Nursing Elites

1. The client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. Which reaction cues the nurse to realize this when caring for a client who has lost an arm in a motor vehicle accident?

• A. The client is going through a grieving period.
• B. The client talks as if another person is affected.
• C. The client is willing to learn techniques to adapt.
• D. The client recognizes the reality and becomes anxious.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the client's recognition of the reality and subsequent anxiety cues the nurse that the client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. During this phase, the client may refuse to discuss the change and may use withdrawal as a coping mechanism. The grieving period typically occurs during the acknowledgement phase, where the client and family come to terms with the change in physical appearance. Initially, shock and depersonalization may lead the client to talk as if another person is affected by the change. Finally, in the rehabilitation stage, the client is ready to learn techniques to adapt to the change, such as through the use of prosthetics or modifying lifestyles and goals.

2. When taking a client's blood pressure, the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Deflate the cuff completely and immediately reattempt the reading.
• B. Re-inflate the cuff completely and leave it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds before taking the second reading.
• C. Deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading.
• D. Document the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse is unable to distinguish the point at which the first sound was heard while taking a client's blood pressure, the best action is to deflate the cuff to zero and wait 30 to 60 seconds before reattempting the reading. Deflating the cuff for this duration allows blood flow to return to the extremity, ensuring an accurate reading on that extremity a second time. Option A of deflating the cuff completely and immediately reattempting the reading could lead to a falsely high reading. Option B, re-inflating the cuff completely and leaving it inflated for 90 to 110 seconds, reduces circulation, causes pain, and may alter the reading. Option D, documenting the exact level visualized on the sphygmomanometer where the first fluctuation was seen, is not a reliable method for assessing blood pressure and does not address the issue of obtaining an accurate reading.

3. When caring for a patient who speaks a different language and an interpreter is unavailable, which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Talk slowly to ensure clear understanding
• B. Speak loudly in close proximity to the patient's ears
• C. Repeat important words to emphasize their significance
• D. Use simple gestures to demonstrate meaning while communicating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When faced with a language barrier and lacking an interpreter, using simple gestures can help convey meaning to the patient. This approach can assist in basic communication and understanding. Talking slowly may not be effective if the patient does not understand the language, and speaking loudly can be perceived as aggressive or intimidating. Repeating words may not aid comprehension if the patient is unfamiliar with the language. Therefore, using gestures is the most appropriate option in this situation.

4. A client who is at 28 weeks' gestation and in active labor is crying. She says, 'I just know that this baby is going to die. What's the use of doing all this to save it?' Which explanation would interpret the client's statements?

• A. She is depressed and needs gentle, positive support during labor.
• B. She is experiencing anticipatory grief and withdrawing from bonding.
• C. She is in need of emotional support to help her cope with the impending birth.
• D. She is struggling to cope with the birth by using the word 'it.'

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's statement indicates anticipatory grief, where she is preparing for a potential loss. This grief is not necessarily about the literal death of the baby but about the loss of the anticipated healthy full-term baby. The client may not be ready to bond with the reality of a preterm baby. Providing gentle, positive support is essential to help her cope with her feelings, as firm support may come across as dismissive. Sedation is not appropriate as it could hinder the client's emotional processing. Allowing the client to express her emotions and work through anticipatory grieving is crucial. The use of the word 'it' reflects the client's emotional struggle and is not the primary issue at hand.

5. Which term refers to a comprehensive set of thoughts or images of oneself?

• A. Global self
• B. Core self-concept
• C. Personal identity
• D. Ideal self

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The term 'Global self' specifically refers to a comprehensive set of thoughts or images about oneself. It encompasses a person's overall perception of themselves, including their beliefs, values, and self-image. 'Core self-concept' is more focused on the fundamental beliefs individuals hold about themselves, 'Personal identity' relates to the characteristics and qualities that distinguish a person from others, and 'Ideal self' represents the person an individual aspires to be rather than their current self-perception. Therefore, 'Global self' is the most appropriate term for the description provided in the question.

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