Nursing Elites

1. An adult female client is admitted to the psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of major depression. After 2 weeks of antidepressant medication therapy, the nurse notices the client has more energy, is giving her belongings away to her visitors, and is in an overall better mood. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

• A. Tell the client to keep her belongings because she will need them at discharge
• B. Ask the client if she has had any recent thoughts of harming herself
• C. Reassure the client that the antidepressant drugs are apparently effective
• D. Support the client by telling her what wonderful progress she is making

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should ask the client if she has had any recent thoughts of harming herself. Sudden mood improvements and behavioral changes, like giving away belongings, can be concerning signs of possible suicidal ideation. Assessing for suicidal thoughts is crucial to ensure the client's safety. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the potential risk of harm or assess for suicidal ideation. Choice C is incorrect because simply reassuring the client about the effectiveness of antidepressants does not address the immediate concern of suicidal ideation. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses on praising progress without addressing the potential risk of harm the client may pose to herself.

2. A client with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving home oxygen therapy. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?

• A. Use oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated.
• B. Do not smoke while using oxygen.
• C. Avoid wearing the oxygen during physical activity.
• D. Store oxygen tanks in a cool, dark place.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important instruction the nurse should provide to a client with COPD receiving home oxygen therapy is not to smoke while using oxygen. Smoking near oxygen can cause a fire or explosion due to the flammable nature of oxygen. Choice A is incorrect because using oxygen at the highest flow rate tolerated without medical supervision can be harmful. Choice C is the correct answer as wearing oxygen during physical activity can increase the risk of oxygen combustion. Choice D is not the most important instruction; while storing oxygen tanks properly is essential, the immediate safety concern is the risk of fire due to smoking near oxygen.

3. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a total knee replacement yesterday. What activity level should the nurse encourage today?

• A. Bed rest with bathroom privileges only
• B. Frequent, short walks with assistance
• C. Range of motion exercises to the knee every four hours
• D. Leg elevation to reduce swelling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a total knee replacement, early ambulation is crucial for promoting circulation and preventing complications like thrombosis. Bed rest should be avoided as it can increase the risk of complications. Range of motion exercises are important but should be performed gradually and not excessively. Leg elevation is beneficial for reducing swelling but should not be the primary activity level encouraged immediately after surgery.

4. During a community health fair, a nurse is providing education on the effects of smoking. What is the most important information to include?

• A. Smoking can lead to cosmetic issues like tooth staining.
• B. Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
• C. Smoking temporarily elevates mood and alertness.
• D. Smoking is an expensive habit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Smoking is a leading cause of preventable death worldwide.' This information is crucial as it highlights the severe health risks associated with smoking, emphasizing the importance of cessation for overall health. Choice A is incorrect because cosmetic issues like tooth staining are not as significant as the life-threatening consequences of smoking. Choice C is incorrect because although smoking may temporarily elevate mood and alertness due to nicotine, this does not outweigh the serious health implications. Choice D is incorrect as while smoking is indeed an expensive habit, the focus should be on the health-related consequences to stress the urgency of quitting.

5. When observing a newly admitted elderly client with dementia resisting care, what approach should the nurse take to facilitate cooperation?

• A. Use short, simple sentences and maintain a calm demeanor
• B. Involve family members to provide reassurance
• C. Offer choices to empower the client
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When dealing with a newly admitted elderly client with dementia who is resistant to care, it is crucial to employ multiple strategies to facilitate cooperation. Using short, simple sentences and maintaining a calm demeanor can help the client better understand instructions and reduce agitation. Involving family members can provide comfort and reassurance to the client, potentially decreasing resistance. Offering choices allows the client to feel a sense of control and autonomy in their care, which can increase cooperation and reduce challenging behaviors. Therefore, a combination of clear communication, family involvement, and providing choices is essential to effectively engage and care for a client with dementia. Choices A, B, and C all play crucial roles in addressing the needs of the client, making 'All of the above' the correct answer.

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