Nursing Elites

1. Ashley and her boyfriend Chris, both 19 years old, are transported to the Emergency Department after being involved in a motorcycle accident. Chris is badly hurt, but Ashley has no apparent injuries, though she appears confused and has trouble focusing on what is going on around her. She complains of dizziness and nausea. Her pulse is rapid, and she is hyperventilating. The nurse should assess Ashley's level of anxiety as:

• A. mild.
• B. moderate.
• C. severe.
• D. panic.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Based on the symptoms described, Ashley's level of anxiety should be assessed as severe. In severe anxiety, individuals have difficulty solving problems and understanding their environment. They often exhibit somatic symptoms like dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, and hyperventilation. In contrast, mild anxiety may lead to mild discomfort or even enhanced performance. Moderate anxiety involves grasping less information, mild difficulty in problem-solving, and slight changes in vital signs. Panic, on the other hand, is characterized by markedly disturbed behavior and a potential loss of touch with reality. Therefore, in Ashley's case, the presence of somatic symptoms and vital sign changes indicates severe anxiety.

2. A client recently lost a child due to poisoning. The client tells the nurse, 'I don’t want to make any new friends right now.' This is an example of which of the following indicators of stress?

• A. emotional indicator
• B. spiritual indicator
• C. sociocultural indicator
• D. intellectual indicator

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'sociocultural indicator.' This client's reluctance to make new friends after experiencing a traumatic event like losing a child is a clear sign of sociocultural stress. Sociocultural stress can impact a person's social interactions, relationships, and cultural practices. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A, 'emotional indicator,' would focus on emotional responses directly related to stress. Choice B, 'spiritual indicator,' refers to stress related to spiritual beliefs, practices, or values, which is not evident in this scenario. Choice D, 'intellectual indicator,' is not a recognized category of stress indicators in this context.

3. A client is taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) for chronic back pain. The client has required an increase in the dose and asks whether this means he is addicted to Vicodin. The nurse should base her reply on the knowledge that:

• A. the client's body has developed tolerance, requiring more drug to produce the same effect.
• B. the client is preoccupied with getting the drug and is experiencing loss of control, indicating drug dependence.
• C. addiction is the term used to describe physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance.
• D. the client has a dual diagnosis of substance abuse and chronic back pain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Drug tolerance is characterized by the ability to ingest a larger dose without adverse effects and decreased sensitivity to the substance. In this scenario, the client needing an increased dose of hydrocodone to achieve the same pain relief indicates tolerance developing, not addiction. Choice B is incorrect as it describes drug dependence, where the individual is preoccupied with the drug and has a loss of control. Choice C is incorrect because addiction involves psychological behaviors related to substance use, not just physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to a dual diagnosis, which is the coexistence of substance abuse and psychiatric disorders, not the development of tolerance to a drug.

4. A client with a diagnosis of Schizophrenia has been released from an acute care setting. The client had a prolonged recovery from relapse. One of the parents says to the discharge nurse, 'I do not understand what is going on. The hospital said she was better, but all she does is sit around all day and smoke. We cannot get her to go to the vocational training you arranged.' The nurse recognizes that more teaching is needed about

• A. the pathophysiology and behavioral manifestations of schizophrenia.
• B. support groups that can help the parents cope with their frustration.
• C. the prolonged recovery time and side effects of medications to prevent relapse.
• D. motivational techniques that are effective in engaging clients with schizophrenia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse conducting discharge teaching must emphasize the extended recovery process and the potential side effects of medications used to prevent relapse in individuals with schizophrenia. In this scenario, it is crucial for the parents to understand that the client's behavior may be influenced by the medication's sedative qualities and the time required for full recovery. While support groups can assist caregivers in coping with their emotions and providing better care, the priority here is educating on the recovery process and medication effects. Motivational techniques are beneficial but may not be the immediate focus in this situation.

5. Referral for client education in the community can be accomplished through all of the following except:

• A. community agencies such as the American Heart Association
• B. parish nurses
• C. home health care agencies
• D. unlicensed massage therapists

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Client education should be conducted by individuals with acknowledged expertise in the subject area and appropriate credentials to support their activities within the healthcare community. Choices A, B, and C involve reputable entities or professionals who can provide accurate and reliable client education. The American Heart Association, parish nurses, and home health care agencies are recognized for their healthcare-related knowledge and qualifications. However, unlicensed massage therapists lack the necessary qualifications and expertise to deliver appropriate healthcare-related education, making them unsuitable for referrals when it comes to client education in the community.

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