Nursing Elites

1. A seriously ill female client tells the nurse, 'I am so tired and in so much pain! Please help me to die.' Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?

• A. Administer the prescribed maximum dose of pain medication.
• B. Talk with the client about her feelings related to her own death.
• C. Collaborate with the healthcare provider about initiating antidepressant therapy.
• D. Refer the client to the ethics committee of her local healthcare facility.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize addressing the client's emotional needs by engaging in a conversation to understand the underlying feelings behind her statement. By exploring the client's thoughts about death, the nurse can provide appropriate support and interventions tailored to the client's concerns. Rushing to administer pain medication may not address the emotional distress expressed by the client. Initiating antidepressant therapy is not suitable without assessing the client's feelings further. Referring the client to the ethics committee is premature and does not address the immediate emotional needs of the client. Therefore, empathetic communication and assessment of the client's feelings regarding her situation are crucial for providing holistic care.

2. A client with a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is being discharged. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Avoid foods high in iodine.
• B. Take your medication with meals.
• C. Monitor your weight daily.
• D. Decrease your daily fluid intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid foods high in iodine.' Clients with hyperthyroidism should avoid foods high in iodine to prevent exacerbation of their condition. Iodine is an essential component in thyroid hormone production, and excessive iodine intake can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms. Taking medication with meals (B) can interfere with the absorption of certain thyroid medications. Monitoring weight daily (C) is more relevant for conditions that may lead to weight changes like hypothyroidism. Decreasing fluid intake (D) is not a standard recommendation for hyperthyroidism unless specifically indicated by the healthcare provider.

3. When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.
• B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
• C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
• D. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When performing sterile wound care, it is essential to use only newly opened and unexpired solutions to maintain sterility and prevent infections. The normal saline solution obtained by the nurse is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date, making it no longer considered sterile. The best action for the nurse to take in this situation is to discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle to ensure the safety and effectiveness of wound care. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because reusing an already opened and outdated solution or attempting to relabel it with a current date can compromise patient safety and increase the risk of infection.

4. A client with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving anticoagulation therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I should avoid eating green leafy vegetables.
• B. I should wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid pressure on my legs.
• C. I should avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
• D. I should continue taking my over-the-counter herbal supplements.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement 'I should continue taking my over-the-counter herbal supplements' (D) indicates a need for further teaching because some herbal supplements can interact with anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding. It is crucial to inform healthcare providers about all medications, including herbal supplements, to prevent adverse interactions. The other statements reflect appropriate understanding of precautions related to DVT and anticoagulation therapy.

5. The patient had a CVA and developed right-sided hemiplegia. Which action is least appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. Performing ROM exercises during bathing.
• B. Changing the patient's position every two hours.
• C. Suctioning the patient supine and tightly pulling the bed sheets across their feet.
• D. Placing the patient in the prone position for one hour three times a day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Suctioning the patient in a supine position and pulling the bed sheets tightly across their feet can lead to foot drop, which is harmful for a patient with right-sided hemiplegia. This action can exacerbate muscle weakness and impair circulation in the affected limb. It is crucial to avoid actions that may compromise the patient's safety and well-being, such as causing foot drop in this scenario.

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