Nursing Elites

1. Which symptoms should the nurse expect a client to exhibit who is diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma?

• A. Numbness, tingling, and cramps in the extremities.
• B. Headache, diaphoresis, and palpitations.
• C. Cyanosis, fever, and classic signs of shock.
• D. Nausea, vomiting, and muscular weakness.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct. Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting non-cancerous tumor of the adrenal medulla. The classic triad of symptoms includes headache, diaphoresis (excessive sweating), and palpitations, which result from the overproduction of catecholamines like epinephrine and norepinephrine. Numbness, tingling, and cramps in the extremities (Option A) are not characteristic of pheochromocytoma. Cyanosis, fever, and classic signs of shock (Option C) are not typical symptoms of this condition. Nausea, vomiting, and muscular weakness (Option D) are not commonly associated with pheochromocytoma.

2. The client who has a history of Parkinson's disease for the past 5 years is being assessed by the nurse. What symptoms would this client most likely exhibit?

• A. Loss of short-term memory, facial tics, and grimaces, and constant writhing movements.
• B. Shuffling gait, masklike facial expression, and tremors of the head.
• C. Extreme muscular weakness, easy fatigability, and ptosis.
• D. Numbness of the extremities, loss of balance, and visual disturbances.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Parkinson's Disease, a common neurologic progressive disorder in older clients, is characterized by symptoms such as shuffling gait, masklike facial expression, and tremors of the head and hands. Choice A is incorrect as symptoms like loss of short-term memory, facial tics, and constant writhing movements are not typically associated with Parkinson's disease. Choice C is incorrect as extreme muscular weakness, easy fatigability, and ptosis are more indicative of other conditions like myasthenia gravis. Choice D is incorrect as numbness of the extremities, loss of balance, and visual disturbances are not classic symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

3. A nursing assistant is measuring the blood pressure (BP) of a hypertensive client while a nurse observes. Which action on the part of the assistant would interfere with accurate measurement and prompt the nurse to intervene? Select all that apply.

• A. Measuring the BP after the client has sat quietly for 5 minutes
• B. Having the client sit with the arm bared and supported at heart level
• C. Using a cuff with a rubber bladder that encircles less than 80% of the limb
• D. Measuring the BP after the client reports that he just drank a cup of coffee

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To ensure accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement, the cuff used should have a rubber bladder that encircles at least 80% of the limb being measured. This ensures proper compression and accurate readings. Choices A and B are correct practices as it is recommended to measure BP after the client has sat quietly for 5 minutes and to have the client sit with the arm bared and supported at heart level. Choice D is also a correct reason for intervention as the client should not have consumed caffeine or smoked tobacco within 30 minutes before BP measurement, as it can affect the accuracy of the reading.

4. After educating a client with a history of renal calculi, the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should drink at least 3 liters of fluid every day.
• B. I will eliminate all dairy or sources of calcium from my diet.
• C. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products can lead to stones.
• D. The doctor can give me antibiotics at the first sign of a stone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To prevent the formation of renal calculi, it is essential to maintain adequate hydration as dehydration can contribute to the precipitation of minerals leading to stone formation. Therefore, the correct statement indicating understanding of the teaching is choice A. Increasing fluid intake helps dilute urine and reduces the risk of stone formation. Eliminating all sources of calcium is not recommended as calcium is essential for various bodily functions and eliminating it can lead to other health issues. Aspirin and aspirin-containing products do not directly cause kidney stones. Antibiotics are not used to prevent or treat renal calculi, as they are not caused by bacterial infections.

5. A female client is brought to the clinic by her daughter for a flu shot. She has lost significant weight since the last visit. She has poor personal hygiene and inadequate clothing for the weather. The client states that she lives alone and denies problems or concerns. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify social services immediately if suspected elderly abuse is present.
• B. Discuss the need for mental health counseling with the daughter.
• C. Explain to the client the importance of taking better care of herself.
• D. Collect further data to determine whether self-neglect is occurring.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the client presents with significant weight loss, poor hygiene, and inadequate clothing, which are concerning signs of self-neglect. Before taking action, it is crucial for the nurse to collect more data to determine the root cause of these issues. Jumping to conclusions or immediately involving social services without a thorough assessment could potentially harm the client or strain relationships. Discussing the need for mental health counseling with the daughter or simply advising the client to take better care of herself may not address the underlying problem of self-neglect. Therefore, the most appropriate initial action is for the nurse to collect further data to make an informed decision before taking the next steps.

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