Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following types of antipsychotic medications is most likely to produce extrapyramidal effects?

• A. Atypical antipsychotic drugs
• B. First-generation antipsychotic drugs
• C. Third-generation antipsychotic drugs
• D. Dopamine system stabilizers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is first-generation antipsychotic drugs. These drugs are potent antagonists of D2, D3, and D4 receptors, making them effective in treating target symptoms but also leading to numerous extrapyramidal side effects due to the blockade of D2 receptors. Atypical or second-generation antipsychotic drugs, as mentioned in choice A, are relatively weak D2 blockers, which results in a lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects. Third-generation antipsychotic drugs, as in choice C, and dopamine system stabilizers, as in choice D, are not typically associated with significant extrapyramidal effects compared to first-generation antipsychotics.

2. A nurse is required to float to another unit within the hospital where he is asked to care for a client on a ventilator. The nurse is uncomfortable with this assignment, as he has not had a ventilated client since nursing school. What is the nurse's most appropriate response?

• A. Explain to the nursing supervisor the level of discomfort and ask for a different assignment
• B. State that the client's needs are outside the nurse's scope of practice and request a different assignment
• C. Accept the assignment, asking for help when necessary
• D. Request to return to the home unit and send another nurse who can perform the job

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When floating to another unit and asked to take an assignment that falls outside a nurse's comfort zone, the nurse should notify the area supervisor of the level of discomfort and request a different assignment. Caring for ventilated clients typically falls within the scope of nursing practice; however, discomfort with the situation may not necessarily be overcome by accepting the assignment. Alternatively, the effects could be harmful to the client if the nurse is unfamiliar with this type of care. Requesting a different assignment is the most appropriate response in this situation, ensuring patient safety and the nurse's comfort level. Stating that the client's needs are outside the nurse's scope of practice (Choice B) may not be accurate, as caring for ventilated clients usually falls within the scope of nursing practice. Accepting the assignment (Choice C) without addressing the discomfort may compromise patient safety. Requesting to return to the home unit (Choice D) does not address the immediate need of caring for the ventilated client and may delay appropriate care.

3. A client in labor has an electronic fetal monitor attached to the abdomen, and the nurse notes that the baby's heart rate slows down during each contraction, returning to normal limits only after the contraction is complete. Which type of fetal heart rate change does this pattern describe?

• A. Variable decelerations
• B. Late decelerations
• C. Early decelerations
• D. Accelerations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Late decelerations refer to a pattern where the baby's heart rate decreases during contractions and does not return to normal until after the contraction ends. This is considered a non-reassuring sign as it indicates potential fetal distress. Late decelerations are associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and immediate medical attention is required. Variable decelerations (Choice A) are abrupt, unpredictable decreases in the fetal heart rate, usually associated with cord compression. Early decelerations (Choice C) are usually benign and mirror the contraction pattern. Accelerations (Choice D) are reassuring signs of fetal well-being, characterized by an increase in the fetal heart rate.

4. The client has a long leg cast. During discharge teaching about appropriate exercises for the affected extremity, the nurse should recommend:

• A. Isometric
• B. Range of motion
• C. Aerobic
• D. Isotonic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should recommend isometric exercises for the muscles of the casted extremity. Isometric exercises involve contracting and relaxing muscles without moving the affected part. This type of exercise helps maintain muscle strength without moving the joint, which is important for clients with immobilized extremities. Range of motion exercises involve moving the joint through its full range of motion, which may not be suitable for a client with a long leg cast. Aerobic exercises focus on increasing cardiovascular endurance and may not be appropriate for a client with a casted extremity. Isotonic exercises involve muscle contractions with movement, which may not be safe for the affected extremity in a cast.

5. While caring for a client who has just come from surgery and is in the recovery room with an endotracheal tube in place, the nurse deflates the cuff on the tube and removes it. The client sits up in bed, grasps his throat, and begins to make wheezing sounds. Which of the following conditions is the most likely cause of this situation?

• A. The client is choking on part of the tube
• B. The client has anxiety
• C. The client is having a laryngospasm
• D. The client is having a normal response from anesthesia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After surgery, some clients may experience a laryngospasm during emergence from anesthesia. A laryngospasm can lead to the closure of the laryngeal opening due to spasm of the vocal cords. In this scenario, the client's symptoms of wheezing and throat grasping are indicative of a laryngospasm rather than choking on the tube, anxiety, or a normal response from anesthesia. The nurse should act promptly to open the airway to aid breathing and consider administering muscle relaxants as necessary.

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