Nursing Elites

1. On her first visit to the neonatal intensive care unit to see her preterm newborn, the mother’s only comment to the nurse is, 'My baby looks so fragile. Do you think my child will make it?' Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. "Many infants born as small as yours have done just fine."
• B. "The staff is confident in your child’s prognosis because preterm babies do look like this at first."
• C. "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"
• D. "Your baby is not as fragile as it appears. Do you find it so frightening that you can’t touch your child?"

Correct answer: "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?"

Rationale: The nurse's response should aim to convey acceptance and encourage the mother to express her concerns. By saying, "It’s understandable that your baby looks fragile to you. What have you learned about the condition?", the nurse acknowledges the mother's feelings and prompts her to share her understanding, fostering further communication and addressing any misconceptions. Choices A and B dismiss the mother's concerns by making general statements and do not encourage dialogue. Choice D implies judgment and may deter the mother from opening up about her fears.

2. Which implemented strategies would not be effective in preventing post-traumatic stress in the nursing staff?

• A. Providing breaks to the staff whenever needed
• B. Encouraging the staff to work for more than 12 hours per day
• C. Encouraging the staff to encourage and support their coworkers
• D. Asking the staff and managers to talk about their feelings with each other

Correct answer: Encouraging the staff to work for more than 12 hours per day

Rationale: To prevent post-traumatic stress in the nursing staff, it is crucial to avoid overworking them. Encouraging staff to work for more than 12 hours per day can lead to burnout and increased stress levels, thus exacerbating post-traumatic stress. Providing breaks whenever needed is essential to ensure rest and rejuvenation during demanding shifts. Encouraging staff to support and uplift their coworkers can create a positive work environment, fostering resilience against stress. Additionally, promoting open communication by asking staff and managers to discuss their feelings can facilitate emotional processing and mutual support, ultimately reducing the risk of post-traumatic stress.

3. The nurse observes a UAP taking a client's blood pressure in the lower extremity. Which observation of this procedure requires the nurse's intervention?

• A. The cuff wraps around the girth of the leg.
• B. The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.
• C. The client is placed in a prone position.
• D. The systolic reading is 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm.

Correct answer: The UAP auscultates the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg.

Rationale: When obtaining blood pressure in the lower extremities, the popliteal pulse should be auscultated when the blood pressure cuff is applied around the thigh. The nurse should intervene when the UAP is auscultating the popliteal pulse with the cuff on the lower leg because this is incorrect placement. Option A, wrapping the cuff around the girth of the leg, ensures an accurate assessment. Option C, placing the client in a prone position, provides the best access to the artery. The systolic pressure in the popliteal artery is typically 10 to 40 mm Hg higher than in the brachial artery, so a systolic reading 20 mm Hg higher than the blood pressure in the client's arm is within the expected range and does not require intervention.

4. Identify the type of 'trigger' with the correct 'trigger' that can possibly lead to disturbed behavior.

• A. Emotional: room coldness
• B. Environmental: boredom
• C. Physical: pain
• D. Communication: silence

Correct answer: C: Physical: pain

Rationale: Physical pain is a common trigger that can lead to disturbed behavior in individuals, especially when they are unable to communicate their pain effectively. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Room coldness falls under environmental triggers, boredom is associated with emotional triggers, and silence is a communication aspect rather than a direct trigger for disturbed behavior.

5. The client is being instructed on the proper use of a metered-dose inhaler. Which instruction should the nurse provide to ensure the optimal benefits from the drug?

• A. Fill your lungs with air through your mouth and then compress the inhaler.
• B. Compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through your mouth.
• C. Compress the inhaler while inhaling quickly through your nose.
• D. Exhale completely after compressing the inhaler and then inhale.

Correct answer: Compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through your mouth.

Rationale: To ensure optimal benefits from a metered-dose inhaler, the client should be instructed to compress the inhaler while slowly breathing in through the mouth. This technique facilitates the medication to reach deep into the lungs, allowing for an optimal bronchodilation effect. Option B is correct as it promotes the proper coordination of inhaler compression and inhalation, ensuring effective drug delivery. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not support deep lung penetration of the medication, which is essential for its effectiveness in treating respiratory conditions.

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