Nursing Elites

1. The family of a child with cerebral palsy (CP) is at risk for difficult parenting issues. Which basis would the nurse conclude as the probable cause for this difficulty?

• A. Lack of social support
• B. Unrealistic expectations
• C. Loss of the expected healthy child
• D. Having a child with cognitive impairment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Loss of the expected healthy child.' Parents of a child with cerebral palsy often grieve the loss of the healthy child they expected, mourning what could have been and what may never be. While lack of social support can contribute to parenting difficulties, it is not the primary basis in this case. Unrealistic expectations may play a role for some parents, but not all. Additionally, it is important to note that not all children with cerebral palsy experience cognitive impairment; around 30% to 50% of children with cerebral palsy have cognitive challenges.

2. What feeling is likely to result from withdrawn behavior?

• A. Anger
• B. Paranoia
• C. Loneliness
• D. Boredom

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Withdrawn behavior involves avoiding social interactions and isolating oneself. This isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness as the individual lacks connection and companionship. While anger or paranoia may contribute to withdrawal, loneliness is a common emotional consequence of prolonged social isolation. Boredom may also arise from withdrawal if meaningful activities and social engagements are reduced.

3. A 28-year-old woman is recovering from her third consecutive spontaneous abortion in 2 years. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for this client at her follow-up appointment?

• A. Focusing on the client's physical needs
• B. Encouraging the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss
• C. Reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again
• D. Encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client recovering from multiple spontaneous abortions is to encourage the client to verbalize her feelings about the loss. This allows the client to express and process her emotions, facilitating the grieving process and emotional healing. Focusing solely on the client's physical needs, as in choice A, overlooks the importance of addressing the emotional aspect of the client's experience. Choice C, reminding the client that she will be able to become pregnant again, fails to acknowledge the current loss and may minimize the client's feelings of grief. Choice D, encouraging the client to think of herself, her husband, and their future, does not directly address the client's immediate emotional needs related to the recent loss. Therefore, choice B is the most appropriate intervention to support the client in coping with her emotional distress.

4. A 16-month-old child has just been admitted to the hospital. As the nurse assigned to this child enters the hospital room for the first time, the toddler runs to the mother, clings to her, and begins to cry. What would be the initial action by the nurse?

• A. Arrange to change client care assignments.
• B. Explain that this behavior is expected.
• C. Discuss the appropriate use of 'time-out'.
• D. Explain that the child needs extra attention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to explain that this behavior is expected. During normal development, fear of strangers becomes prominent beginning around age 6-8 months. Such behaviors include clinging to parents, crying, and turning away from the stranger. These fears and behaviors extend into the toddler period and may persist into preschool. Changing client care assignments (Choice A) is not necessary as the child's behavior is developmentally appropriate. Discussing the appropriate use of 'time-out' (Choice C) is not relevant in this situation as the child is displaying normal attachment behavior, not misbehavior. Explaining that the child needs extra attention (Choice D) may not be necessary as the child is likely seeking comfort from the familiar presence of the mother, which is a typical response in a stressful situation like being in a hospital environment.

5. A college athlete sustained a complete transection of the spinal cord while practicing on a trampoline. The health care provider explained that return of function to the lower extremities is not likely. Two weeks later, the client verbalizes the need to practice for an upcoming tournament. Which conclusion would the nurse make about the client's statement?

• A. Exhibiting denial
• B. Verbalizing a fantasy
• C. No longer able to adapt
• D. Motivated to recover mobility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Exhibiting denial.' Denial is a common defense mechanism when facing a serious health issue. The individual rejects the existence of the problem due to the overwhelming anxiety and emotional distress it causes. In this case, the athlete's desire to practice for an upcoming tournament despite being informed about the unlikely return of lower extremity function indicates denial of the severity of their condition. Choice B, 'Verbalizing a fantasy,' is incorrect as a fantasy involves creating imagined events to fulfill unconscious wishes, which is not evident here. Choice C, 'No longer able to adapt,' is incorrect because the client is actually demonstrating a maladaptive coping mechanism by denying the reality of their situation. Choice D, 'Motivated to recover mobility,' is incorrect as the client's goal of practicing for a tournament does not align with the realistic expectation of recovering mobility after a complete spinal cord transection.

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