A 14-year-old boy has been admitted to a mental health unit for observation and treatment. The boy becomes agitated and starts yelling at nursing staff members. What should the nurse's first response be?
- A. Create an atmosphere of seclusion for the boy according to procedures.
- B. Remove other patients from the area for added safety.
- C. Ask the patient, "What is making you mad?"?
- D. Ask the patient, "Why are you behaving this way? Have you thought about what may help you calm down?"?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a situation where a patient is agitated and yelling, the first response should be to create an atmosphere of seclusion for the safety of the patient and others. Seclusion is a standard procedure to help manage aggressive behaviors and prevent harm. Options B, C, and D are not appropriate in this scenario. Removing other patients may not address the immediate safety concern, asking the patient what is making them mad can escalate the situation, and questioning why the patient is behaving that way may not help in managing the current agitation. Therefore, seclusion is the recommended course of action in this scenario to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.
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A young female teenager describes a brutal assault and rape to the nurse on duty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
- A. Check with the case manager on duty about possible police intervention.
- B. Provide an environment of concern and emotional stabilization.
- C. Clean the patient's wounds with normal saline and gauze.
- D. Refer the patient to a counselor specializing in trauma.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a situation where a patient describes a brutal assault and rape, the first priority should be to provide emotional support and create a safe and supportive environment. This helps the patient feel secure and cared for, which is crucial for their well-being at that moment. Checking with the case manager about police intervention should come after ensuring the patient's immediate emotional needs are addressed. Cleaning the patient's wounds, though important, can be secondary to providing emotional stabilization. Referring the patient to a counselor specializing in trauma is also crucial for long-term support, but the immediate focus should be on providing emotional support and stability.
A patient has just been prescribed Minipress to control hypertension. The nurse should instruct the patient to be observant of the following:
- A. Dizziness and light-headed sensations
- B. Weight gain
- C. Sensory changes in the lower extremities
- D. Fatigue
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Dizziness and light-headed sensations.' Minipress, a medication used to control hypertension, can cause hypotension as a side effect. Dizziness and light-headed sensations are common symptoms of hypotension. Weight gain, sensory changes in the lower extremities, and fatigue are not typically associated with Minipress or hypertension management. Therefore, they are incorrect choices.
When encountering the significant other of a patient with end-stage AIDS crying during her smoke break, what is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?
- A. Allow her to grieve by herself.
- B. Tell her to go ahead and cry, after all, your husband’s pretty bad off.
- C. Tell her you realize how upset she is, but you don’t want to talk about it now.
- D. Approach her, offering tissues, and encourage her to verbalize her feelings
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Approaching the significant other, offering tissues, and encouraging her to verbalize her feelings is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take. Being left alone during the grief process isolates individuals, and they need an outlet for their feelings. By showing empathy and providing support, the nurse can help the significant other cope with her emotions. Choices A, B, and C are inappropriate because they do not offer support or encourage the expression of feelings, which are crucial in such situations.
A healthcare provider is caring for a patient who has experienced burns to the right lower extremity. According to the Rule of Nines, which of the following percentages most accurately describes the severity of the injury?
- A. 36%
- B. 27%
- C. 18%
- D. 9%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: According to the Rule of Nines, the right lower extremity accounts for 18% of the total body surface area. The Rule of Nines divides the body into regions, each representing 9% or a multiple of 9%, allowing for a quick estimation of the extent of burns. In this case, the correct answer is 18% as it corresponds to the percentage allocated for each lower extremity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not match the standard allocation for the right lower extremity in the Rule of Nines.
A mother brings her 13-month-old child with Down Syndrome to a pediatric clinic reporting muscle weakness and poor movement. The child's reflexes are noted to be diminished. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Contact the physician immediately
- B. Have the patient go for an X-ray for a c-spine work-up
- C. Start an IV on the patient
- D. Position the child's neck in a neutral position
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In a child with Down Syndrome presenting with muscle weakness and diminished reflexes, an atlanto-axial dislocation is a concern. The priority action is to position the child's neck in a neutral c-spine posture to prevent further injury. This should be done before any movement or manipulation. Contacting the physician should follow to ensure appropriate evaluation and management. Initiating an IV is not indicated unless specifically ordered for a medical reason. Ordering an X-ray for a c-spine work-up should not be the first action as it may involve movement that could exacerbate the condition if an injury is present.
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