Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with epilepsy who is being treated with carbamazepine (Tegretol). Which laboratory value might indicate a serious side effect of this drug?

• A. Uric acid of 5 mg/dL
• B. Hematocrit of 33%
• C. WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter
• D. Platelets 150,000 per cubic millimeter

Correct answer: WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter

Rationale: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) can suppress the bone marrow, leading to a decrease in the white blood cell count. A laboratory value of WBC 2,000 per cubic millimeter indicates a serious side effect of the drug. Choices A and D are within normal limits, while choice B is at the lower limit of normal. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect.

2. The client is admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Blood gases reveal pH 7.36, CO2 45, O2 84, HCO3 28. The nurse would assess the client to be in:

• A. Uncompensated acidosis
• B. Compensated alkalosis
• C. Compensated respiratory acidosis
• D. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis

Correct answer: Compensated respiratory acidosis

Rationale: The client is experiencing compensated respiratory acidosis. The pH is within the normal range but is lower than 7.40, indicating acidity. The elevated CO2 level and low O2 level suggest respiratory involvement. The slightly elevated HCO3 level indicates a compensatory mechanism. In respiratory acidosis, the pH will be inversely related to the CO2 and bicarb levels, with elevated CO2 and HCO3 levels contributing to acidosis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the presented blood gas values and the compensatory response observed in this case.

3. What type of relief behavior is Ashley using to cope with emotional conflict?

• A. acting out
• B. somatizing
• C. withdrawal
• D. problem-solving

Correct answer: somatizing

Rationale: Ashley is somatizing by experiencing emotional conflict as physical symptoms associated with severe anxiety. Somatizing involves converting emotions into physical symptoms. Acting out involves behaviors like anger, crying, and verbal abuse, not physical symptoms. Withdrawal is when one withdraws psychic energy in response to anxiety, not converting emotions into physical symptoms. Problem-solving occurs when anxiety is identified and the underlying need is addressed, not converting emotions into physical symptoms.

4. A woman seeks assistance because she recently remembered childhood sexual abuse. The nurse should include which of the following goals for this client?

• A. prosecuting the perpetrator
• B. managing symptoms of anxiety and fear
• C. determining if the memories are real
• D. collaborating with the client’s story

Correct answer: managing symptoms of anxiety and fear

Rationale: The correct answer is 'managing symptoms of anxiety and fear.' When a client remembers childhood sexual abuse, the nurse's primary goal should be to help the client cope with the emotional distress and symptoms such as anxiety and fear. Prosecuting the perpetrator is not within the nurse's scope of practice and is a legal matter. Determining if the memories are real is not the nurse's role; the focus should be on providing support and care. Collaborating with the client's story is vague and does not address the immediate emotional needs of the client.

5. When assessing a client in crisis, what should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Allowing the client to work through independent problem-solving.
• B. Completing an in-depth evaluation of stressors and responses to the situation.
• C. Focusing on immediate stress reduction.
• D. Recommending ongoing therapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is in crisis, the nurse's priority is to focus on immediate stress reduction. Crisis intervention aims to stabilize the client in the present moment by addressing the most pressing issues. Allowing the client to work through independent problem-solving (Choice A) may not be appropriate during a crisis as they might need immediate support. Completing an in-depth evaluation of stressors (Choice B) is important but not the immediate priority during a crisis. Recommending ongoing therapy (Choice D) may be considered later, but the immediate focus should be on reducing the client's stress and stabilizing the situation.

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