is not the primary purpose of log-rolling, which is maintaining spinal alignment. Choice D is incorrect because while turning instead of pulling may help prevent skin damage, the primary goal of log-rolling is to protect the spine, not the skin.

5. A client is admitted with the diagnosis of Wernicke’s syndrome. What assessment finding should the nurse use in planning the client’s care?

• A. Right lower abdominal pain
• B. Confusion
• C. Depression
• D. Peripheral neuropathy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Confusion is a key symptom of Wernicke’s syndrome, which is due to thiamine deficiency. Wernicke’s syndrome is characterized by a triad of symptoms known as the classic triad, which includes confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Right lower abdominal pain, depression, and peripheral neuropathy are not typically associated with Wernicke’s syndrome, making them incorrect choices for this question.

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