Nursing Elites

1. A newly admitted patient with major depression has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

• A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• B. Chronic low self-esteem
• C. Risk for suicide
• D. Hopelessness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for suicide.' When a patient presents with major depression, significant weight loss, suicidal ideation, and lack of symptom improvement despite medication, the immediate concern is to address the risk of suicide. 'Risk for suicide' takes precedence as it involves a direct threat to the patient's life. 'Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements' may be a concern but does not take priority over the risk of suicide. 'Chronic low self-esteem' and 'Hopelessness' are relevant issues in depression but are not as urgent as addressing the immediate risk of suicidal behavior.

2. The nurse suspects that a client is withholding health-related information out of fear of discovery and possible legal problems. The nurse formulates nursing diagnoses for the client carefully, being concerned about a diagnostic error resulting from which of the following?

• A. Incomplete data
• B. Generalizing from experience
• C. Identifying with the client
• D. Lack of clinical experience

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is cautious about potential diagnostic errors due to incomplete data. When a client withholds information, it can lead to incomplete data, which may result in inaccurate nursing diagnoses and care planning. Therefore, the nurse's primary concern is collecting accurate data to make informed clinical decisions. Choices B, C, and D are not relevant to the situation described. Generalizing from experience, identifying with the client, and lack of clinical experience do not directly address the issue of incomplete data impacting the diagnostic process.

3. During the examination, it is often appropriate to offer some brief teaching about the patient's body or the examiner's findings. Which one of these statements by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. "Your atrial dysrhythmias are under control."?
• B. "You have pitting edema and mild varicosities."?
• C. "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range."?
• D. "I'm using my stethoscope to listen for any crackles, wheezes, or rubs in your lungs."?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During an examination, providing brief educational information to the patient can enhance rapport, as long as the patient can comprehend the terminology. The most appropriate statement from the nurse is "Your pulse is 80 beats per minute, which is within the normal range." This statement conveys a vital sign in a way that is likely understandable to the patient. Choices A, B, and D use terminology that may be unfamiliar or confusing to the patient. Option A mentions 'atrial dysrhythmias,' which might not be clear to the patient. Option B involves terms like 'pitting edema' and 'varicosities,' which could be unfamiliar to the patient. Option D references 'crackles,' 'wheezes,' and 'rubs,' which might not be easily understood by the patient.

4. When providing endotracheal suctioning, for how long should the nurse suction the endotracheal tube of an intubated client on a ventilator at a time?

• A. Five seconds or less
• B. Ten seconds or less
• C. At least 30 seconds
• D. No longer than 60 seconds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When providing endotracheal suctioning, the nurse should suction for no longer than ten seconds at a time. Suctioning for longer than ten seconds may cause hypoxia or bronchospasm. Extended suctioning may also place the client at risk of injury to the bronchial and tracheal structures. Choices C and D suggest prolonged suctioning durations that can lead to adverse effects on the client. Choice A, suctioning for five seconds or less, may not be adequate to clear secretions effectively, making choice B the most appropriate duration for safe and efficient suctioning in this scenario.

5. Your patient ate an 8-ounce cup of Italian ice. How much will you record on the patient's Intake and Output form in terms of this patient's fluid intake?

• A. 240 cc
• B. 120 cc
• C. 8 cc
• D. 0 cc because Italian ice is not a fluid

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 240 cc. Italian ice is considered a fluid, so you would record the intake of 240 cc. Choice B (120 cc) and Choice C (8 cc) are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct amount of fluid intake from an 8-ounce cup of Italian ice. Choice D (0 cc) is incorrect because Italian ice does count as a fluid intake and should be recorded as such.

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