Nursing Elites

1. The nurse notes bruises on the pregnant client's face and abdomen. There are no bruises on her legs and arms. Further assessment is required to confirm which condition?

• A. Domestic abuse
• B. Hydatidiform mole
• C. Excessive exercise
• D. Thrombocytopenic purpura

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Domestic abuse is a serious concern during pregnancy as it can escalate, and the bruises on the face and abdomen may indicate physical violence towards the pregnant woman. Hydatidiform mole presents with symptoms like an enlarged uterus for gestational age, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding, not bruises. Excessive exercise typically leads to cardiovascular or pulmonary issues, not bruising. Thrombocytopenic purpura and other bleeding disorders usually present with bruises and petechiae on various body surfaces, not just limited to the face and abdomen.

2. Which statement best describes the pathophysiology of dementia of the Alzheimer type?

• A. There is a genetic predisposition and dysregulation of neurotransmitters.
• B. The dementia is transient and secondary to a physical imbalance or disorder.
• C. Hypoxia and decreased perfusion of select areas of the brain cause tissue damage.
• D. The presence of amyloid plaques is associated with brain tissue destruction.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In Alzheimer's disease, the accumulation of amyloid plaques in the brain is a hallmark feature. These plaques are associated with the destruction of brain tissue, contributing to the cognitive decline seen in dementia. Genetic predisposition and dysregulation of neurotransmitters are factors linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease, but the primary pathology lies in the amyloid plaques. Transient dementia is not characteristic of Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Hypoxia and decreased perfusion are more typical of vascular dementia, where blood flow to the brain is compromised.

3. What is the primary purpose served when an individual takes action to reduce anxiety?

• A. Reduction of tension
• B. Denial of the situation
• C. Avoidance of physical discomfort
• D. Resolution in decision-making

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary purpose of taking action to reduce anxiety is to alleviate emotional tension and prevent the exacerbation of anxiety symptoms. By reducing tension, anxiety levels decrease, leading to a sense of comfort, safety, and security. Denial of the situation is not the goal when addressing anxiety; rather, acknowledging and managing it is crucial. While physical discomfort may accompany anxiety, the focus is on alleviating the emotional aspect to mitigate physical manifestations. Although mild anxiety can sometimes improve decision-making skills, higher levels of anxiety typically impede cognitive functions, making resolution in decision-making less likely.

4. Which response would the nurse make at lunchtime to a client who is sitting alone with the head slightly tilted as if listening to something?

• A. "I know you're busy, but it's lunchtime."
• B. "Are the voices bothering you again?"
• C. "Get going; you don't want to miss lunchtime."
• D. "It's lunchtime; I'll walk with you to the dining room."

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement, "It's lunchtime; I'll walk with you to the dining room," demonstrates setting limits and providing support. Hallucinations can be frightening, and the nurse's presence offers support and reality without focusing on the hallucination directly. Choice A, "I know you're busy, but it's lunchtime," does not recognize the client's need for support and direction. Choice B, "Are the voices bothering you again?", makes a judgment without sufficient evidence and overly focuses on the hallucination, failing to address the client's need for support and direction. Choice C, "Get going; you don't want to miss lunchtime," does not acknowledge the client's need for reality, support, and direction, and may come across as threatening.

5. A client dies while several family members are in the room. Which intervention will the hospice nurse initially use during the shock phase of a grief reaction?

• A. Stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased.
• B. Direct activities related to funeral arrangements.
• C. Mobilize the support systems for the family.
• D. Present the full reality of the loss to the family.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the shock phase of a grief reaction, the hospice nurse's initial intervention should be to stay at the bedside with the family and the deceased. This action provides immediate support to the family until coping mechanisms and personal support systems can be mobilized. Directing activities related to funeral arrangements is not within the nurse's role and responsibility. Mobilizing the support systems for the family is important, but staying with the family and the deceased helps in providing immediate comfort and support. Presenting the full reality of the loss to the family is not appropriate during the shock phase as acceptance of the loss takes time and is not the immediate priority.

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