Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is assessing a patient with chronic pain. Which finding is most concerning?

• A. The patient reports a pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• B. The patient is lying still and refuses to move.
• C. The patient's pain persists despite medication.
• D. The patient reports feeling anxious and restless.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of chronic pain management, the most concerning finding is when the patient's pain persists despite medication. This suggests inadequate pain control or the need for a re-evaluation of the treatment plan. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning in this scenario. A pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10 is moderate and may be manageable with appropriate interventions. Patients with chronic pain can sometimes lie still due to pain or other reasons, and anxiety and restlessness are common in individuals with pain conditions but may not necessarily indicate a critical issue like uncontrolled pain.

2. A family was referred to crisis intervention services after a natural disaster. One family member refuses to attend, stating, 'No way, I'm not crazy.' What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Don't worry now. The psychiatrists are well trained to help.
• B. Many times, disasters can create mental health problems, so you really should participate with your family.
• C. This will help your family communicate better.
• D. Seeking this kind of help does not mean that you have a mental illness; it is a short-term problem-solving technique.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should reassure the family member that seeking help does not imply mental illness, but is part of coping with the disaster.

3. A forensic nurse is using the epidemiological triangle to explain factors that contribute to violent behavior. Which of the following factors should the nurse identify as an environmental factor in the epidemiological triangle?

• A. Crowded living conditions
• B. Traumatic brain injury
• C. Alzheimer's disease
• D. Impaired coping abilities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Crowded living conditions are considered an environmental factor in the epidemiological triangle as they can contribute to the spread of violence. In this context, environmental factors refer to external influences such as social and physical environments. Traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and impaired coping abilities are not typically classified as environmental factors in the epidemiological triangle. Traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease are more related to individual health conditions, while impaired coping abilities are more focused on individual psychological factors rather than external environmental influences.

4. A patient with heart failure needs education on fluid restrictions. What is the most important information to provide?

• A. Monitor the patient's weight daily.
• B. Provide the patient with a fluid restriction plan.
• C. Instruct the patient to avoid salty foods.
• D. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important information to provide to a patient with heart failure regarding fluid restrictions is to provide them with a fluid restriction plan. This plan helps the patient manage their fluid intake effectively, which is crucial in preventing complications associated with heart failure. Monitoring weight daily can be a part of the plan but is not the most important. Instructing the patient to avoid salty foods is beneficial but not as crucial as having a structured fluid restriction plan. Encouraging the patient to increase fluid intake would be counterproductive and potentially harmful in a patient with heart failure.

5. The client has a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The family asks the nurse to ignore the DNR if the client codes. What is the nurse's responsibility?

• A. Follow the family's wishes
• B. Explain that the DNR must be honored
• C. Ignore the DNR and proceed with CPR
• D. Perform CPR if the client codes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Explain that the DNR must be honored.' The nurse's responsibility is to follow the DNR order, as it is a legal and ethical obligation. Choice A is incorrect because following the family's wishes would go against the established DNR order. Choice C is incorrect as ignoring the DNR order is not appropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as performing CPR would be contrary to the client's expressed wishes in the DNR order.

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