Nursing Elites

1. An adult client with severe depression was admitted to the psychiatric unit yesterday evening. Although the client used to run a year ago, his spouse states that the client no longer runs but sits and watches television most of the day. Which is most important for the nurse to include in this client’s plan of care for today?

• A. Assist the client in identifying goals for the day
• B. Encourage the client to participate in a team sport for one hour
• C. Schedule the client for a group session that focuses on self-esteem
• D. Help the client develop a list of daily affirmations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assisting the client in identifying goals for the day is the most important aspect of the plan of care for a client with severe depression. Setting achievable daily goals helps engage the client in activities and promotes a sense of accomplishment, which can contribute to gradual improvement in their condition. Encouraging participation in team sports may be overwhelming for a client with severe depression as it requires a significant level of energy and motivation that the client may not possess at this time. Group sessions focusing on self-esteem and daily affirmations are beneficial interventions, but they may not have an immediate impact compared to setting achievable daily goals that can provide a sense of purpose and achievement for the client.

2. While changing the pressure ulcer dressing of a client who is immobile, the nurse notes that the boundary edges of the wound have increased. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should review which of the client’s serum laboratory values?

• A. Potassium
• B. Platelets
• C. Creatinine
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Albumin. Reviewing albumin levels is crucial in this situation because low albumin levels can impact wound healing and contribute to increased wound edges. Potassium (choice A) is not directly related to wound healing or wound edges. Platelets (choice B) are more related to blood clotting than wound healing. Creatinine (choice C) is related to kidney function, not specifically to wound healing or wound edges.

3. Parents who have one male child with sickle cell anemia are concerned about having more children with the disease. What client teaching should the nurse provide?

• A. All future children will be carriers, but will not necessarily have the disease
• B. There is a chance that each future child will have the disease
• C. Only male children cannot inherit the sickle cell disease trait
• D. Only one out of four of their children will definitely manifest the disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Each child has a 25% chance of having sickle cell anemia if both parents are carriers of the trait. Choice A is incorrect because not all future children will be carriers; some may have the disease. Choice C is incorrect as both male and female children can inherit the sickle cell disease trait. Choice D is incorrect as the chance is not fixed at one out of four; each child has an independent 25% chance of having the disease.

4. After removing an IV that became infiltrated in the client’s left forearm, which site should the nurse select as a possible site to insert another IV catheter?

• A. Right hand
• B. Right forearm
• C. Left hand
• D. Right subclavian

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Right hand. When an IV becomes infiltrated in the client's left forearm, it is essential to avoid the same side due to the risk of complications. Therefore, the right hand is a suitable alternative site for IV insertion. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choosing the right forearm (B) would still be on the same side, which increases the risk of complications. The left hand (C) is not a preferred option immediately after an infiltration in the left forearm. The right subclavian (D) is an invasive site typically reserved for central line placement and not a first-line choice for IV insertion.

5. The parents of a 6-year-old child recently diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy tell the nurse that their child wants to continue attending swimming classes. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Encourage the parents to allow the child to continue attending swimming lessons with supervision
• B. Suggest that the child be encouraged to participate in a team sport to promote socialization
• C. Explain that their child is not mature enough to understand the risks associated with swimming
• D. Provide a list of alternative activities that are less likely to cause the child to experience fatigue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the parents to allow the child to continue attending swimming lessons with supervision is the most appropriate response. Swimming can be beneficial for the child, providing both exercise and enjoyment. Supervision can help manage any risks associated with swimming. Choice B is incorrect because the child's preference for swimming should be respected, and swimming can still offer socialization opportunities. Choice C is incorrect as it undermines the child's capability to understand the situation. Choice D is less appropriate as it does not address the child's interest in swimming and may limit beneficial physical activity.

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