Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a Native American patient who has traditional beliefs about health and illness. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Avoid asking questions unless the patient initiates the conversation.
• B. Ask the patient whether it is important that cultural healers are contacted.
• C. Explain the usual hospital routines for meal times, care, and family visits.
• D. Obtain further information about the patient's cultural beliefs from a family member.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a patient with traditional health beliefs, it is essential to respect and address their cultural practices. Asking the patient whether it is important to involve cultural healers, such as a shaman, aligns with providing culturally sensitive care. Avoiding asking questions unless initiated by the patient may hinder effective communication and understanding of the patient's needs. Consulting a family member for cultural beliefs assumes that all family members share the same beliefs, which may not be accurate. Additionally, the patient's personal beliefs should be prioritized over family input. Explaining hospital routines without considering the patient's cultural preferences may lead to a lack of patient-centered care. Therefore, the most appropriate action is to inquire about the patient's preference regarding cultural healers.

2. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?

• A. Increase in pulse rate
• B. Widened pulse pressure
• C. Increase in body temperature
• D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.

3. Which of the following mental health situations is considered a psychiatric emergency?

• A. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• B. Depression with melancholic features
• C. Major depressive episode with psychotic features
• D. Bipolar depression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A major depressive episode with psychotic features is considered a psychiatric emergency because it poses a significant risk to the individual's safety. Psychotic features in depression can include hallucinations, delusions, or other severe symptoms that require immediate intervention. While Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and depression with melancholic features are serious conditions, they do not inherently represent an acute emergency that necessitates immediate hospitalization. Bipolar depression, although severe, does not inherently involve psychotic symptoms that would classify it as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. It's crucial to recognize the urgency and severity of major depressive episodes with psychotic features to ensure appropriate and timely treatment.

4. Why is it important for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation?

• A. To decrease the client's anxiety
• B. To help the family better adapt to necessary role changes
• C. To improve communication between family and nursing staff
• D. To ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: It is crucial for the nurse to inform the family about the client's situation to help them better adapt to necessary role changes. By providing early notification, the family can start preparing for potential adjustments. While reducing the client's anxiety and improving communication with the nursing staff are important, the primary purpose is to assist the family in undertaking the required role changes. Creating a relaxed atmosphere for the client, although beneficial, is not the main objective in this situation.

5. Which source of stress would the nurse anticipate in a 5-year-old client?

• A. Jealousy
• B. Stubbornness
• C. Procrastination
• D. Companionship

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Procrastination, which refers to delaying completing chores or activities, is a common source of stress for 5-year-old clients. At this age, children may start experiencing stress related to the pressure of tasks or expectations. Jealousy and stubbornness are more typical sources of stress for 3- and 4-year-old clients who are still developing social and emotional skills. Companionship, on the other hand, is generally seen as a positive aspect in a child's life and is not typically a source of stress but rather a source of support and comfort.

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