A 60-year-old widower is hospitalized after complaining of difficulty sleeping, extreme apprehension, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. You have nothing to worry about. You are in a safe place. Try to relax.'
- B. Has anything happened recently or in the past that might have triggered these feelings?'
- C. We have given you a medication that helps to decrease feelings of anxiety.'
- D. Take some deep breaths and try to calm down.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice 2 provides support, reassurance, and an opportunity to gain insight into the cause of the anxiety. Choice 1 dismisses the client's feelings and offers false reassurance. Choices 3 and 4 do not allow the client to discuss his feelings, which he must do in order to understand and resolve the cause of his anxiety.
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A nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with Emphysema about the disease process. Which of the following statements best explains the problems associated with emphysema and could be adapted for use in the nurse's discussion with the client?
- A. Hyperactivity of the medium-sized bronchi caused by an inflammatory response leads to wheezing and tightness in the chest.
- B. Larger than normal air spaces and loss of elastic recoil cause air to be trapped in the lung and collapse airways.
- C. Vasodilation, congestion, and mucosal edema cause a chronic cough and sputum production.
- D. Chloride is not being transported properly, producing excess absorption of water and sodium, and thick viscous mucus.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Larger-than-normal air spaces and loss of elastic recoil cause air to be trapped in the lung and collapse airways. Emphysema is a breakdown of the elastin and fiber network of the alveoli where the alveoli enlarge or the walls are destroyed. This alveolar destruction leads to the formation of larger-than-normal air spaces. Emphysema is one of a group of pulmonary diseases of a chronic nature characterized by increased resistance to airflow; the entity is part of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Appropriate nursing strategies to assist a client in maintaining a sense of self include:
- A. using the client's first name when addressing the client
- B. treating the client with dignity
- C. explaining procedures only if the client is attentive
- D. discouraging the use of personal items
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Treating the client with dignity respects their individuality and fosters a sense of self, unlike the other options, which may undermine autonomy or engagement.
With a breech presentation, the nurse must be particularly alert for which of the following?
- A. quickening
- B. ophthalmia neonatorum
- C. pica
- D. prolapsed umbilical cord
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prolapsed umbilical cord is the descent of the umbilical cord into the vagina before the fetal presenting part and compression of the cord between the presenting part and the maternal pelvis, compromising or completely cutting off fetoplacental perfusion. This is an emergency situation; immediate delivery should be attempted to save the fetus.
Support-system enhancement includes all of the following except:
- A. determining the barriers to using support systems.
- B. discussing ways to help with others who are concerned.
- C. exploring life problems of the support-team members.
- D. involving spouse, family, and friends in the care and planning.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The exploration of life problems of support-team members is not necessary to enhance the support system. Choices 1, 2, and 4 are all enhancements for a support system.
Support systems during the grieving process include all of the following except:
- A. a despondent friend.
- B. a nurse.
- C. a social worker.
- D. a family member.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A despondent friend, even though this could be a support to the grieving person, is in a state of despondency. Therefore, he or she might not do well with a grieving friend.
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