Nursing Elites

1. An elderly patient has been living in a nursing home for several years. The nursing staff has begun to notice a change in her behavior. All of the following are symptoms of depression except:

• A. Changes in sleep patterns
• B. Changes in eating patterns with weight loss
• C. Excessive fatigue and increased concern with bodily functions
• D. Hyperorality

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hyperorality is not typically a symptom of depression. Symptoms of depression often include changes in sleep patterns, eating patterns with weight loss, and excessive fatigue. Hyperorality, which refers to the tendency to examine, chew, or ingest non-nutritive substances, is not a common symptom associated with depression.

2. After hemodialysis, a client with a history of chronic renal failure has just returned to the unit. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to make?

• A. Auscultate the client's lung sounds.
• B. Assess the client's blood pressure.
• C. Monitor the client's weight.
• D. Check the client's fistula for bruit and thrill.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most crucial assessment for the nurse to make after hemodialysis in a client with chronic renal failure is to check the client's fistula for bruit and thrill (D). This assessment is essential to ensure the patency of the fistula and adequate blood flow. Auscultating lung sounds (A), assessing blood pressure (B), and monitoring weight (C) are important assessments but are secondary to evaluating the fistula. Checking the fistula is vital as it directly impacts the effectiveness of the client's dialysis treatment and the patency of the vascular access, ensuring successful dialysis sessions.

3. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of fluid volume deficit. Which clinical finding would the nurse expect?

• A. Bounding pulse
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Oliguria
• D. Dry mucous membranes

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Dry mucous membranes (D) are a common clinical finding indicating fluid volume deficit. In dehydration, there is insufficient fluid in the body, leading to dry mucous membranes due to decreased saliva production. Bounding pulse (A) is associated with fluid volume excess, not deficit. Bradycardia (B) and oliguria (C) are not typical clinical findings of fluid volume deficit but may be seen in fluid volume excess or other conditions.

4. When a male client mentions his foot is hurting while watching TV with his wife, how should the nurse respond?

• A. Ask him to rate his pain on a scale of 1 to 10.
• B. Encourage him to wait until bedtime for the pill to help him sleep.
• C. Attend to an acutely ill client's needs first as the client is laughing.
• D. Instruct him in the use of deep breathing exercises for pain control.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is to ask the client to rate his pain on a scale of 1 to 10. This helps the nurse assess the intensity of the pain and determine the appropriate pain medication. Encouraging him to wait or attend to another client's needs first are incorrect because pain management should be addressed promptly. Instructing on deep breathing exercises may be helpful but is not the initial step in addressing acute pain.

5. A client is receiving external radiation therapy for lung cancer. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?

• A. Encourage the client to use sunscreen when outdoors.
• B. Apply a heating pad to the radiation site.
• C. Instruct the client to avoid using deodorant on the skin near the radiation site.
• D. Advise the client to increase intake of green leafy vegetables.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client to avoid using deodorant on the skin near the radiation site (C) is crucial to prevent skin irritation and potential adverse reactions during external radiation therapy. Sunscreen (A), heating pad (B), and dietary changes (D) are less pertinent in this situation.

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