Nursing Elites

1. If the nurse who was not promoted tells another friend, "I knew I'd never get the job. The hospital administrator hates me."? If she actually believes this of the administrator, who, in reality, knows little of her, she is demonstrating:

• A. compensation.
• B. reaction formation.
• C. projection.
• D. denial.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse is demonstrating projection, attributing her own feelings of dislike onto the hospital administrator. This defense mechanism involves unconsciously adopting blaming behavior. Compensation involves emphasizing a strong point to make up for a perceived weakness, which is not the case here. Reaction formation is adopting behavior opposite to actual feelings, and denial involves ignoring an unpleasant reality, none of which are demonstrated in this scenario.

2. A client is taking hydrocodone (Vicodin) for chronic back pain. The client has required an increase in the dose and asks whether this means he is addicted to Vicodin. The nurse should base her reply on the knowledge that:

• A. the client's body has developed tolerance, requiring more drug to produce the same effect
• B. the client is preoccupied with getting the drug and is experiencing loss of control, indicating drug dependence
• C. addiction involves psychological behaviors related to substance use, not just physical dependence
• D. the client is coping with chronic back pain and requires adjustments in the medication regimen

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client requires an increased dose of a drug, such as in this case with hydrocodone, it suggests that the body has developed tolerance to the medication. Tolerance means that the client needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect as before. This does not inherently indicate addiction, which involves psychological behaviors related to substance use. Choice B describes drug dependence, where the client is preoccupied with obtaining the drug and experiences loss of control, which is not the same as tolerance. Choice C correctly points out that addiction is more than just physical dependence with withdrawal symptoms and tolerance; it includes psychological factors. Choice D is irrelevant as it discusses adjusting the medication for pain management, not addressing the client's concern about addiction.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with laryngeal cancer. Which finding ascertained in the health history would not be common for this diagnosis?

• A. Foul breath
• B. Dysphagia
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Chronic hiccups

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Diarrhea is not a common finding in clients with laryngeal cancer. Foul breath (A), dysphagia (B), and chronic hiccups (D) are expected findings associated with laryngeal cancer. Foul breath can result from tissue breakdown in the mouth and throat. Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, can occur due to the tumor's location affecting the swallowing mechanism. Chronic hiccups can be a symptom of irritation to the phrenic nerves from the cancer.

4. Using clich�s in therapeutic communication leads the client to:

• A. viewing the nurse as less understanding.
• B. accepting themselves as human.
• C. self-disclosing.
• D. feeling discounted.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The use of clich�s in therapeutic communication is commonly construed by the client as the nurse's lack of understanding, involvement, and caring, which can lead the client to feel demeaned and discounted. Choice A is incorrect because clich�s do not make the client view the nurse as less understanding but rather as lacking depth in communication. Choice B is incorrect as clich�s do not directly lead the client to accepting themselves as human. Choice C is incorrect because clich�s usually hinder self-disclosure rather than encourage it.

5. Fat emulsions are frequently administered as a part of total parenteral nutrition. Which statement is true regarding fat emulsions?

• A. They have a high energy-to-fluid-volume ratio.
• B. Even though hypertonic, they are well tolerated.
• C. They are a basic solution due to the addition of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
• D. The pH is alkaline, making them compatible with most medications.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement is that fat emulsions have a high energy-to-fluid-volume ratio. Fat emulsions are formulated in 10%, 20%, and 30% solutions and supply 1.1, 2, and 3 kilocalories, respectively, for each milliliter. In comparison, a milliliter of 5% dextrose only supplies 0.17 kilocalories. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is false because fat emulsions are essentially pH neutral and isotonic, not hypertonic. Choice C is incorrect because fat emulsions are not basic solutions; they are essentially pH neutral. Choice D is incorrect as fat emulsions are not alkaline; they are pH neutral, making them compatible with most medications.

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