Nursing Elites

1. When a patient refuses to believe a terminal diagnosis, they are exhibiting:

• A. Regression
• B. Mourning
• C. Denial
• D. Rationalization

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Denial is a defense mechanism where a patient rejects a reality that is too painful or difficult to accept. In the context of a terminal diagnosis, the patient may refuse to believe it in order to avoid facing the harsh truth. Regression (choice A) involves reverting to earlier, more childlike behaviors and is not applicable in this scenario. Mourning (choice B) is the process of grieving a loss, which typically occurs after acceptance of the diagnosis. Rationalization (choice D) is creating logical explanations to justify unacceptable behaviors, which is not the case when a patient denies a terminal diagnosis.

2. What does the term 'Afferent Nerve' mean?

• A. Carrying an impulse to the brain
• B. Carrying an impulse away from the brain
• C. Carrying impulses to the motor neurons of the appendicular muscles
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Carrying an impulse to the brain.' Afferent nerves are sensory nerves that carry signals from sensory receptors towards the central nervous system, including the brain. Choice B, 'Carrying an impulse away from the brain,' is incorrect as this describes efferent nerves which carry signals from the central nervous system to muscles and glands. Choice C, 'Carrying impulses to the motor neurons of the appendicular muscles,' is incorrect as it describes a different type of nerve function. Choice D, 'None of the above,' is incorrect as the correct definition of afferent nerve is indeed 'Carrying an impulse to the brain.'

3. While assisting a client from bed to chair, the nurse observes that the client looks pale and is beginning to perspire heavily. The nurse would then do which of the following activities as a reassessment?

• A. Help client into the chair more quickly
• B. Document client's vital signs taken just prior to moving the client
• C. Help client back to bed immediately
• D. Observe client's skin color and take another set of vital signs

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse has observed concerning signs in the client during the transfer process. The appropriate action for reassessment would be to observe the client's skin color and take another set of vital signs. This will provide essential data to evaluate the client's condition more accurately. Options A, B, and C are interventions that do not address the need for reassessment. Moving the client more quickly, documenting previous vital signs, or returning the client to bed do not directly address the need to reassess the client's current condition.

4. The nurse is developing a plan of care for an infant after surgical intervention for imperforate anus. The nurse should include in the plan that which position is the most appropriate one for the infant in the postoperative period?

• A. Prone position
• B. Supine with no head elevation
• C. Side-lying with the legs extended
• D. Supine with the head elevated 45 degrees

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate position for an infant after surgical intervention for imperforate anus is the prone position. Placing the infant in a prone position helps keep the hips elevated, reducing edema and pressure on the surgical site. This position promotes optimal healing and comfort for the infant. Option B, supine with no head elevation, does not provide the necessary elevation to reduce pressure on the surgical site. Option C, side-lying with the legs extended, does not offer the same benefits as the prone position in terms of reducing pressure on the surgical site. Option D, supine with the head elevated 45 degrees, does not specifically address the need for hip elevation to prevent pressure on the surgical site. Therefore, the correct choice is the prone position for this postoperative care scenario.

5. A new staff nurse completes orientation to the psychiatric unit. This nurse will expect to ask an advanced practice nurse to perform which action for patients?

• A. Perform mental health assessment interviews
• B. Establish therapeutic relationships
• C. Prescribe psychotropic medications
• D. Individualize nursing care plans

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Prescriptive privileges are granted to Master's-prepared nurse practitioners who have taken special courses on prescribing medications. The nurse prepared at the basic level performs mental health assessments, establishes relationships, and provides individualized care planning. In this scenario, the new staff nurse would ask the advanced practice nurse to prescribe psychotropic medications, as this is within their scope of practice and expertise. Establishing therapeutic relationships, performing mental health assessments, and individualizing care plans are typically responsibilities of staff nurses at the basic level, not advanced practice nurses.

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