Nursing Elites

1. During physical therapy, a client with Parkinson's disease makes the following statements. Which statement indicates the need for a referral to physical therapy?

• A. ''I have been experiencing more tremors in my left arm than before''
• B. ''I noticed that I am having a harder time holding on to my toothbrush''
• C. ''Lately, I feel like my feet are freezing up, as they are stuck to the ground''
• D. ''Sometimes, I feel I am making a chewing motion when I'm not eating''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Feeling like the feet are freezing up and sticking to the ground is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease known as 'freezing of gait.' This symptom significantly impacts mobility and can be dangerous, indicating the need for specialized physical therapy interventions to address gait disturbances and improve mobility.

2. A client is to receive thrombolytic therapy. Which of the following factors should be recognized as a contraindication to the therapy?

• A. Hip arthroplasty 2 weeks ago
• B. Elevated sedimentation rate
• C. Incident of exercise-induced asthma 1 week ago
• D. Elevated platelet count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thrombolytic therapy involves the use of medications to dissolve blood clots. Hip arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) performed recently is a contraindication to thrombolytic therapy due to the risk of bleeding. Elevated sedimentation rate, exercise-induced asthma, and elevated platelet count are not contraindications to thrombolytic therapy.

3. When a client is comatose and has advance directives stating a desire to avoid life-sustaining measures, but the family wants these measures, what action should the nurse take?

• A. Arrange for an ethics committee meeting to address the family's concerns.
• B. Support the family's decision and initiate life-sustaining measures.
• C. Complete an incident report.
• D. Encourage the family to contact an attorney.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize the client's wishes as outlined in the advance directives. By arranging for an ethics committee meeting, the nurse can facilitate discussions between the family and healthcare team to ensure that the client's wishes are respected while addressing the concerns of the family. This approach promotes ethical decision-making and collaborative communication among all involved parties, ultimately aiming to provide the best possible care for the client while considering their autonomy and preferences.

4. A client with depression reports taking St. John's wort along with citalopram. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following conditions as a result of an interaction between these substances?

• A. Serotonin syndrome
• B. Tardive dyskinesia
• C. Pseudoparkinsonism
• D. Acute dystonia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When St. John's wort, an herbal supplement, is taken with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), there is a risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that can occur when there is an excess of serotonin in the body, leading to symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, increased body temperature, and more. Monitoring for serotonin syndrome is crucial when these substances are taken together to prevent any potential harm to the client.

5. A client is being instructed on the use of an incentive spirometer. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. ''I will place the adapter on my finger to read my blood oxygen saturation level.''
• B. ''I will lie on my back with my knees bent.''
• C. ''I will rest my hand over my abdomen to create resistance.''
• D. ''I will take in a deep breath and hold it before exhaling.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer demonstrates an understanding of the proper technique for using an incentive spirometer. Incentive spirometry helps to improve lung function by encouraging deep breathing and sustaining the inhalation to fully expand the lungs. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not reflect the correct instructions for using an incentive spirometer.

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