Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 14-year-old adolescent who was admitted to the hospital after a suicide attempt. The adolescent’s mood appears stable, and the healthcare provider has recommended discharge. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge
• B. Provide education about medication adherence
• C. Encourage the adolescent to participate in group therapy
• D. Schedule a follow-up appointment with a mental health professional

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to ensure that a safety plan is in place before discharge. A safety plan is essential to assist the adolescent in managing future crises and decreasing the likelihood of another suicide attempt. It provides guidance on coping strategies and resources to help the adolescent stay safe in times of distress.

2. A child admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis is demonstrating Kussmaul respirations. The nurse determines that the increased respiratory rate is a compensatory mechanism for which acid-base alteration?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis.
• B. Respiratory acidosis.
• C. Respiratory alkalosis.
• D. Metabolic acidosis.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breathing patterns observed in metabolic acidosis, such as diabetic ketoacidosis. In this condition, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate to eliminate excess carbon dioxide (CO2) and decrease the acid levels, thereby helping to correct the acid-base imbalance. Therefore, the correct answer is metabolic acidosis.

3. The healthcare provider is assessing an infant with diarrhea and lethargy. Which finding should the provider identify that is consistent with early dehydration?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Dry mucous membranes
• D. Decreased skin turgor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is a common early sign of dehydration in infants. It is important for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring infants with these symptoms, as prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further complications.

4. In a hospitalized child receiving IV fluids for dehydration, what is the best indicator that the child’s dehydration is improving?

• A. The child’s urine output increases
• B. The child’s skin turgor is normal
• C. The child’s weight increases
• D. The child’s vital signs are stable

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator of improving dehydration in a child. It signifies that the kidneys are functioning better, helping to restore fluid balance in the body. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing hydration status and response to treatment. Choices B, C, and D are not the best indicators of improving dehydration. Normal skin turgor is helpful but may not change immediately with improving hydration. Weight increase may reflect retained fluids rather than improved hydration status. Stable vital signs are important but may not always indicate improving dehydration.

5. During a routine physical exam, a male adolescent client tells the nurse, 'sometimes, my mother gets angry because I want to be with my own friends.' What is the best initial response by the nurse?

• A. Offer reassurance that his mother's concern is normal
• B. Determine if his friends are engaged in unsafe behaviors
• C. Ask about the client's response to his mother's anger
• D. Offer to discuss his concerns with his mother

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client expresses concerns about family dynamics, it is important to explore their feelings and reactions to the situation. By asking about the client's response to his mother's anger, the nurse can gain insight into the client's emotions, thoughts, and coping mechanisms. Understanding these aspects is crucial in providing appropriate support and guidance. Option A is incorrect because it focuses solely on reassuring the client about his mother's concern without addressing the client's feelings. Option B assumes negative behaviors without evidence. Option D jumps to discussing concerns with the mother without understanding the client's perspective first.

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