Nursing Elites

1. When assessing the mental status of a young school-aged child, which action would be important for the nurse to take?

• A. Listen to the parents’ description of the child’s behavior.
• B. Compare the child’s function from one occasion to another.
• C. Engage the parents in a discussion about the child’s feelings.
• D. Determine the child’s mental status through direct questioning.

Correct answer: Compare the child’s function from one occasion to another.

Rationale: To accurately assess the mental status of a young school-aged child, it is crucial for the nurse to compare the child’s function over time. This approach allows for a more objective evaluation of the child's mental status. While listening to the parents’ description of the child’s behavior can provide valuable insights, it may be biased and subjective. Engaging parents in discussions about the child’s feelings is important for overall understanding but may not directly assess the child's mental status. Directly questioning the child about their mental status can be threatening and may lead to anxiety, making it a less optimal approach compared to observing and comparing the child's function over time.

2. Which characteristic is associated with anorexia nervosa?

• A. Manic
• B. Rebellious
• C. Hypoactive
• D. Perfectionistic

Correct answer: Perfectionistic

Rationale: Individuals with anorexia nervosa often exhibit perfectionistic traits, characterized by rigid standards and extreme self-discipline as a way to maintain control and fulfill personal and societal expectations. The focus on achieving an ideal body image through strict dietary habits and excessive exercise is a common manifestation of this perfectionism. The incorrect choices are: A) 'Manic' is not typically associated with anorexia nervosa; individuals with this disorder are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. B) 'Rebellious' does not align with the usual behavior seen in individuals with anorexia nervosa, who tend to comply with societal expectations rather than rebel against them. C) 'Hypoactive' does not describe the characteristic behavior of individuals with anorexia nervosa, who often engage in excessive physical activity as a means of weight loss.

3. In completing a client's preoperative routine, the nurse finds that the operative permit is not signed. The client begins to ask more questions about the surgical procedure. What action should the nurse take next?

• A. Witness the client's signature on the permit.
• B. Answer the client's questions about the surgery.
• C. Inform the surgeon that the operative permit is not signed and the client has questions about the surgery.
• D. Reassure the client that the surgeon will answer any questions before the anesthesia is administered.

Correct answer: Inform the surgeon that the operative permit is not signed and the client has questions about the surgery.

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to inform the surgeon that the operative permit is not signed and that the client has questions about the surgery. It is the responsibility of the surgeon to explain the procedure to the client and obtain the client's signature on the permit. While the nurse can witness the client's signature on the permit, the procedure must first be explained by the healthcare provider or surgeon, including addressing the client's questions. Therefore, informing the surgeon is the priority to ensure proper communication and consent before the surgery. Answering the client's questions about the surgery (Choice B) may not provide accurate information and could lead to misunderstanding. Reassuring the client (Choice D) is important, but obtaining proper consent and addressing concerns should come first. Witnessing the client's signature (Choice A) is not sufficient if the client has unanswered questions and the permit is not signed.

4. 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: The presence of amyloid plaques is associated with brain tissue destruction.

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.

5. Which client is most likely to be at risk for spiritual distress?

• A. Roman Catholic woman considering an abortion
• B. Jewish man considering hospice care for his wife
• C. Seventh-Day Adventist who needs a blood transfusion
• D. Muslim man who needs a total knee replacement

Correct answer: Roman Catholic woman considering an abortion

Rationale: The correct answer is the Roman Catholic woman considering an abortion. In the Roman Catholic faith, abortion is strictly prohibited, so making a decision regarding abortion can bring about spiritual distress. The Jewish faith does not have restrictions on hospice care. It is Jehovah's Witnesses, not Seventh-Day Adventists, who do not accept blood transfusions due to religious beliefs. Additionally, there are no religious prohibitions against joint replacement in the Muslim faith.

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