Nursing Elites

1. The nurse provides a postoperative client with an analgesic medication and darkens the room before the client goes to sleep for the night. The nurse's actions:

• A. help decrease stimuli from the cerebral cortex.
• B. stimulate hormonal changes in the brain.
• C. help the client's circadian rhythm.
• D. alert the hypothalamus in the brain.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse's actions of providing an analgesic medication and darkening the room aim to decrease stimuli from the cerebral cortex. Reduction of environmental stimuli, especially light and noise, from the cerebral cortex, which is an area of arousal, facilitates sleep. By decreasing input to this area, the client is more likely to fall asleep and stay asleep. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the scenario does not involve stimulating hormonal changes, influencing the circadian rhythm, or alerting the hypothalamus.

2. Which of the following devices may be applicable to a bedridden patient to address potential venous insufficiency?

• A. Shear-reducing mattress
• B. Sequential compression devices
• C. Hiking stockings
• D. Non-skid socks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a bedridden patient with potential venous insufficiency, sequential compression devices (SCDs) and compression stockings are appropriate choices. SCDs help improve venous return from the lower extremities by applying sequential pressure, aiding circulation. Compression stockings also assist in preventing blood from pooling in the legs by applying pressure to support venous return. Shear-reducing mattresses are not directly related to managing venous insufficiency, as they are designed to reduce friction and shear forces on the skin to prevent pressure ulcers. Non-skid socks are primarily used for fall prevention and have no direct impact on venous insufficiency.

3. The advanced directive in a client's chart is dated August 12, 1998. The client's daughter produces a Power of Attorney for Health Care, dated 2003, which contains different care directions. What should the nurse do?

• A. Follow the 1998 version because it's part of the legal chart.
• B. Follow the 1998 version because the physician's code order is based on it.
• C. Follow the 2003 version, place it in the chart, and communicate the update appropriately.
• D. Follow neither until clarified by the unit manager.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The document dated 2003 supersedes the previous version and should be used as a basis for care directions. The nurse should follow the 2003 version, place it in the chart, and communicate the update appropriately to ensure that the most current care directions are followed. Choices A and B are incorrect because the 1998 version is now outdated, and the nurse should not rely on it for care decisions. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse should not delay following the updated document, and seeking clarification from the unit manager can lead to avoidable delays in care.

4. The goals of palliative care include all of the following except:

• A. giving clients with life-threatening illnesses the best quality of life possible.
• B. taking care of the whole person"?body, mind, spirit, heart, and soul.
• C. no interventions are needed because the client is near death.
• D. supporting the needs of the family and client.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct goal of palliative care is to provide comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of the dying client until the end of life. Therefore, the statement 'no interventions are needed because the client is near death' is incorrect as interventions are still essential to ensure comfort and quality of life. Choices A, B, and D are all aligned with the goals of palliative care, focusing on improving the quality of life, providing holistic care, and supporting both the family and the client.

5. Nonpharmacological pain management involves all of the following except:

• A. hypnosis alone.
• B. psychological care, including support groups.
• C. physical and psychological modalities.
• D. pain-reducing drugs only.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nonpharmacological pain management encompasses various strategies like hypnosis, psychological care, and physical and psychological modalities. The correct answer is 'pain-reducing drugs only' because nonpharmacological approaches do not solely rely on medications for pain management. Options A, B, and C are all valid components of nonpharmacological pain management. Hypnosis can help manage pain, psychological care including support groups can provide emotional support and coping strategies, and physical and psychological modalities encompass a wide range of interventions beyond just medication.

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