Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is reviewing a depressed client's history from an earlier admission. Documentation of anhedonia is noted. The nurse understands that this finding refers to:

• A. Reports of difficulty falling and staying asleep
• B. Expression of persistent suicidal thoughts
• C. Lack of enjoyment in usual pleasures
• D. Reduced senses of taste and smell

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Lack of enjoyment in usual pleasures. Anhedonia is the inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities. Choice A, reports of difficulty falling and staying asleep, is more indicative of insomnia rather than anhedonia. Choice B, expression of persistent suicidal thoughts, is related to suicidal ideation and not anhedonia. Choice D, reduced senses of taste and smell, is more associated with disturbances in the sense of taste and smell, not anhedonia.

2. Postoperative orders for a client undergoing a mitral valve replacement include monitoring pulmonary artery pressure together with pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with a pulmonary artery catheter. This action by the nurse will assess

• A. Right ventricular pressure
• B. Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
• C. Acid-Base balance
• D. Coronary artery stability

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is used to assess left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. This measurement provides valuable information on the filling pressure of the left ventricle. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because monitoring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure does not directly assess right ventricular pressure, acid-base balance, or coronary artery stability.

3. A Hispanic client confides in the nurse that she is concerned that staff may give her newborn the 'evil eye.' The nurse should communicate to other personnel that the appropriate approach is to

• A. Touch the baby after looking at him
• B. Talk very slowly while speaking to him
• C. Avoid touching the child
• D. Look only at the parents

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In some Hispanic cultures, touching the baby after looking at them is believed to prevent the 'evil eye.' Respecting this cultural belief can help build trust and comfort with the client. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific cultural concern raised by the client. Talking slowly or avoiding touching the child does not relate to the belief in the 'evil eye.' Similarly, focusing only on the parents does not address the client's worry about the newborn receiving the 'evil eye.'

4. A client with bipolar disorder is receiving lithium (Lithobid). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyponatremia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyponatremia. Lithium can lead to hyponatremia by affecting sodium balance in the body. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is unlikely with lithium use. Hyperglycemia (Choice C) and hypercalcemia (Choice D) are not typically associated with lithium therapy for bipolar disorder.

5. A home health nurse knows that a 70-year-old male client who is convalescing at home following a hip replacement is at risk for developing decubitus ulcers. Which physical characteristic of aging contributes to such a risk?

• A. 16% increase in overall body fat.
• B. Reduced melanin production.
• C. Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity.
• D. Calcium loss in the bones.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thinning of the skin with loss of elasticity is the physical characteristic of aging that contributes to an increased risk of developing decubitus ulcers. As individuals age, the skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage from pressure, leading to the formation of pressure ulcers. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly contribute to the development of decubitus ulcers in this context.

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