Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for removal of a pituitary tumor using the transsphenoidal approach. The nurse should be particularly alert for:

• A. Nasal congestion
• B. Abdominal tenderness
• C. Muscle tetany
• D. Oliguria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the removal of a pituitary tumor using the transsphenoidal approach, nasal congestion is a significant concern as it can further obstruct the airway. This can be due to mucosal swelling, bleeding, or edema resulting from the surgery. Nasal congestion requires immediate attention to prevent airway compromise. Abdominal tenderness, muscle tetany, and oliguria are not directly associated with the pituitary gland or the transsphenoidal approach, making them incorrect choices. Abdominal tenderness is more common in abdominal or pelvic surgeries due to intra-abdominal issues. Muscle tetany is related to electrolyte imbalances or neuromuscular disorders, not specific to pituitary surgery. Oliguria is a concern in renal-related conditions, not typically in pituitary tumor surgeries.

2. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Multiple Drug Use. The nurse should plan care based on knowledge that

• A. Multiple drug use is common.
• B. People might use more than one drug to enhance the effect or relieve withdrawal symptoms.
• C. Combining alcohol and barbiturates can be dangerous due to their combined depressant effects.
• D. Assessment and intervention are more complex with multiple drug use due to the synergistic effects.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client with Multiple Drug Use, it is important to understand that individuals may use more than one drug simultaneously or sequentially to enhance the effect of a particular drug or to relieve withdrawal symptoms. This practice is common among substance users. For example, heroin users may also consume alcohol, marijuana, or benzodiazepines. Combining drugs can have various effects, such as intensifying intoxication or alleviating withdrawal symptoms. It is crucial to recognize that multiple drug use can complicate assessment and intervention due to the diverse effects of different substances on the client's health. Option A is incorrect as multiple drug use is indeed common, not uncommon. Option C is incorrect because combining alcohol and barbiturates can be dangerous due to their combined depressant effects. Option D is incorrect because multiple drug use complicates assessment and intervention rather than making them easier, as the effects of different drugs on the client need to be carefully considered.

3. The Token Economy is a type of therapy that focuses on:

• A. play therapy
• B. behavior modification
• C. milieu therapy
• D. associative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'behavior modification.' The Token Economy is a form of behavior modification that involves providing positive reinforcement in the form of tokens or rewards for desired behaviors. This approach aims to increase the occurrence of positive behaviors by rewarding them. Play therapy (choice A) focuses on using play as a medium for therapeutic communication, not specifically behavior modification. Milieu therapy (choice C) involves shaping the environment to promote desired behaviors but is not the primary focus of the Token Economy. 'Associative' (choice D) is not directly related to the Token Economy or its focus on behavior modification, making it an incorrect choice.

4. A complication of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is the development of cholestasis. What is this condition?

• A. an inflammatory process of the extrahepatic bile ducts
• B. an arrest of the normal flow of bile
• C. an inflammation of the gallbladder
• D. the formation of gallstones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cholestasis due to TPN administration is an intrahepatic process that interrupts the normal flow of bile. It is characterized by a reduction or stoppage of bile flow. Choice A, an inflammatory process of the extrahepatic bile ducts, refers to cholangitis, not cholestasis. Choice C, an inflammation of the gallbladder, describes cholecystitis, a different condition. Choice D, the formation of gallstones, is not correct as cholestasis is about the flow of bile, not the formation of gallstones.

5. If the nurse who was not promoted tells another friend, "I knew I'd never get the job. The hospital administrator hates me."? If she actually believes this of the administrator, who, in reality, knows little of her, she is demonstrating:

• A. compensation.
• B. reaction formation.
• C. projection.
• D. denial.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse is demonstrating projection, attributing her own feelings of dislike onto the hospital administrator. This defense mechanism involves unconsciously adopting blaming behavior. Compensation involves emphasizing a strong point to make up for a perceived weakness, which is not the case here. Reaction formation is adopting behavior opposite to actual feelings, and denial involves ignoring an unpleasant reality, none of which are demonstrated in this scenario.

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