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. As a charge nurse, what is your primary responsibility for a 50-year-old blind and deaf patient admitted to your floor?

• A. Inform others about the patient's deficits.
• B. Communicate patient safety concerns to your supervisor.
• C. Provide continuous updates to the patient about the social environment.
• D. Provide a secure environment for the patient.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The primary responsibility of the charge nurse for a blind and deaf patient is to provide a secure environment. Ensuring patient safety is crucial to prevent medical errors and adverse outcomes. By creating a safe environment, the nurse can protect the patient from harm and promote well-being. Option A is incorrect as the focus should be on ensuring patient safety rather than highlighting deficits. Option B is not the primary responsibility in this scenario, as the immediate concern is the patient's safety. Option C is irrelevant and does not address the patient's primary needs, which are safety and security.

3. Which of the following statements best describes substance P?

• A. Substance P decreases a client's sensitivity to pain
• B. Substance P levels are drawn before administration of narcotic analgesics
• C. Substance P is found in the brain and is responsible for pain control and management of depression
• D. Substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Substance P is a neurotransmitter found in the brain and the dorsal horn of the spinal column, not just in the brain. It is associated with pain transmission and modulation. Substance P is known to cause inflammation, edema, and pain. While it plays a role in pain perception, it does not decrease a client's sensitivity to pain (Choice A), nor are its levels typically drawn before administering narcotic analgesics (Choice B). Although substance P is involved in pain control, it is not responsible for managing depression (Choice C). Therefore, the correct statement is that substance P is found in the dorsal horn of the spinal column.

4. The functional health pattern assessment data states: 'Eats three meals a day and is of normal weight for height.' The nurse should draw which of the following conclusions about this data? Select all that apply.

• A. Client has an actual health problem
• B. Client has a wellness diagnosis
• C. Collaborative health problem needs to be written
• D. Possible nursing diagnosis exists

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The assessment data provided indicates a healthy pattern of nutrition and a normal weight for height, suggesting a positive health status. This aligns with a wellness diagnosis, such as 'Potential for enhanced nutrition,' which focuses on improving health further. An actual health problem refers to a current health issue present in the client, which is not evident in this data. Collaborative health problems involve interprofessional collaboration and are not indicated based on the information provided. While a diet assessment may be needed to evaluate food quality, the initial data suggests a wellness-focused approach to care.

5. A client is taking a walk down the hallway when she suddenly realizes that she needs to use the restroom. Although she tries to make it to the bathroom on time, she is incontinent of urine before reaching the toilet. What type of incontinence does this situation represent?

• A. Relex incontinence
• B. Urge incontinence
• C. Total incontinence
• D. Functional incontinence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Functional incontinence occurs when a client develops an urge to void but may not be able to reach the toilet in time. In this scenario, the client had the urge to use the restroom but was unable to make it in time, leading to incontinence. Functional incontinence may be related to conditions that cause the client to forget bladder sensation until the last minute, such as cognitive changes, or the client may have mobility problems that prevent her from reaching the bathroom in time. Choice A, Reflex incontinence, is incorrect as reflex incontinence is characterized by the involuntary loss of urine due to hyperreflexia of the detrusor muscle. Choice B, Urge incontinence, is not the correct answer as urge incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine associated with a strong desire to void. Choice C, Total incontinence, is also incorrect as it refers to the continuous and unpredictable loss of urine, not specifically related to the inability to reach the toilet in time.

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