Nursing Elites

1. When assessing for orthostatic hypotension during blood pressure measurement, what action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Position the client supine for a few minutes
• B. Assist the client to stand at the bedside
• C. Apply the blood pressure cuff securely
• D. Record the client’s pulse rate and rhythm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing for orthostatic hypotension, the initial step is to position the client supine for a few minutes. This allows the body to adjust to the supine position before assessing blood pressure changes that may indicate orthostatic hypotension. By observing the blood pressure after the client has rested supine, the nurse can accurately assess for any drop in blood pressure upon standing, which is indicative of orthostatic hypotension. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the initial step in assessing for orthostatic hypotension, which is ensuring the client is positioned correctly to detect blood pressure changes upon standing.

2. During a clinic visit, the mother of a 7-year-old reports to the nurse that her child is often awake until midnight playing and is then very difficult to awaken in the morning for school. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain in response to the mother's report?

• A. The occurrence of any episodes of sleep apnea
• B. The child's blood pressure, pulse, and respirations
• C. Length of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep that the child is experiencing
• D. Description of the family's home environment

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In response to the mother's report, the nurse should assess the family's home environment first to identify any factors that may hinder the establishment of bedtime routines conducive to sleep. Factors such as noise, light, distractions, or other environmental aspects could be contributing to the child's difficulty falling asleep at a reasonable hour and waking up in the morning.

3. When assessing a client with a nursing diagnosis of fluid volume deficit, the nurse notes that the client's skin over the sternum 'tents' when gently pinched. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Confirm the finding by further assessing the client for jugular vein distention.
• B. Offer the client high-protein snacks between regularly scheduled mealtimes.
• C. Continue the planned nursing interventions to restore the client's fluid volume.
• D. Change the plan of care to include interventions for impaired skin integrity.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse observes that the client's skin over the sternum 'tents' when gently pinched, it is a classic sign of fluid volume deficit. This finding indicates dehydration and the need to restore the client's fluid volume. Therefore, the appropriate action for the nurse is to continue the planned nursing interventions aimed at addressing the fluid deficit. Choice A is incorrect as jugular vein distention is associated with fluid overload, not deficit. Choice B is incorrect as offering high-protein snacks does not directly address the fluid volume deficit. Choice D is incorrect as the priority is to address the fluid deficit before addressing skin integrity issues.

4. Urinary catheterization is prescribed for a postoperative female client who has been unable to void for 8 hours. The nurse inserts the catheter, but no urine is seen in the tubing. Which action will the nurse take next?

• A. Clamp the catheter and recheck it in 60 minutes.
• B. Pull the catheter back 3 inches and redirect it upward.
• C. Leave the catheter in place and reattempt with another catheter.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider of a possible obstruction.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, if no urine is seen in the tubing after inserting the catheter, it is likely that the catheter is in the vagina rather than the bladder. Leaving the first catheter in place will help locate the meatus more easily when attempting the second catheterization. This approach ensures correct placement of the catheter in the bladder and minimizes the risk of causing unnecessary discomfort or trauma to the patient.

5. 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 prioritize addressing the client's emotional needs by engaging in a conversation to understand the underlying feelings behind her statement. By exploring the client's thoughts about death, the nurse can provide appropriate support and interventions tailored to the client's concerns. Rushing to administer pain medication may not address the emotional distress expressed by the client. Initiating antidepressant therapy is not suitable without assessing the client's feelings further. Referring the client to the ethics committee is premature and does not address the immediate emotional needs of the client. Therefore, empathetic communication and assessment of the client's feelings regarding her situation are crucial for providing holistic care.

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