Nokea
A client with a spinal cord injury who has been active in sports and outdoor activities talks almost obsessively about his past activities. In tears, one day he asks the nurse, 'Why can't I stop talking about these things? I know those days are gone forever.' Which of the following responses by the nurse conveys the best understanding of the client's behavior?
- A. Be patient. It takes time to adjust to such a massive loss.'
- B. I will be sure to tell the team that reviewing the past is a form of denial. We have to help you focus on today.'
- C. Reviewing your losses is a way to help you work through your grief and loss.'
- D. It's a simple escape mechanism to go back and live again in happier times.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reflecting on past activities is part of grieving, helping the client process the loss of function.
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A 70-year-old male with the diagnosis of claudication has been hospitalized for an evaluation of his increasingly impaired mobility and complaints of pain. The client tells the nurse that he can no longer walk a block without having severe pain in his left calf and foot. Based on these data, which nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate for this client?
- A. Activity intolerance related to decreased blood supply and pain
- B. Self-care deficit related to increased leg pain
- C. Ineffective coping related to chronic pain
- D. Impaired skin integrity related to poor circulation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Activity intolerance due to decreased blood supply and pain is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis, as claudication (pain during walking) directly results from inadequate arterial blood flow, limiting mobility. The other diagnoses may apply but are less specific to the described symptoms.
Which teaching point is critical for a client with a new diagnosis of epilepsy?
- A. Avoid driving until seizures are controlled.
- B. Limit all social activities.
- C. Discontinue medications if seizures stop.
- D. Restrict fluid intake.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Avoiding driving until seizures are controlled is critical for safety in epilepsy management.
The client states she does not understand what causes idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The nurse provides which of the following explanations?
- A. It is believed that the platelets are coated with antibodies and the spleen sees them as foreign bodies.
- B. It is believed that the liver identifies the platelets as foreign bodies.
- C. It is now believed that the syndrome is related to an underactive immune system.
- D. The cause is unknown.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune condition where antibodies coat platelets, marking them for destruction by the spleen. This leads to a low platelet count. The liver is not primarily involved, ITP is not due to an underactive immune system, and while 'idiopathic' means the exact trigger is unknown, the autoimmune mechanism is well-established.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for the client with viral hepatitis. The nurse should instruct the client to:
- A. Obtain adequate bed rest.
- B. Increase fluid intake.
- C. Follow a high-protein diet.
- D. Avoid carbohydrates.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate bed rest (A) reduces metabolic demands and supports recovery in viral hepatitis. Increased fluids (B) are supportive but secondary. High-protein diets (C) or avoiding carbohydrates (D) are not indicated for hepatitis management.
Following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, the nurse should assess the client for:
- A. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
- B. Fluctuating blood glucose levels.
- C. Cushing's syndrome.
- D. Cardiac arrhythmias.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A CSF leak is a potential complication of transsphenoidal hypophysectomy due to the surgical approach through the sphenoid sinus, requiring careful monitoring.