Nursing Elites

1. What is the priority nursing action to assist an anxious father in his concern about not bonding with his newborn?

• A. Encouraging the father to participate in a parenting class
• B. Providing time for the father to be alone with and get to know the baby
• C. Offering the father a demonstration on newborn diapering, feeding, and bathing
• D. Allowing time for the father to ask questions after viewing a film about a new baby

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing action to assist an anxious father in his concern about not bonding with his newborn is providing time for the father to be alone with and get to know the baby. Time alone provides the opportunity for paternal-infant attachment and bonding, which can help reduce the father's anxiety. Encouraging the father to participate in a parenting class, although helpful, does not directly address the immediate need for bonding. Offering a demonstration on newborn care tasks like diapering, feeding, and bathing may not effectively address the father's anxiety at that moment, as he may not be ready to absorb such information. Allowing time for the father to ask questions after viewing a film about a new baby is a simplistic approach that may not adequately address the emotional needs and concerns of the father regarding bonding with his newborn.

2. 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: B

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.

3. A client who is to undergo dilation and curettage and conization of the cervix for cancer appears tense and anxious. Which approach would the nurse use to support the client emotionally?

• A. Explaining that these procedures are considered minor surgery
• B. Asking whether something is troubling the client and whether she'd like to talk about it
• C. Stating that the procedures are routine and asking what the client is really worried about
• D. Explaining that everyone is fearful before the surgery even though there is little reason to worry

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse to support the client emotionally is to ask whether something is troubling the client and if she would like to talk about it. This approach acknowledges the client's anxiety and encourages communication without dismissing her feelings. Option A, explaining that the procedures are minor surgery, may invalidate the client's emotions. Option C assumes the client is worried about something specific, which may not be the case, leading to miscommunication. Option D provides false reassurance and may hinder open communication by dismissing the client's feelings as unwarranted.

4. Which consideration is the most accurate when applying the principles of mental health?

• A. Emotionally ill individuals may initially reject psychological support from family or others.
• B. People with emotional illnesses may experience challenges in problem-solving.
• C. Mental illness is not solely characterized by signs and symptoms of socially inappropriate behavior.
• D. Emotional health is promoted when there is a sense of mastery of self and the environment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Emotional health is enhanced when an individual feels a sense of control over themselves and their surroundings, fostering security, reducing anxiety, and promoting optimal functioning. While some emotionally ill individuals may reject help initially, many are in distress and acknowledge the need for psychological support. Some seek care based on positive past experiences or the attention received. Additionally, individuals with excellent cognitive function may face challenges in problem-solving due to emotional or psychological barriers. Not all individuals with mental illness exhibit socially inappropriate behavior; it is a misconception that mental illness is solely characterized by such signs and symptoms. Therefore, the most accurate consideration among the choices is that emotional health thrives when there is a feeling of mastery over oneself and the environment.

5. When developing Jerry's plan of care, which of the following would NOT be helpful to include?

• A. Limiting choices
• B. Providing structure
• C. Encouraging patient input
• D. Ensuring availability of PRN medications

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Limiting choices would not be helpful in Jerry's plan of care. Providing options, even if among limited choices, offers the patient a sense of independence rather than imposing control. Providing structure is crucial, especially in transitioning from a psychiatric to a medical-surgical unit. Encouraging patient input in identifying triggers and effective methods for managing aggressive impulses is essential for empowerment and individualized care. Ensuring the availability and prompt delivery of PRN medications gives the patient a sense of control and security, assuring access to necessary medication when needed.

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