Nursing Elites

1. An elderly client is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She has surgery followed by chemotherapy with fluorouracil (Adrucil) IV. What should the nurse do if she notices crystals and cloudiness in the IV medication?

• A. Discard the solution and order a new bag
• B. Warm the solution
• C. Continue the infusion and document the finding
• D. Discontinue the medication

Correct answer: Discard the solution and order a new bag

Rationale: Crystals in the solution are not normal and should not be administered to the client. Discarding the solution and ordering a new bag is the correct action to ensure the client's safety. Warming the solution, as suggested in answer B, will not resolve the issue of crystals and cloudiness, which could potentially harm the client. Continuing the infusion, as in answer C, could pose a risk to the client due to the presence of abnormal substances. Answer D, discontinuing the medication, would typically require a doctor's order and should be done after discarding the contaminated solution.

2. The client with a myocardial infarction comes to the nurse’s station stating that he is ready to go home because there is nothing wrong with him. Which defense mechanism is the client using?

• A. Rationalization
• B. Denial
• C. Projection
• D. Conversion reaction

Correct answer: Denial

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Denial. The client displaying denial refuses to acknowledge the reality of having a myocardial infarction. Rationalization (choice A) involves making excuses for behavior, not denying a condition. Projection (choice C) is attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others, not denying an illness. Conversion reaction (choice D) is converting psychological distress into physical symptoms, which is not evident in this scenario. Therefore, denial is the defense mechanism being used in this situation.

3. An adult who had been abused as a child is discussing the group therapy program. Which statement indicates that the client has gained insight?

• A. “I think I was a lonely child because I could not tell anyone about my abuse.”
• B. “I am now aware of how deep-seated my anger is. Before, I did not realize I was angry.”
• C. “The program has given me the courage to tell my mother how I felt about her role in my hurt.”
• D. “There are so many people just like me, who are just normal people that had bad things happen to them.”

Correct answer: “I am now aware of how deep-seated my anger is. Before, I did not realize I was angry.”

Rationale: The correct answer demonstrates insight gained by the client regarding their emotional state. Recognizing deep-seated anger that was previously unrecognized indicates progress in understanding their emotions and the impact of past abuse. Choice A reflects a sense of loneliness due to an inability to share about the abuse, which does not directly address emotional insight. Choice C shows progress in addressing relationships but does not specifically relate to emotional awareness. Choice D acknowledges shared experiences but does not reflect personal emotional growth or insight.

4. What is the first exercise that should be performed by a client who had a mastectomy?

• A. Walking the hand up the wall
• B. Sweeping the floor
• C. Combing her hair
• D. Squeezing a ball

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Squeezing a ball. The first exercise that should be done by a client with a mastectomy is squeezing a ball. This helps in regaining strength and mobility in the affected area. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not typically the initial exercises recommended post-mastectomy. Walking the hand up the wall, sweeping the floor, and combing hair are activities that may be introduced later in the rehabilitation process.

5. The client returns to the unit from surgery with a blood pressure of 90/50, pulse 132, respirations 30. Which action by the nurse should receive priority?

• A. Continue monitoring the vital signs
• B. Contact the physician
• C. Ask the client how they feel
• D. Ask the LPN to continue post-op care

Correct answer: Contact the physician

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to contact the physician immediately due to the client's abnormal vital signs. A blood pressure of 90/50, pulse of 132, and respirations of 30 indicate instability and require prompt medical attention. Continuing to monitor vital signs, as in choice A, may lead to a delay in necessary interventions. Asking the client how they feel, as in choice C, provides subjective data and does not address the urgent need for medical intervention. Involving the LPN, as in choice D, is not appropriate in this critical situation where the client's condition is unstable and requires immediate physician assessment and intervention.

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