Nursing Elites

1. A client with a new prescription for lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder is being educated by a nurse on early indications of toxicity. The nurse should include which of the following manifestations in the teachings?

• A. Constipation
• B. Polyuria
• C. Rash
• D. Tinnitus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Polyuria is a crucial early indication of lithium toxicity. It results from the drug's effect on the kidneys, leading to increased urine output. This is a significant symptom to monitor as it can indicate potential toxicity. Constipation, rash, and tinnitus are not typically associated with early indications of lithium toxicity. Constipation is more commonly seen as a side effect of some medications, while rash and tinnitus are not specific indicators of lithium toxicity.

2. The depressed client verbalizes feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth, typified by statements such as "I'm such a failure"? I can't do anything right!"? The best nursing response would be:

• A. To tell the client this is not true; that we all have a purpose in life.
• B. To remain with the client and sit in silence; this will encourage the client to verbalize feelings.
• C. To reassure the client that you know how the client is feeling and that things will get better.
• D. To identify recent behaviors or accomplishments that demonstrate skill ability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response in this situation is to reassure the client that you understand how they are feeling and provide hope for improvement. While acknowledging the client's feelings, it is essential to offer support and encouragement. Choice A is not the best response as it dismisses the client's feelings and offers a generalized statement. Choice B, remaining silent, may lead the client to feel unheard or unsupported. Choice D, identifying recent behaviors or accomplishments, may not be as effective in addressing the immediate emotional distress and negative self-talk expressed by the client. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate response in this scenario, offering empathy and optimism to help the client feel understood and supported.

3. Jaime has a diagnosis of schizophrenia with negative symptoms. In planning care for the client, Nurse Brienne would anticipate a problem with:

• A. Auditory hallucinations
• B. Bizarre behaviors
• C. Ideas of reference
• D. Motivation for activities

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In clients with negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as Jaime, a common problem is avolition, which is the lack of motivation for activities. These 'negative' symptoms are characterized by inexpressive faces, blank looks, monotone speech, few gestures, and a seeming lack of interest in the world. Patients may also experience an inability to feel pleasure or act spontaneously. It is crucial to differentiate between the lack of expression and lack of feeling, as well as between lack of will and lack of activity. Auditory hallucinations (choice A) are positive symptoms, not typically associated with negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Bizarre behaviors (choice B) are more aligned with positive symptoms like disorganized behavior. Ideas of reference (choice C) involve incorrectly interpreting casual incidents and external events as having direct reference to oneself, which is not directly related to motivation for activities seen in negative symptoms.

4. Which of the following is an example of a breach of a client's right to privacy?

• A. A nurse who is not caring for the client reads the client's personal information in the chart
• B. A client is not allowed to keep a copy of their original medical record
• C. A nurse files an incident report about a client that is reviewed with all staff at a meeting
• D. A client's photograph is used without permission for the hospital newsletter

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A breach of a client's right to privacy can occur when their personal information is used or disclosed without their consent. In this scenario, using a client's photograph without permission for the hospital newsletter violates their privacy rights. It is important to respect a client's confidentiality and seek their consent before using their personal information. Choices A, B, and C do not directly relate to breaching a client's right to privacy. Reading a client's personal information in their chart, not allowing a client to keep a copy of their medical record, and filing an incident report about a client do not necessarily violate their privacy rights as long as the information is handled appropriately and within legal and ethical boundaries.

5. When escorting a patient to the operating room on a stretcher, what should you do to prevent the patient from falling?

• A. Ensure the safety belt or strap is secured on the patient while escorting them to the operating room
• B. Use a safety belt or strap on the patient throughout their escort to the operating room
• C. Lower the bed position when moving the patient from the bed to the stretcher
• D. All of the above options are correct

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When escorting a patient to the operating room on a stretcher, it is crucial to secure a safety belt or strap on the patient to prevent falls during the transfer. This safety measure is not considered a restraint but a necessary precaution. Lowering the bed position is not necessary; in fact, the bed should be in a high position to align with the stretcher. Locking the wheels of the stretcher is essential to prevent accidents during patient transfer. Therefore, the correct action to prevent falls while moving a patient to the operating room is to use a safety belt or strap on the patient throughout the escort.

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