Nursing Elites

1. An advance directive known as a durable power of attorney involves appointing another person called a(n) _____ to act as the decision maker in the event of the patient's incapacitation.

• A. witness
• B. primary caregiver
• C. health care agent
• D. state proxy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'health care agent.' A health care agent is appointed through a durable power of attorney to make medical decisions on behalf of a patient who becomes incapacitated. The term 'witness' (choice A) is incorrect because a witness only observes the signing of the directive and does not make decisions. 'Primary caregiver' (choice B) is also incorrect as they may provide care but are not necessarily legally empowered to make decisions. 'State proxy' (choice D) is not commonly used in the context of advance directives or health care decision making, making it an incorrect choice.

2. Chest x-ray was ordered after thoracentesis. When your client asks what is the reason for another chest x-ray, you will explain:

• A. to rule out pneumothorax
• B. to rule out any possible perforation
• C. to decongest
• D. to rule out any foreign body

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective nursing care involves comprehensive assessments that address all aspects of a patient's condition, ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted and outcomes are optimized.

3. What is the recommended dietary intervention for a patient with hyperlipidemia?

• A. Increase saturated fat intake
• B. Reduce fiber intake
• C. Increase dietary fiber intake
• D. Reduce protein intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber can help reduce cholesterol levels in patients with hyperlipidemia.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has malnutrition. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased vital capacity
• B. Dry skin
• C. Heat intolerance
• D. Decreased mental status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnutrition can lead to a variety of physical and mental symptoms. One common manifestation of malnutrition is a decreased mental status, which includes confusion, lethargy, and cognitive impairment. Dry skin is a typical finding in malnutrition due to the lack of essential nutrients needed for skin health. Heat intolerance is not a direct consequence of malnutrition. While malnutrition can affect respiratory function, it typically leads to decreased vital capacity rather than increased. Therefore, the correct answer is decreased mental status.

5. The nurse is working with a patient who recently had a stroke. The patient frequently chokes and coughs when eating and is having difficulty feeding herself. What is the best way to ensure adequate nutrition?

• A. to have an aide feed her at each meal
• B. to ask a family member to assist during meals
• C. to provide tube feedings for the patient
• D. to initiate TPN for the patient

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way to ensure adequate nutrition for a stroke patient who frequently chokes and coughs when eating and has difficulty feeding herself is to provide tube feedings. Tube feedings are a safe and effective method to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines, bypassing the swallowing mechanism, reducing the risk of aspiration. Having an aide feed her each meal (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of swallowing difficulty and aspiration risk. Asking a family member to be present at each meal (choice B) does not provide a definitive solution to the patient's nutritional needs. Placing the patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (choice D) is a more invasive and typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feedings or have non-functional gastrointestinal tracts.

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