Nursing Elites

1. A client who is terminally ill has a family member who is coping effectively with the situation. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication of effective coping?

• A. "We still have hope that everything will be okay."
• B. "This is a difficult time, but we are helping each other through this."
• C. "After he comes home, we can plan out a family reunion."
• D. "We don't need to talk about funeral arrangements at this time."

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because an effective coping strategy involves mutual support and communication within the family. This statement reflects effective coping skills as the family is shown to be helping each other through the difficult time. Choice A is incorrect as maintaining hope does not necessarily indicate effective coping. Choice C focuses on future events and may not address the current situation of coping with a terminally ill family member. Choice D avoids discussing important aspects of end-of-life planning, which may not reflect effective coping with the situation at hand.

2. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is admitted with swelling and pain in the left leg. What is the most appropriate action for the LPN/LVN to take?

• A. Apply warm compresses to the affected leg.
• B. Elevate the left leg above the level of the heart.
• C. Measure the circumference of the left leg.
• D. Administer pain medication as prescribed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the circumference of the left leg is the most appropriate action for an LPN/LVN when assessing a client with a history of DVT and presenting with swelling and pain in the left leg. This measurement helps to assess the extent of swelling objectively and monitor changes in the client's condition. Applying warm compresses (Choice A) may worsen the condition by potentially promoting clot development. Elevating the left leg above the level of the heart (Choice B) is generally recommended for DVT to improve venous return, but measuring the circumference is more appropriate in this scenario. Administering pain medication (Choice D) does not address the underlying issue and should not be the initial action taken.

3. A nurse at a provider’s office is discussing routine screenings with a 45-year-old female client who has no specific family history of cancer or diabetes mellitus. Which of the following client statements indicates that the client understands how to proceed?

• A. “So I don’t need the colon cancer screening for another 2 or 3 years.”
• B. “For now, I should continue to have a mammogram each year.”
• C. “Because the doctor just performed a Pap smear, I’ll return next year for another one.”
• D. “I had my glucose test last year, so I won’t need it again for 4 years.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Mammograms are recommended annually for women starting at age 40 or 45. This statement aligns with current guidelines for breast cancer screening in women without specific risk factors. Choice A is incorrect because colon cancer screenings are typically recommended at different intervals. Choice C is incorrect as Pap smears are usually done every 3-5 years based on age and risk factors. Choice D is incorrect because glucose testing is usually recommended more frequently, especially for individuals at risk for diabetes mellitus.

4. A client with a history of falls is under the care of a nurse. Which of the following actions should be the nurse’s priority?

• A. Complete a fall-risk assessment.
• B. Educate the client and family about fall risks.
• C. Eliminate safety hazards from the client’s environment.
• D. Ensure the client uses assistive aids in their possession.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse's priority should be to eliminate safety hazards from the client's environment as it directly reduces the risk of falls. Addressing environmental hazards is an immediate and crucial step in preventing falls. While completing a fall-risk assessment is important to understand the client's risk factors, educating the client and family about fall risks is essential for prevention, and ensuring the use of assistive aids is crucial for safety, eliminating safety hazards takes precedence as it directly mitigates the risk of falls.

5. The charge nurse has a health care team that consists of 1 PN, 1 unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP), and 1 PN nursing student. Which assignment should be questioned by the nurse manager?

• A. An admission at the change of shifts with atrial fibrillation and heart failure - PN
• B. Client who had a major stroke 6 days ago - PN nursing student
• C. A child with burns who has packed cells and albumin IV running - charge nurse
• D. An elderly client who had a myocardial infarction a week ago - UAP

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assigning an admission with atrial fibrillation and heart failure to a PN is not appropriate. This complex case requires more advanced skills and should not be managed by a PN without adequate support. The PN may not have the necessary training or expertise to handle such a critical situation effectively. Choice B is a suitable assignment for a PN nursing student as they can handle a client who had a major stroke 6 days ago. Choice C is also appropriate as a child with burns receiving packed cells and albumin IV running can be managed by the charge nurse. Choice D is within the scope of practice for a UAP since an elderly client post-myocardial infarction a week ago may require basic care and assistance.

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