Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client as part of a neurologic examination. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect as changes associated with aging?

• A. Slower light touch sensation
• B. Some vision and hearing decline
• C. Slower fine finger movement
• D. Some short-term memory decline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: As individuals age, it is common to experience changes in vision and hearing, leading to some decline in these senses. Slower light touch sensation and slower fine finger movement are also typical findings associated with aging. However, some short-term memory decline is more closely related to cognitive aging rather than typical age-related changes in the neurologic system. Therefore, the correct answer is the decline in vision and hearing. Decreased risk of depression is not a typical finding in aging; in fact, the risk of depression may increase as individuals age.

2. A cerebrovascular accident patient is placed on a ventilator. The client’s daughter arrives with a durable power of attorney and a living will that indicates no extraordinary life-saving measures. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Refer to the risk manager
• B. Notify the healthcare provider
• C. Discontinue the ventilator
• D. Review the medical record

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to notify the healthcare provider. In this situation, involving the healthcare provider ensures appropriate review and adherence to legal and ethical standards based on the living will and durable power of attorney. Referring to the risk manager may not be directly related to the immediate decision-making process regarding the ventilator. Discontinuing the ventilator without proper authorization from the healthcare provider could lead to legal and ethical implications. Reviewing the medical record alone may not provide guidance on how to proceed with the specific instructions from the living will and durable power of attorney.

3. A client is 48 hours postoperative following a small bowel resection. The client reports gas pains in the periumbilical area. The nurse should plan care based on which of the following factors contributing to this postoperative complication?

• A. Impaired peristalsis of the intestines
• B. Infection at the surgical site
• C. Fluid overload
• D. Inadequate pain management

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Gas pains in the periumbilical area postoperatively are often caused by impaired peristalsis and bowel function. Following abdominal surgery, it is common for peristalsis to be reduced due to surgical manipulation and anesthesia effects. This reduction in peristalsis can lead to the accumulation of gas in the intestines, resulting in gas pains. Infection at the surgical site (Choice B) would present with localized signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, and drainage, rather than diffuse gas pains. Fluid overload (Choice C) would manifest with symptoms such as edema, increased blood pressure, and respiratory distress, not gas pains. Inadequate pain management (Choice D) may lead to increased discomfort, but it is not the primary cause of gas pains in the periumbilical area following a small bowel resection.

4. A client reports increased pain following physical therapy. Which of the following questions should be asked to assess the quality of the pain?

• A. Is your pain sharp or dull?
• B. Is your pain constant or intermittent?
• C. On a scale from 1 to 10, how severe is your pain?
• D. Where exactly is your pain located?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Asking whether the pain is sharp or dull helps in determining the quality of the pain. Sharp pain is often associated with acute conditions, while dull pain may indicate chronic issues. Choices B, C, and D focus on different aspects of pain assessment. Option B pertains to the pattern of pain, either constant or intermittent. Option C addresses the severity of pain on a numerical scale. Option D inquires about the location of pain. While all these questions are essential in pain assessment, when specifically evaluating the quality of pain, distinguishing between sharp and dull sensations is crucial.

5. A nurse is providing teaching to an older adult client who has constipation. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Sit on the toilet 30 minutes after eating a meal.
• B. Increase your fluid intake to help with bowel movements.
• C. Exercise regularly to improve bowel function.
• D. Consume more high-fiber foods to prevent constipation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include in the teaching is to 'Sit on the toilet 30 minutes after eating a meal.' This advice can help establish a regular bowel routine and improve bowel movement. Option B, 'Increase your fluid intake to help with bowel movements,' while important, is not specific to the time after eating and does not directly address the need for establishing a routine. Option C, 'Exercise regularly to improve bowel function,' is also important but does not address the timing of bowel movements. Option D, 'Consume more high-fiber foods to prevent constipation,' is beneficial for preventing constipation but does not address the timing aspect related to bowel movements.

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