Nursing Elites

1. Two days after his last drink, a male alcoholic client becomes agitated and yells at his wife and children, 'Stay away from me!' His vital signs are elevated. What nursing diagnosis has the highest priority?

• A. High risk for social isolation.
• B. Altered parenting.
• C. Ineffective individual coping.
• D. High risk for injury.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'High risk for injury.' The client's agitation, elevated vital signs, and aggressive behavior pose a threat to himself and his family. Addressing the risk for injury is the priority to ensure the safety of all individuals involved. Choices A, B, and C are not the highest priority in this scenario. 'High risk for social isolation' does not address the immediate physical safety concern. 'Altered parenting' and 'Ineffective individual coping' are important but not as urgent as the risk for injury in this situation.

2. A client with anorexia nervosa is being treated in an inpatient unit. Which intervention is a priority for the nurse?

• A. Encourage the client to exercise to build muscle mass.
• B. Provide liquid supplements between meals.
• C. Allow the client to choose their own meals.
• D. Monitor the client's weight daily.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Monitoring the client's weight daily is a priority intervention for a nurse caring for a client with anorexia nervosa. Weight monitoring is crucial in assessing the client's progress and adjusting treatment as necessary to prevent complications such as refeeding syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac issues. Encouraging exercise (Choice A) can exacerbate the client's unhealthy relationship with food and body image. Providing liquid supplements (Choice B) is important but may not be the priority over monitoring weight. Allowing the client to choose their own meals (Choice C) may not be suitable initially as they may make unhealthy choices or avoid meals altogether.

3. When a client with major depressive disorder expresses feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, what is the nurse's priority intervention?

• A. Encourage the client to engage in recreational activities.
• B. Suggest the client keep a journal of their thoughts and feelings.
• C. Assess the client for suicidal ideation.
• D. Provide the client with positive affirmations.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client for suicidal ideation. When a client expresses feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, it is crucial to evaluate the risk of self-harm. Encouraging recreational activities (choice A) or suggesting journaling (choice B) may be helpful interventions but assessing for suicidal ideation takes precedence due to the immediate risk of harm. Providing positive affirmations (choice D) is not the priority when safety is a concern.

4. When preparing a teaching plan for a client who is to be discharged with a prescription for lithium carbonate (Lithonate), which instruction is most important for the nurse to include?

• A. It may take 3 to 4 weeks to achieve therapeutic effects.
• B. Keep your dietary salt intake consistent.
• C. Avoid eating aged cheese and chicken liver.
• D. Eat foods high in fiber such as whole grain breads.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Keep your dietary salt intake consistent.' Consistent salt intake is crucial when taking lithium carbonate to avoid lithium toxicity or ineffectiveness due to its renal excretion mechanism. Option A is incorrect because it focuses on the time to achieve therapeutic effects, which is important but not as critical as maintaining consistent salt intake. Option C is incorrect as it mentions avoiding aged cheese and chicken liver, which is more relevant for individuals taking MAOIs. Option D is incorrect as it suggests eating high-fiber foods, which is not directly related to lithium carbonate therapy.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with schizophrenia who is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril). Which information should the nurse include?

• A. You need to come in for regular blood tests.
• B. This medication can cause weight loss.
• C. You can stop taking this medication once you feel better.
• D. Avoid foods high in tyramine while on this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'You need to come in for regular blood tests.' Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition, so regular blood tests are required to monitor the client's white blood cell count. Choice B is incorrect because clozapine is associated with weight gain, not weight loss. Choice C is incorrect because the client should never stop taking clozapine abruptly due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms and symptom relapse. Choice D is incorrect because avoiding foods high in tyramine is typically associated with MAOIs, not clozapine.

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