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. Over a patient's lifespan, how does the pulse rate change?

• A. starts out fast and decreases as the patient ages.
• B. starts out slower and increases as the patient ages.
• C. varies from slow to fast throughout the lifespan.
• D. stays consistent from birth to death.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that the pulse rate starts out fast and decreases as the patient ages. In infants, the normal pulse rate is around 140 beats per minute, which then falls to an average of 80 beats per minute in adults. As individuals age, their pulse rate tends to decrease due to changes in cardiovascular function. Choice B is incorrect as the pulse rate typically decreases with age, rather than increases. Choice C is incorrect as there is a general trend of decreasing pulse rate as individuals age, rather than a continuous variation. Choice D is incorrect as the pulse rate does change over a patient's lifespan, starting fast in infants and decreasing as they age.

3. A patient is seen in the clinic for reports of "fainting episodes that started last week."? How would the nurse proceed with the examination?

• A. Blood pressure readings are taken in both arms and thighs.
• B. The patient is assisted to a lying position, and their blood pressure is taken.
• C. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying, sitting, and standing positions.
• D. The patient's blood pressure is recorded in lying and sitting positions; these numbers are then averaged to obtain a mean blood pressure.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient reports fainting episodes, it is crucial to assess for orthostatic hypotension. If the nurse suspects volume depletion, the patient has hypertension, is on antihypertensive medications, or has a history of fainting or syncope, blood pressure readings should be taken in three positions: lying, sitting, and standing. This assessment helps detect orthostatic hypotension, which can provide valuable information about the patient's condition. Taking blood pressure readings in multiple positions allows for a comprehensive evaluation of possible postural changes in blood pressure. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not cover the necessary positions to assess for orthostatic hypotension effectively.

4. When measuring a patient's body temperature, what factor should be considered that can influence the temperature?

• A. Constipation
• B. Diurnal cycle
• C. Nocturnal cycle
• D. Patient's emotional state

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When measuring body temperature, it is essential to consider factors that can influence it. The diurnal cycle, which refers to the body's natural temperature variations throughout a 24-hour period, can impact body temperature readings. Factors like exercise, age, and environment can also affect body temperature. Constipation does not directly influence body temperature. The 'nocturnal cycle' is not a recognized term in relation to body temperature. While a patient's emotional state can affect vital signs, it is not a primary factor in influencing body temperature measurements.

5. Which of the following is classified as a prerenal condition that affects urinary elimination?

• A. Nephrotoxic medications
• B. Pericardial tamponade
• C. Neurogenic bladder
• D. Polycystic kidney disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A prerenal condition is one that causes reduced urinary elimination by affecting the blood flow to the kidneys. Pericardial tamponade is a condition that impacts the heart's ability to pump sufficient blood, leading to decreased blood flow to vital organs such as the kidneys. This reduction in blood flow to the kidneys can result in decreased urine production. The other choices, such as nephrotoxic medications, neurogenic bladder, and polycystic kidney disease, do not primarily affect the blood flow to the kidneys and are not classified as prerenal conditions that impact urinary elimination.

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