Nursing Elites

1. Your patient has been confused for years. Your patient can be best described as having a chronic ___________ disorder.

• A. physical
• B. psychotic
• C. thinking
• D. palliative

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patients who experience long-term confusion often have a chronic thinking, or cognitive, disorder. Alzheimer's disease is a prime example of a disorder that results in prolonged confusion and memory loss. Choice A, 'physical', is incorrect as the issue described is related to cognitive functioning, not physical health. Choice B, 'psychotic', refers to a severe mental disorder characterized by a loss of contact with reality, which is not the primary issue presented in the scenario. Choice D, 'palliative', is not relevant as it pertains to specialized medical care for individuals with serious illnesses, focusing on providing relief from symptoms and stress rather than managing chronic confusion.

2. A health care provider discusses with a client the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy. After the health care provider leaves the room, the client tells the nurse about being relieved that only minor surgery is necessary. Which psychological process explains this client's reaction?

• A. Reflection
• B. Regression
• C. Repudiation
• D. Reconciliation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client's reaction of believing that only minor surgery is necessary when faced with the need for an abdominoperineal resection and a colostomy is an example of repudiation. Repudiation involves a refusal to acknowledge anticipated loss as a defense mechanism against the overwhelming stress of illness. The client is psychologically denying the seriousness of the situation. The other choices are incorrect because: - Reflection (Choice A) does not apply since the client is not contemplating the issues of the situation. - Regression (Choice B) is not demonstrated as the client's behavior does not indicate reverting to an earlier stage of development. - Reconciliation (Choice D) is not applicable as the client has not made a realistic adjustment to the illness but rather is in denial of its severity.

3. The client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. Which reaction cues the nurse to realize this when caring for a client who has lost an arm in a motor vehicle accident?

• A. The client is going through a grieving period.
• B. The client talks as if another person is affected.
• C. The client is willing to learn techniques to adapt.
• D. The client recognizes the reality and becomes anxious.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the client's recognition of the reality and subsequent anxiety cues the nurse that the client is in the withdrawal phase of adjusting to the change in body image. During this phase, the client may refuse to discuss the change and may use withdrawal as a coping mechanism. The grieving period typically occurs during the acknowledgement phase, where the client and family come to terms with the change in physical appearance. Initially, shock and depersonalization may lead the client to talk as if another person is affected by the change. Finally, in the rehabilitation stage, the client is ready to learn techniques to adapt to the change, such as through the use of prosthetics or modifying lifestyles and goals.

4. The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient. Which intervention is the best example of a culturally appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Insist that family members provide most of the patient's personal care.
• B. Maintain a personal space of at least 2 feet when assessing the patient.
• C. Ask permission before touching a patient during the physical assessment.
• D. Consider the patient's ethnicity as an important factor in planning care.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Culturally appropriate nursing care requires sensitivity to the beliefs and practices of diverse cultural groups. Asking permission before touching a patient during a physical assessment is a universally respectful practice, as many cultures consider it disrespectful to touch a person without consent. This approach demonstrates respect for the patient's autonomy and cultural preferences. Maintaining a personal space of at least 2 feet can be a good practice for infection control or personal comfort but may not be culturally significant for all patients. Insisting that family members provide most of the patient's personal care may not align with the patient's cultural norms or preferences. Considering a patient's ethnicity as the most important factor in care planning overlooks the individuality of the patient and may lead to stereotyping or assumptions that are not accurate or helpful in providing tailored care.

5. A patient with major depression who has lost 20 pounds in one month, has chronic low self-esteem, and a plan for suicide. The patient has taken an antidepressant medication for 1 week. Which nursing intervention is most directly related to this outcome: 'Patient will refrain from gestures and attempts to harm self'?

• A. Implement suicide precautions.
• B. Frequently offer high-calorie snacks and fluids.
• C. Assist the patient to identify three personal strengths.
• D. Observe patient for therapeutic effects of antidepressant medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Implementing suicide precautions is the most critical intervention in this scenario as it directly addresses the patient's safety and the prevention of self-harm. The patient's significant weight loss, chronic low self-esteem, suicide plan, and recent initiation of an antidepressant medication indicate a high risk of self-harm. Suicide precautions involve close monitoring, removing harmful objects, and ensuring a safe environment to prevent the patient from acting on suicidal thoughts. While offering high-calorie snacks and fluids, assisting the patient in identifying personal strengths, and observing for therapeutic effects of the antidepressant are important aspects of care, they do not directly address the immediate risk of self-harm that implementing suicide precautions does.

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