Nokea
A 30-year-old female patient is describing feelings of hopelessness and depression. She has attempted self-mutilation and has a history of prior suicide attempts. She describes difficulty sleeping at night and has lost 4.5 kg (10 lb) in the past month. Which of the following is the nurse's best response in this situation?
- A. Do you own any lethal weapon?
- B. How do other people treat you?
- C. Are you feeling so hopeless that you feel like hurting yourself now?
- D. People often feel hopeless, but the feeling resolves within a few weeks.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Are you feeling so hopeless that you feel like hurting yourself now?" This response directly addresses the patient's suicidal ideation and assesses the immediate risk of harm. It shows the nurse's concern for the patient's safety and allows for further evaluation and intervention if necessary.
Option A is incorrect because asking about owning a lethal weapon does not directly address the patient's current mental state and immediate risk of harm. Option B is incorrect as it focuses on external factors rather than the patient's internal feelings of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. Option D is incorrect as it minimizes the seriousness of the patient's symptoms and may lead to overlooking the urgency of the situation.
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The nurse is conducting an interview with a woman who has recently learned that she is pregnant and has come to the clinic to begin prenatal care. The woman states that she and her husband are excited about the pregnancy but have a few questions. She looks nervously at her hands during the interview and sighs audibly. Which of the following statements does the nurse know is most accurate, considering the concept of communication?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the woman's nonverbal cues (looking nervously at her hands, sighing audibly) indicate potential anxiety or stress. The nurse should acknowledge these cues and explore her feelings further to provide appropriate support. Option A is incorrect as it does not address the woman's nonverbal cues. Option C is incorrect as it assumes the woman is not genuinely excited about the pregnancy. Option D is incorrect as it overlooks the woman's nonverbal cues and does not address her potential emotional needs.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications?
- A. Pulmonary embolism.
- B. Pneumothorax.
- C. Hypercapnia.
- D. Asthma attack.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, hypercapnia. In COPD, impaired lung function leads to inadequate oxygen exchange, causing increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood (hypercapnia). This can result in respiratory acidosis and further exacerbate respiratory distress. Monitoring for hypercapnia is crucial in COPD management to prevent respiratory failure.
Incorrect choices:
A: Pulmonary embolism - While patients with COPD are at increased risk for blood clots, pulmonary embolism is not a direct complication of COPD.
B: Pneumothorax - Although individuals with COPD may develop pneumothorax due to weakened lung tissue, it is not a common complication.
D: Asthma attack - Asthma and COPD are distinct conditions with different pathophysiology. Asthma attacks are not a typical complication of COPD.
Which of the following is the best indicator of a patient's nutritional status?
- A. Patient's weight
- B. Serum albumin levels
- C. Patient's food preferences
- D. Number of meals consumed per day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum albumin levels. Serum albumin is a protein produced by the liver and is a key indicator of a patient's nutritional status. Low levels of serum albumin indicate malnutrition or protein deficiency. Monitoring serum albumin levels provides an objective measure of the patient's overall nutritional status.
Choice A (Patient's weight) can be influenced by factors other than nutrition, such as fluid retention or muscle mass. Choice C (Patient's food preferences) does not provide direct information on the patient's actual nutritional intake. Choice D (Number of meals consumed per day) does not account for the quality or quantity of nutrients consumed in those meals.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic asthma. The nurse should prioritize monitoring for which of the following complications?
- A. Pneumothorax.
- B. Hyperglycemia.
- C. Respiratory failure.
- D. Chronic renal failure.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory failure. For a patient with chronic asthma, the priority complication to monitor for is respiratory failure as it can be life-threatening. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can lead to severe bronchoconstriction and impaired gas exchange, potentially resulting in respiratory failure. Monitoring for signs such as increased respiratory rate, use of accessory muscles, decreased oxygen saturation, and altered mental status is crucial. Pneumothorax (A) is a possible complication but less common in chronic asthma. Hyperglycemia (B) and chronic renal failure (D) are not directly related to asthma and are not the primary complications to monitor for in this case.
The nurse has implemented several planned interventions to address the nursing diagnosis of acute pain. Which of the following would be the next appropriate action?
- A. Establishing priorities
- B. Identifying expected outcomes
- C. Evaluating the individual's condition and comparing actual outcomes with expected outcomes
- D. Interpreting data, identifying clusters of cues, and making inferences
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The next appropriate action is to evaluate the individual's condition and compare actual outcomes with expected outcomes (Choice C). This step is crucial in determining the effectiveness of the implemented interventions in addressing the nursing diagnosis of acute pain. By evaluating the individual's condition, the nurse can assess whether the interventions have been successful in alleviating the pain. Comparing actual outcomes with expected outcomes helps in identifying any discrepancies and adjusting the plan of care accordingly to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Establishing priorities (Choice A) is important but would come before implementing interventions. Identifying expected outcomes (Choice B) is necessary before implementing interventions but does not directly address the need for evaluation. Interpreting data and making inferences (Choice D) is part of the assessment phase and not the next appropriate action after implementing interventions.