Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms from opioid addiction. What is the priority nursing intervention?

• A. Monitor for signs of respiratory depression.
• B. Administer methadone as prescribed.
• C. Provide a calm and quiet environment.
• D. Encourage fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor for signs of respiratory depression. During opioid withdrawal, the priority is to monitor the client for respiratory depression as it can be life-threatening. Respiratory depression is a serious concern during opioid withdrawal, and prompt recognition and intervention are crucial. Administering methadone as prescribed (Choice B) may be part of the treatment plan but is not the priority in this situation. Providing a calm and quiet environment (Choice C) and encouraging fluid intake to prevent dehydration (Choice D) are important aspects of care but do not take precedence over monitoring for respiratory depression.

2. A female client with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been experiencing flashbacks. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help the client?

• A. Encourage the client to talk about the trauma.
• B. Advise the client to avoid triggers that cause flashbacks.
• C. Help the client stay grounded in the present moment.
• D. Refer the client to group therapy for PTSD.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with PTSD experiencing flashbacks is to help them stay grounded in the present moment. This technique can reduce the intensity of flashbacks and provide a sense of safety. Encouraging the client to talk about the trauma (Choice A) may exacerbate the symptoms and should be done cautiously under professional guidance. Advising the client to avoid triggers (Choice B) is important, but solely relying on avoidance may not address the underlying issues. Referring the client to group therapy (Choice D) can be beneficial, but in the immediate context of managing flashbacks, grounding techniques are more appropriate.

3. A male client turns over a table in the dayroom of a psychiatric unit and threatens to throw a chair at another client. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Calmly approach the client and remove the chair from the client.
• B. Obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation.
• C. Offer feedback about the client's behavior.
• D. Summon the hospital security guards as a 'show of force.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a client is displaying aggressive behavior, the most important action for the nurse to implement is to obtain staff assistance to help diffuse the escalating situation. This approach ensures the safety of all individuals involved and prevents the situation from escalating further. Calmly approaching the client and removing the chair directly could agitate the client further and pose a risk to the nurse. Offering feedback about the client's behavior may not address the immediate safety concerns. Summoning hospital security guards as a 'show of force' should be a last resort after other de-escalation attempts have failed, as it may further provoke the client.

4. A female victim of sexual assault is being seen in the crisis center. The client states that she still feels 'as though the rape just happened yesterday,' even though it has been a few months since the incident. The appropriate nursing response is which of the following?

• A. You need to try to be realistic. The rape did not just occur.
• B. It will take some time to get over these feelings about your rape.
• C. Tell me more about the incident that causes you to feel like the rape just occurred.
• D. What do you think you can do to alleviate some of your fears about being raped again?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is to encourage the client to talk about the event that makes them feel as though the rape just occurred. This approach can help the client process their feelings and experiences, which is crucial in dealing with trauma. Choice A is dismissive and negates the client's feelings, which can be harmful. Choice B, although acknowledging the time needed to heal, does not actively address the client's current feelings. Choice D shifts the focus to future fears rather than addressing the client's current emotional state.

5. A young adult male client is admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a recent suicide attempt. His wife filed for divorce six months ago, he lost his job three months ago, and his best friend moved to another city two weeks ago. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage the client to interact with individuals who are recovering from depression.
• B. Allow the client time alone to sort out his feelings.
• C. Avoid discussing topics that upset the client.
• D. Encourage activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Encouraging activities that allow the client to exert control over his environment can be therapeutic in cases of depression and stress. It helps improve the client's sense of agency, which is essential for promoting feelings of empowerment and self-worth. Choice A could potentially be overwhelming for the client, especially considering his recent suicide attempt and ongoing stressors. Choice B might not be the most beneficial intervention as isolation could further exacerbate feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. Choice C, avoiding discussing upsetting subjects, may prevent the client from addressing and processing his emotions, hindering therapeutic progress.

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