Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client's risk for elimination impairment, which of the following factors is least relevant?

• A. current medications
• B. ambulation abilities
• C. family history
• D. hydration status

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When assessing a client's risk for elimination impairment, family history is the least relevant factor to consider. Current medications can affect elimination functions through side effects, ambulation abilities can impact mobility to access toileting facilities, and hydration status directly influences urinary output and bowel function. Family history, although providing some context, does not have a direct impact on the client's current risk of elimination impairment.

2. A client with a spinal cord injury is preparing to return home from the rehabilitation unit. Which of the following statements by a family member indicates a need for further teaching regarding autonomic dysreflexia?

• A. "I should raise him to a sitting position."?
• B. "I should check for a fecal impaction."?
• C. "I should look for a kink in the urinary catheter tubing."?
• D. "I should observe whether symptoms worsen."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If the client develops signs or symptoms of autonomic dysreflexia, they need to be addressed immediately. If the family member is not able to relieve them, a healthcare provider needs to be notified immediately. The statement 'I should observe whether symptoms worsen' indicates a passive approach and does not address the urgency of the situation. Choices A, B, and C are correct as they involve active measures to address autonomic dysreflexia, such as raising the client to a sitting position, checking for a fecal impaction, and looking for a kink in the urinary catheter tubing.

3. Which of these statements from the caregiver of a palliative care client indicates a proper understanding?

• A. This treatment plan usually indicates a prognosis of less than 6 months.
• B. We will need to stay in the hospital to receive this level of care.
• C. The main therapeutic goals are comfort and better quality of life.
• D. The medications to treat the underlying disease will be continued.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'The main therapeutic goals are comfort and better quality of life.' This statement reflects a proper understanding of palliative care, which focuses on improving the patient's quality of life and providing comfort. It does not necessarily mean a prognosis of less than 6 months or require hospitalization. Choice A is incorrect because palliative care can be provided regardless of the prognosis. Choice B is wrong as palliative care can be administered in various settings, not just hospitals. Choice D is inaccurate as palliative care aims to improve symptoms and quality of life, so medications may be adjusted but not necessarily stopped.

4. The LPN is assisting the client with an NG tube with activities of daily living. Which of these statements would indicate a need for teaching reinforcement?

• A. "Since I'm not eating or drinking by mouth, I do not need to brush my teeth as often."?
• B. "I should remain sitting up at a 45-degree angle or higher for 30 minutes after a feeding."?
• C. "I can clean around the tube with water and mild soap."?
• D. "I should avoid using Vaseline around the nostril and tube."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, "Since I'm not eating or drinking by mouth, I do not need to brush my teeth as often."? This statement indicates a need for teaching reinforcement because even when an NG tube is in place, the client should still brush their teeth twice daily. Good oral hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of introducing bacteria that may cause an infection. Choice B is incorrect because remaining sitting up at a 45-degree angle or higher for 30 minutes after a feeding is a correct statement regarding NG tube care, promoting proper digestion and reducing the risk of aspiration. Choice C is also incorrect because cleaning around the tube with water and mild soap is an appropriate practice to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. Choice D is incorrect because advising to avoid using Vaseline around the nostril and tube is a proper instruction to prevent skin breakdown, occlusion of the tube, and potential aspiration of Vaseline into the lungs.

5. The nurse is caring for a client awaiting test results on a biopsy. The client is unconscious, and the physician informs the client's spouse that the biopsy came back positive for cancer. The spouse asks the nurse if they will not share this news with the client because they would prefer the client be unaware of the diagnosis. Which of the following responses is most appropriate?

• A. "I will have a psychiatrist confirm whether the news will cause negative effects, and if so, I will comply with your request."?
• B. "For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client."?
• C. "You do not have the option to sign paperwork stating you are accepting the risk of not sharing this with the client."?
• D. "You must have a durable power of attorney for healthcare advanced directive in place before I can consider this request."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is, "For ethical reasons, I am unable to withhold this information from the client."? The ethical principle of veracity requires that the nurse is truthful with the client and does not withhold information even if it is requested by the family. Choice A is incorrect because seeking a psychiatrist's confirmation is not necessary to uphold the ethical principle of truth-telling. Choice C is incorrect as implying that signing paperwork overrides the nurse's ethical obligation to be honest with the client is inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as a durable power of attorney is not relevant in this situation where the spouse is asking the nurse to withhold information.

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