Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following syndromes associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord?

• A. Brown-S�quard syndrome
• B. posterior cord syndrome
• C. central cord syndrome
• D. cauda equina syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Brown-S�quard syndrome is indeed associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord, and it specifically results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord. This syndrome manifests as ipsilateral motor paralysis, ipsilateral loss of vibration and proprioception, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. Posterior cord syndrome mainly involves the loss of proprioception and vibratory sense, while sparing motor function and pain sensation. Central cord syndrome typically presents with more weakness in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to central spinal cord damage. Cauda equina syndrome affects the nerve roots at the level of the conus medullaris, leading to symptoms like lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

2. Ms. Petty is having difficulty falling asleep. Which of the following measures promote sleep?

• A. exercising vigorously for 20 minutes each night starting at 9:30 p.m.
• B. taking a cool shower and drinking a hot cup of tea
• C. watching TV nightly until midnight
• D. getting a back rub and drinking a glass of warm milk

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Getting a back rub and drinking a glass of warm milk are appropriate measures to promote sleep as they can help relax the body and induce sleepiness. Exercising vigorously, as suggested in choice A, can be counterproductive as it stimulates the body rather than relaxing it, making it harder to fall asleep. Choice B, taking a cool shower and drinking a hot cup of tea, may also increase alertness due to the temperature changes and the caffeine in tea, which can interfere with falling asleep. Watching TV until midnight, as in choice C, exposes the individual to blue light and mental stimulation, making it harder to fall asleep. Therefore, choice D is the best option to promote sleep in this scenario.

3. Pulling is easier than pushing. So pulling a client rather than pushing them has which of the following advantages?

• A. reduces workload
• B. decreases opposition from gravity
• C. maintains stability
• D. prevents muscle strain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When pulling a client, you work with the gravitational force instead of opposing it, which reduces the workload on your muscles. Choosing to pull a client minimizes the effort required compared to pushing. Choice B is incorrect because the force of gravity remains constant regardless of pushing or pulling. Choice C is irrelevant as stability is not directly related to the advantage of pulling over pushing. Choice D is inaccurate because pulling can still strain muscles if not executed correctly, but it generally reduces the overall workload in comparison to pushing.

4. A client being treated for sickle cell disease has an order for pain medication. Morphine was ordered, but the nurse is having difficulty deciphering the dose. The nurse should ____.

• A. ask the attending physician to clarify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• B. call the charge nurse to inform the attending physician and verify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• C. call the attending physician to verbally verify the order, including the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency
• D. refrain from administering the medication until the charge nurse can assist in determining the correct dosage

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, when a nurse encounters difficulties in deciphering an order, the appropriate action is to contact the attending physician directly to clarify and verify the medication, dose, route, and frequency. It is crucial for the nurse to have a clear understanding of the order before administering any medication to ensure patient safety and proper treatment. Option A is incorrect as it suggests asking the attending physician to clarify without specifying the urgency of the situation. Option B involves an unnecessary additional step by first contacting the charge nurse before reaching out to the attending physician, potentially delaying the clarification process. Option D is incorrect as it advises refraining from administering the medication, which may not be necessary if the correct dosage can be promptly verified by contacting the attending physician.

5. A client asks a nurse about the procedure for becoming an organ donor. The nurse provides the client with which information?

• A. To speak with the chaplain about the psychosocial aspects of becoming a donor
• B. That this decision must be made by the next of kin at the time of the client's death
• C. That anatomic gifts must be made in writing and signed by the client
• D. To let the health care provider know about the request so that it may be documented in the client's record

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a person wishes to become an organ donor, they need to understand that anatomic gifts must be made in writing and signed by the individual. The gift must be made by the donor themselves, typically an individual who is at least 18 years old. If the client is unable to sign, the document should be signed by another person and two witnesses. While speaking to a chaplain or informing the healthcare provider may be part of the process, the essential step is to have a written document signed by the client. Choice A is incorrect as it does not address the procedural aspect of becoming an organ donor. Choice B is incorrect as the decision to make an anatomic gift is typically made by the individual themselves, not the next of kin. Choice D is incorrect as simply informing the healthcare provider is not sufficient for the procedure of becoming an organ donor; a written and signed document by the client is necessary.

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