Nursing Elites

1. While performing the physical examination, why does the nurse share information and briefly teach the patient?

• A. To help the patient feel more comfortable and gain control of the situation
• B. To build rapport and increase the patient's confidence in the examiner
• C. To assist the patient in understanding his or her disease process and treatment modalities
• D. To aid the patient in identifying questions about his or her disease and potential areas of needed education

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sharing information and briefly teaching the patient during a physical examination helps build rapport and increase the patient's confidence in the examiner. This approach gives the patient a sense of control in a situation that can often be overwhelming. While sharing information may make the patient feel more comfortable, the primary goal is to enhance the patient's confidence in the examiner. Providing information does not necessarily directly assist the patient in understanding their disease process and treatment modalities, as this may require a more in-depth explanation. The main focus is on establishing a trusting relationship and empowering the patient during the examination, rather than solely aiding in identifying questions or areas needing education.

2. A newly admitted patient with major depression has lost 20 pounds over the past month and has suicidal ideation. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week without remission of symptoms. Select the priority nursing diagnosis.

• A. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• B. Chronic low self-esteem
• C. Risk for suicide
• D. Hopelessness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis in this scenario is 'Risk for suicide.' When a patient presents with major depression, significant weight loss, suicidal ideation, and lack of symptom improvement despite medication, the immediate concern is to address the risk of suicide. 'Risk for suicide' takes precedence as it involves a direct threat to the patient's life. 'Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements' may be a concern but does not take priority over the risk of suicide. 'Chronic low self-esteem' and 'Hopelessness' are relevant issues in depression but are not as urgent as addressing the immediate risk of suicidal behavior.

3. What action by the nurse is appropriate when examining a 16-year-old male teenager?

• A. Discuss health teaching with the teenager to promote wellness.
• B. Ask the parent to step out of the room during the history and physical examination to respect the teenager's privacy.
• C. Use age-appropriate communication when speaking to the teenager to ensure understanding.
• D. Provide feedback that his body is developing normally and discuss the wide variation among teenagers on the rate of growth and development.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the examination of a 16-year-old male teenager, it is essential to provide feedback that his body is developing normally and to discuss the wide variation among teenagers regarding growth and development. This reassures the teenager about his health status and addresses any concerns about physical development. It is important to recognize that adolescents are very conscious of their body image and often compare themselves to their peers, hence the need for such feedback. Asking the parent to step out of the room respects the teenager's privacy and promotes open communication between the nurse and the teenager. Using age-appropriate communication is crucial to ensure that the teenager understands the information provided. Asking the parent to stay in the room may not be ideal as it can inhibit open discussion, and talking to the teenager as if they were a younger child is inappropriate and may undermine their autonomy and understanding.

4. Patients exhibiting signs of cyanosis will:

• A. show signs of hyperoxia.
• B. have increased O2 saturation.
• C. have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.
• D. None of the above.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes resulting from low blood oxygen levels. When a patient exhibits cyanosis, it indicates that their blood is poorly oxygenated, leading to a higher concentration of CO2 compared to oxygen. Options A and B are incorrect as cyanosis is associated with low oxygen levels, not hyperoxia or increased O2 saturation. Therefore, the correct answer is that patients exhibiting cyanosis will have blood levels of CO2 higher than O2 levels.

5. A nurse caring for a client diagnosed with pertussis is ordered to maintain droplet precautions. Which of the following actions of the nurse upholds droplet precautions?

• A. Assign the client to stay in a negative-pressure room
• B. Use sterilized equipment when sharing between this client and another person with pertussis
• C. Wear a mask if coming within 3 feet of the client
• D. Both A and C

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When caring for a client requiring droplet precautions, it is essential for the nurse to wear a mask when within 3 feet of the client. This practice helps prevent the transmission of droplet particles that may be produced when the client coughs or sneezes. Assigning the client to a negative-pressure room is not typically necessary for droplet precautions unless specifically indicated for airborne precautions. Using sterilized equipment when sharing between clients with pertussis is important for infection control but does not directly relate to droplet precautions. Therefore, the correct action to uphold droplet precautions in this scenario is to wear a mask when coming within close proximity to the client.

Similar Questions