Nursing Elites

1. Elderly patients are more prone to dehydration than younger people because the elderly ___________.

• A. drink more coffee and tea
• B. have more stomach mucus production
• C. have more saliva
• D. have less sense of thirst

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elderly patients are prone to dehydration because they have a lower and diminished sense of thirst. This reduced sensation of thirst makes them less likely to drink an adequate amount of fluids, leading to dehydration. While it is true that elderly individuals may also have changes such as decreased stomach mucus production and saliva production, these factors do not directly contribute to dehydration. Drinking more coffee and tea, as mentioned in choice A, is not a consistent behavior among all elderly individuals and is not a primary reason for their increased risk of dehydration.

2. Which behavior observed by the nurse indicates a suspicion that a depressed adolescent client may be suicidal?

• A. The adolescent gives away a DVD player and a cherished autographed picture of a performer.
• B. The adolescent runs out of group therapy, swearing at the group leader, and then goes to her room.
• C. The adolescent becomes angry while speaking on the phone and slams down the receiver.
• D. The adolescent gets angry with her roommate when the roommate borrows her clothes without asking.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is when the adolescent gives away a DVD player and a cherished autographed picture of a performer. This behavior is concerning because a depressed suicidal client often gives away things of value as a way of saying goodbye and wanting to be remembered. Choices B, C, and D all involve anger and acting-out behaviors, which are common in adolescents but do not specifically indicate suicidal ideation. Running out of group therapy, swearing, and going to her room, becoming angry and slamming the phone receiver, or getting upset when her roommate borrows her clothes are not clear indications of suicidal thoughts.

3. An adolescent brings a physician's note to school stating that he is not to participate in sports due to a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease. Which of the following statements about the disease is correct?

• A. The condition is not caused by the student's competitive swimming schedule.
• B. The student will most likely not require surgical intervention.
• C. The student experiences pain in the inferior aspect of the knee.
• D. The student is not trying to avoid participation in physical education.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Osgood-Schlatter disease occurs in adolescents during the rapid growth phase when the infrapatellar ligament of the quadriceps muscle pulls on the tibial tubercle, causing pain and swelling in the inferior aspect of the knee. The condition is commonly caused by activities that require repeated use of the quadriceps, such as track and soccer. Choice A is incorrect because Osgood-Schlatter disease is not specifically linked to competitive swimming. Choice B is incorrect as surgical intervention is not usually necessary for this condition. Choice D is incorrect as the student is not trying to avoid physical education but is restricted from participating in sports due to the diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease.

4. While caring for a client who has just come from surgery and is in the recovery room with an endotracheal tube in place, the nurse deflates the cuff on the tube and removes it. The client sits up in bed, grasps his throat, and begins to make wheezing sounds. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of this situation?

• A. The client is choking on part of the tube
• B. The client has anxiety
• C. The client is having a laryngospasm
• D. The client is having a normal response from anesthesia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After surgery, some clients may experience a laryngospasm during emergence from anesthesia. A laryngospasm can lead to the closure of the laryngeal opening due to spasm of the vocal cords. In this scenario, the client's symptoms of wheezing and throat grasping are indicative of a laryngospasm rather than choking on the tube, anxiety, or a normal response from anesthesia. The nurse should act promptly to open the airway to aid breathing and consider administering muscle relaxants as necessary.

5. A client is found lying on the floor near the bathroom door, stating, 'I thought I could get up on my own.' What information must the nurse document in this situation?

• A. A statement explaining the condition the client was found in, quoting the client's words about the situation
• B. An explanation of how the fall happened and when the physician was notified
• C. An account of the conditions of the room that contributed to the client's fall
• D. A summary of the client's medical history and current medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a fall or injury occurs while under nursing care, it is crucial to document the known aspects of the situation and the response to the injury. In this scenario, the nurse should document the client's condition as found and quote the client's own words about the situation. This helps provide a clear account of the event without implying blame. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because detailing how the fall happened, listing room conditions, or summarizing medical history are not directly relevant to documenting the immediate situation and the client's own words following the fall.

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