Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of escitalopram. Which of the following should the nurse assess first?

• A. Mood changes
• B. Blood pressure
• C. Heart rate
• D. Liver function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess for mood changes. When administering escitalopram, it is crucial to evaluate mood changes first because the medication may take some time to demonstrate its full effects on the patient's mood. Assessing blood pressure, heart rate, or liver function is not the priority when administering escitalopram, as these parameters are not directly impacted acutely by this medication.

2. A client with a closed head injury has their eyes open when pressure is applied to the nail beds, and they exhibit adduction of the arms with flexion of the elbows and wrists. The client also moans with stimulation. What is the client's Glasgow Coma Score?

• A. 4
• B. 7 (comatose)
• C. 9
• D. 10

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's Glasgow Coma Score is 7. This is calculated by assigning 2 points for eye-opening to pain, 2 points for incomprehensible sounds, and 3 points for flexion posturing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A (4) would be the score if the client displayed decerebrate posturing instead of flexion posturing. Choice C (9) would be the score if the client exhibited eye-opening to speech, confused speech, and decorticate posturing. Choice D (10) would be the score if the client showed eye-opening spontaneously, oriented speech, and obeyed commands, which is not the case here.

3. A nurse is assisting with meal planning for a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following foods?

• A. Applesauce
• B. Mashed potatoes
• C. Orange slices
• D. Soft bread

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orange slices. Orange slices contain membranes that are difficult to swallow, which can pose a risk to clients on a mechanical soft diet. This type of diet is designed for individuals who have difficulty chewing or swallowing. Choices A, B, and D are suitable for a mechanical soft diet as they are soft in texture and easy to chew and swallow.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer a pneumococcal vaccine. Which of the following should the nurse verify?

• A. Client's allergy to eggs
• B. Client's current medications
• C. Client's vaccination history
• D. Client's blood pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Client's vaccination history. Before administering a pneumococcal vaccine, the nurse should verify the client's vaccination history to ensure they are due for the vaccine. Verifying the vaccination history helps prevent unnecessary vaccinations and ensures that the client receives the appropriate immunization at the right time. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to the administration of the pneumococcal vaccine. Checking for allergies to eggs may be important for other vaccines, but it is not specifically relevant to pneumococcal vaccination. The client's current medications and blood pressure are important for general health assessment but are not directly related to verifying the need for a pneumococcal vaccine.

5. A patient scheduled for cataract surgery tells the nurse, 'I see just fine and have decided to cancel my surgery.' Which response should the nurse make?

• A. Tell the patient they need the surgery
• B. Encourage the patient to express their thoughts
• C. Ignore the comment and proceed
• D. Insist the patient needs to proceed with the surgery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to express their thoughts is the best response in this situation. It allows the patient to voice their concerns or reasons for canceling the surgery, which can help the healthcare team address any misunderstandings or fears the patient may have. Choices A and D are too directive and do not consider the patient's autonomy and right to make informed decisions about their care. Choice C is inappropriate as it disregards the patient's expressed decision and fails to address the underlying issue.

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