Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following interventions should be prioritized in the care of the suicidal client?

• A. Remove all potentially harmful items from the client's room
• B. Allow the client to express feelings of hopelessness
• C. Note the client's capabilities to increase self esteem
• D. Set a "no suicide"? contract with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: accessibility of the means of suicide increases the lethality. Allowing a patient to express feelings and setting a no suicide contract are interventions for suicidal client but blocking the means of suicide is priority. Increasing self esteem is an intervention for depressed clients but not specifically for suicide.

2. A client is diagnosed with schizophrenia. A physician orders haloperidol (Haldol) 50 mg bid, benztropine (Cogentin) 1 mg prn, and zolpidem (Ambien) 10 mg HS. Which client behavior would warrant the nurse to administer benztropine?

• A. Tactile hallucinations
• B. Tardive dyskinesia
• C. Restlessness and muscle rigidity
• D. Reports of hearing disturbing voices

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Benztropine (Cogentin) is an anticholinergic medication used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms, such as restlessness and muscle rigidity, which are common side effects of antipsychotic medications like haloperidol. Tactile hallucinations and reports of hearing disturbing voices are symptoms of schizophrenia that would typically be addressed by the antipsychotic medication (haloperidol) itself. Tardive dyskinesia, a potential side effect of long-term antipsychotic use, would require discontinuation of the antipsychotic medication rather than administration of benztropine.

3. The depressed client verbalizes feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth, typified by statements such as "I'm such a failure"? I can't do anything right!"? The best nursing response would be:

• A. To tell the client this is not true; that we all have a purpose in life.
• B. To remain with the client and sit in silence; this will encourage the client to verbalize feelings.
• C. To reassure the client that you know how the client is feeling and that things will get better.
• D. To identify recent behaviors or accomplishments that demonstrate skill ability.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response in this situation is to reassure the client that you understand how they are feeling and provide hope for improvement. While acknowledging the client's feelings, it is essential to offer support and encouragement. Choice A is not the best response as it dismisses the client's feelings and offers a generalized statement. Choice B, remaining silent, may lead the client to feel unheard or unsupported. Choice D, identifying recent behaviors or accomplishments, may not be as effective in addressing the immediate emotional distress and negative self-talk expressed by the client. Therefore, choice C is the most appropriate response in this scenario, offering empathy and optimism to help the client feel understood and supported.

4. Richard is a 72-year-old with stage 4 lung cancer who has been admitted to the hospital for pneumonia. He is alert and oriented and states he would like to sign a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. His wife enters the room after he has signed it and is very upset that he has made this decision without discussing it with her. She wants to know what she can do to get the DNR reversed. What should your first response be?

• A. Contact the unit manager to talk with her
• B. Contact the hospital's attorney to discuss with her
• C. Try to talk Richard out of his decision
• D. Offer caring support for both parties

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct response in this situation is to offer caring support for both parties. Richard, being alert and oriented, has the right to make his own decisions, including signing a do not resuscitate (DNR) order. It is important to respect his autonomy while also acknowledging his wife's feelings. By offering caring support, the nurse can facilitate a discussion between Richard and his wife, helping them navigate their emotions and decisions. Contacting the unit manager or hospital's attorney would not be appropriate as the initial response. These actions may escalate the situation and are not focused on addressing the emotional needs of the couple. Trying to talk Richard out of his decision would disregard his autonomy and right to make choices about his own care, which goes against ethical principles of patient autonomy and informed decision-making.

5. OSHA has very strict standards for hospital employees who may encounter hazardous materials or patients who have been exposed to them. These regulations include all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. Respiratory protection must be provided to all employees who might be exposed.
• B. Training on respiratory protection must be provided.
• C. Employers must provide personal protective equipment to all employees.
• D. All ED personnel must be trained in decontamination procedures.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: OSHA regulations for hospital employees dealing with hazardous materials or exposed patients require respiratory protection for potentially exposed employees, training on respiratory protection, and the provision of personal protective equipment. However, not all ED personnel are required to be trained in decontamination procedures. While all ED staff should have a basic understanding of hazmat situations, specific training in decontamination procedures is only necessary for those who will be directly involved in the decontamination process. Therefore, the correct answer is that all ED personnel must be trained in decontamination procedures, as this is not a mandatory requirement under OSHA regulations for hospital employees who may encounter hazardous materials or exposed patients.

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