Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate when working with the family of a client who is being treated for substance abuse?

• A. Advocate for the client before the family
• B. Provide referrals for community resources and support groups
• C. Take the side of the family before the client
• D. Both B and C

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When working with the family of a client undergoing substance abuse treatment, it is crucial to support not only the client but also their family. Providing referrals for community resources and support groups is an effective intervention as it helps the family access additional support and information to cope with the challenges related to the client's substance abuse. This empowers the family to enhance their understanding of the situation and develop effective coping strategies. Advocating for the client before the family (choice A) may lead to conflicts and hinder the therapeutic process, while taking the side of the family before the client (choice C) can jeopardize the client's progress and trust. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention in this scenario is to provide referrals for community resources and support groups to ensure holistic care for both the client and their family.

2. What is the nurse's initial plan for providing pain relief measures during labor for a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse?

• A. Scheduling pain medication at regular intervals
• B. Administering the medication only when the pain is severe
• C. Avoiding the administration of medication unless it is requested
• D. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with other women in labor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pregnant client with a history of opioid abuse, scheduling pain medication at regular intervals is the initial plan for providing pain relief during labor. This client may have a lower tolerance for pain and a greater need for pain relief. If medication is only administered when the pain is severe, larger doses may be needed, leading to increased anxiety and discomfort. Avoiding medication unless requested is not ideal, as proactive pain management is crucial during labor. Recognizing that less pain medication will be needed by this client compared with others is incorrect, as individuals with a history of opioid abuse often require more medication due to tolerance to addictive drugs.

3. A client becomes angry while waiting for a supervised break to smoke a cigarette outside and states, 'I want to go outside now and smoke. It takes forever to get anything done here!' Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

• A. Encourage the client to use a nicotine patch.
• B. Reassure the client that it is almost time for another break.
• C. Have the client leave the unit with another staff member.
• D. Review the schedule of outdoor breaks with the client.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best nursing action is to review the schedule of outdoor breaks and provide concrete information about the schedule. Suggesting a nicotine patch (Option A) is not suitable as the client wants to smoke. Reassuring the client about another break (Option B) does not address the client's frustration and does not promote effective communication. Having the client leave the unit with another staff member (Option C) is not appropriate as it goes against unit rules and does not address the client's concerns. Therefore, the most appropriate intervention is to review the schedule of outdoor breaks with the client to provide clarity and address the client's frustration effectively.

4. A client injured in a motor vehicle accident was brought to the emergency department and taken immediately for a scan. The client's family arrives and asks about the client's condition. Which response would the nurse provide?

• A. Please do not worry; everything will be all right.
• B. I am sorry; I do not have any information about the client.
• C. You will have to wait for the primary health care provider.
• D. Please wait; I will update you as soon as I have any information.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this situation, the most appropriate response for the nurse to provide to the client's family is to assure them that they will be updated as soon as there is relevant information available. This response not only acknowledges the family's concern but also demonstrates the nurse's commitment to keeping them informed. Option A, providing false reassurances, is not advisable as it may impact the family's ability to cope with potential bad news. Option B, stating that the nurse has no information, is not helpful and can cause distress. Option C, directing the family to the primary health care provider, is not ideal as the nurse should strive to communicate directly with the family to establish trust and provide support.

5. A patient with major depression who has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention is most directly related to this outcome: 'Patient will refrain from gestures and attempts to harm self'?

• A. Implement suicide precautions.
• B. Frequently offer high-calorie snacks and fluids.
• C. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
• D. Observe patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Implementing suicide precautions is the most critical intervention in this scenario as it directly addresses the patient's safety and the prevention of self-harm. The patient's significant weight loss, chronic low self-esteem, suicide plan, and recent initiation of an antidepressant medication indicate a high risk of self-harm. Suicide precautions involve close monitoring, removing harmful objects, and ensuring a safe environment to prevent the patient from acting on suicidal thoughts. While offering high-calorie snacks and fluids, assisting the patient in identifying personal strengths, and observing for therapeutic effects of the antidepressant are important aspects of care, they do not directly address the immediate risk of self-harm that implementing suicide precautions does.

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