Nursing Elites

1. When assessing an older adult, which vital sign changes would the nurse recognize as occurring with aging?

• A. Increase in pulse rate
• B. Widened pulse pressure
• C. Increase in body temperature
• D. Decrease in diastolic blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing an older adult, the nurse should be aware that with aging, systolic blood pressure tends to increase, resulting in widened pulse pressure. While in many older individuals both systolic and diastolic pressures increase, the pulse rate and body temperature typically do not increase with aging. Therefore, the correct answer is widened pulse pressure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because pulse rate does not necessarily increase with age, body temperature generally remains stable, and diastolic blood pressure may increase instead of decreasing in many older adults.

2. Which response would the nurse make when a client moans softly, 'Oh no, I'm next. They couldn't protect him, and they can't protect me,' after learning a recently discharged client committed suicide?

• A. ''The other person was a lot sicker than you are.''
• B. 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.''
• C. 'That was different. He was at home, but you're here.''
• D. 'There's no need to worry. You have a better support system.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse would make the statement, 'You seem to be afraid that you'll hurt yourself.' This response acknowledges the client's emotional distress and opens up the opportunity for the client to discuss their feelings, showing empathy and understanding. Choice A, 'The other person was a lot sicker than you are,' dismisses the client's emotions and fails to address the underlying fear of self-harm. Choice C, 'That was different. He was at home, but you're here,' invalidates the client's concerns and does not encourage further discussion. Choice D, 'There's no need to worry. You have a better support system,' offers false reassurance and does not address the client's expressed fear, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.

3. 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.

4. A seriously ill female client tells the nurse, 'I am so tired and in so much pain! Please help me to die.' Which is the best response for the nurse to provide?

• A. Administer the prescribed maximum dose of pain medication.
• B. Talk with the client about her feelings related to her own death.
• C. Collaborate with the healthcare provider about initiating antidepressant therapy.
• D. Refer the client to the ethics committee of her local healthcare facility.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should first assess the client's feelings about her death and determine the extent to which this statement expresses her true feelings. The client may need additional pain management, but further assessment is needed before implementing option A. Option B is the correct response as it focuses on addressing the client's emotional needs and providing support. Option C is premature as initiating antidepressant therapy without a thorough assessment may not be appropriate. Option D is not the best course of action at this point; involving the ethics committee should be considered only after a comprehensive evaluation and discussion with the client.

5. Which term refers to a comprehensive set of thoughts or images of oneself?

• A. Global self
• B. Core self-concept
• C. Personal identity
• D. Ideal self

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The term 'Global self' specifically refers to a comprehensive set of thoughts or images about oneself. It encompasses a person's overall perception of themselves, including their beliefs, values, and self-image. 'Core self-concept' is more focused on the fundamental beliefs individuals hold about themselves, 'Personal identity' relates to the characteristics and qualities that distinguish a person from others, and 'Ideal self' represents the person an individual aspires to be rather than their current self-perception. Therefore, 'Global self' is the most appropriate term for the description provided in the question.

Similar Questions