Nursing Elites

1. A client reports abdominal pain. An assessment by the nurse reveals a temperature of 39.2 degrees C (102 degrees F), heart rate of 105/min, a soft tender abdomen, and menses overdue by 2 days. Which of the following findings should be the nurse's priority?

• A. Temperature
• B. Heart rate
• C. Abdominal tenderness
• D. Overdue menses

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's priority should be the client's temperature. A high temperature of 39.2 degrees C (102 degrees F) indicates a potential infection or inflammation that requires immediate attention. While heart rate and abdominal tenderness are important assessments, the temperature takes precedence as it signals a more urgent issue. Overdue menses, although significant, are not the priority in this scenario when compared to the possibility of an acute infection or inflammatory process.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has herpes zoster. The client asks about complementary and alternative therapies for pain control. The nurse should inform the client that this condition is a contraindication for which of the following therapies?

• A. Acupuncture
• B. Massage therapy
• C. Aromatherapy
• D. Herbal supplements

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Acupuncture. Acupuncture is contraindicated for clients with herpes zoster due to the risk of infection at the needle sites. In individuals with herpes zoster, the skin's integrity is compromised, increasing susceptibility to infections. Therefore, acupuncture, which involves inserting needles into the skin, can introduce pathogens and lead to local infections. Massage therapy (B), aromatherapy (C), and herbal supplements (D) do not involve skin penetration like acupuncture and are generally considered safe complementary therapies for pain control in clients with herpes zoster.

3. When ethical dilemmas arise, what should newly licensed nurses expect and identify as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit demonstrates signs of chemical impairment.
• B. A nurse overhears another nurse telling an older adult client that if he doesn’t stay in bed, she will have to apply restraints.
• C. A family has conflicting feelings about the initiation of enteral tube feedings for their father, who is terminally ill.
• D. A client who is terminally ill hesitates to name their partner on their durable power of attorney form.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An ethical dilemma involves a situation where there are conflicting values or principles that make it difficult to make a clear decision. In the given scenarios, option C best represents an ethical dilemma as the family has conflicting feelings about initiating enteral tube feedings for their terminally ill father. This situation presents a clash between different values and beliefs, making it challenging to reach a resolution. Options A, B, and D do not illustrate conflicting values or principles that characterize an ethical dilemma. Option A describes a nurse's impairment, which is a concern but not a direct ethical dilemma. Option B depicts a potential breach of client autonomy and restraint use, which is an ethical issue but not a true ethical dilemma. Option D involves a client's personal decision regarding a durable power of attorney form, which, although important, does not present conflicting values or principles that define an ethical dilemma.

4. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a prescription for morphine 5mg IM but accidentally administers the entire 10mg from the single-dose vial. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take first?

• A. Complete an incident report
• B. Measure the client’s respiratory rate
• C. Report the incident to the pharmacy
• D. Notify the client's provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assessing the client's respiratory rate is the priority in this situation as overdosing on morphine can lead to respiratory depression, making it crucial to monitor the client's breathing. Completing an incident report (choice A) is important but should not be the first action. Reporting the incident to the pharmacy (choice C) and notifying the client's provider (choice D) are necessary steps but assessing the client's respiratory status takes precedence to ensure immediate safety and intervention.

5. A nurse is planning to insert a nasogastric tube for a client after explaining the procedure. The client states, 'You are not putting that hose down my throat.' Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. 'I can see that this is upsetting you.'
• B. 'It is necessary for your treatment.'
• C. 'It will be over quickly, and you will feel better.'
• D. 'Let me explain again why this procedure is important.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should acknowledge the client's feelings by stating, 'I can see that this is upsetting you.' This response validates the client's emotions and demonstrates empathy, which can help build trust and rapport. Choice B is too direct and might not address the client's emotional state. Choice C focuses on the outcome rather than the client's current distress. Choice D does not directly address the client's feelings of distress and may not effectively alleviate their anxiety.

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