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 is scheduled for a colonoscopy. What instruction should the nurse provide to prepare the client for the procedure?

• A. Drink clear liquids for 24 hours before the procedure
• B. Take a laxative the morning of the procedure
• C. Eat a light meal before the procedure
• D. Avoid drinking fluids for 4 hours before the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for preparing a client for a colonoscopy is to drink clear liquids for 24 hours before the procedure. This step helps to ensure the bowel is adequately cleared for the colonoscopy, allowing for better visualization and examination of the colon.

3. Ten minutes after signing an operative permit for a fractured hip, an older client states, 'The aliens will be coming to get me soon!' and falls asleep. Which action should the nurse implement next?

• A. Make the client comfortable and allow the client to sleep.
• B. Assess the client's neurologic status.
• C. Notify the surgeon about the comment.
• D. Ask the client's family to co-sign the operative permit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should assess the client's neurologic status next. The client's statement about aliens and subsequent falling asleep could be indicative of a potential neurological issue such as confusion or altered mental status. It is essential to assess the client's neurological status to determine the underlying cause of the client's statement and behavior. This assessment will help the nurse identify any potential cognitive impairment or neurological deficits that may need immediate attention, ensuring the client's safety and well-being. Notifying the surgeon or involving the client's family can be considered later, but the priority is to assess the client's neurologic status to address any immediate concerns.

4. When assessing a male client, the nurse finds that he is fatigued and experiencing muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias. Based on these findings, the nurse plans to check the client’s laboratory values to validate the existence of which condition?

• A. Hyperphosphatemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The symptoms of fatigue, muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias are classic manifestations of hypokalemia. Potassium plays a vital role in muscle function and cardiac conduction, so a deficiency can lead to these symptoms. Checking the client’s laboratory values for potassium levels will help confirm the presence of hypokalemia.

5. One week after being told that she has terminal cancer with a life expectancy of 3 weeks, a female client tells the nurse, 'I think I will plan a big party for all my friends.' How should the nurse respond?

• A. You may not have enough energy before long to hold a big party.
• B. Do you mean to say that you want to plan your funeral and wake?
• C. Planning a party and thinking about all your friends sounds like fun.
• D. You should be thinking about spending your last days with your family.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Setting goals that bring pleasure is appropriate and should be encouraged by the nurse. Choice A is discouraging and focuses on limitations. Choice B jumps to a conclusion and is not in line with the client's statement. Choice D dictates what the client should be doing, which is not respectful of the client's autonomy. Therefore, the most appropriate response is C, as it acknowledges the client's wishes and provides positive reinforcement without perpetuating denial.

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