A nurse on an acute med-surgical unit is performing assessments on a group of clients. Which is the highest priority?
- A. The client has surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign.
- B. A client who has Clostridium difficile with acute diarrhea
- C. A client who is experiencing acute kidney injury and has urine with a low specific gravity
- D. The client who has oral cancer and reports a sore on his gums
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the client with surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign indicates a potential life-threatening condition due to hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, which can lead to serious complications such as seizures and tetany. This client needs immediate intervention to prevent further complications.
Choice B is incorrect because while Clostridium difficile with acute diarrhea requires prompt treatment, it is not as immediately life-threatening as hypocalcemia. Choice C is incorrect as well, as although acute kidney injury is serious, a low specific gravity alone does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat to the client's life. Choice D is also incorrect as oral cancer with a sore on the gums, while concerning, is not an immediate priority compared to the potential life-threatening complications of hypocalcemia.
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A client diagnosed with bipolar disorder and experiencing mania is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric setting. During the acute phase of mania, which medication would the nurse expect to most likely administer?
- A. Lithium carbonate (Lithium)
- B. Haloperidol lactate (Haldol)
- C. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- D. Paroxetine (Paxil)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Haloperidol lactate (Haldol). In the acute phase of mania, antipsychotic medications like haloperidol are commonly used to manage symptoms such as agitation, hyperactivity, and psychosis. Haloperidol helps to reduce dopamine activity in the brain, which can help stabilize mood and behavior during manic episodes. Lithium (A) is more commonly used for long-term mood stabilization in bipolar disorder. Fluoxetine (C) and Paroxetine (D) are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used for depression and not recommended during mania due to the risk of worsening manic symptoms.
A nursing student is assigned to care for a patient diagnosed with schizophrenia. When talking about this patient in a clinical postconference, the student would use which terminology when referring to the patient?
- A. Committed patient
- B. Schizophrenic
- C. Schizophrenic patient
- D. Person with schizophrenia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Person with schizophrenia. This terminology aligns with person-first language, which emphasizes the individuality and humanity of the patient over their diagnosis. It is important to use person-first language to promote respect and reduce stigma. Using terms like "committed patient" (A) can be stigmatizing and inaccurate, as not all patients with schizophrenia are committed involuntarily. "Schizophrenic" (B) and "schizophrenic patient" (C) both label the individual by their diagnosis, which can be dehumanizing and reduce their identity to just their condition. In contrast, "person with schizophrenia" (D) acknowledges the personhood of the individual first and foremost.
Which statement made by the patient demonstrates an understanding of the treatment of choice for patients managing the effects of traumatic events?
- A. I attend my therapy sessions regularly.
- B. Those intrusive memories are hidden for a reason and should stay hidden.
- C. Keeping busy is the key to getting mentally healthy.
- D. I've agreed to move in with my parents so I'll get the support I need.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because attending therapy sessions regularly is a key component of treatment for managing the effects of traumatic events. Regular therapy sessions help individuals process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and work towards healing. Choice B is incorrect as suppressing intrusive memories can worsen mental health. Choice C is incorrect as keeping busy may serve as a distraction but does not address the root cause of trauma. Choice D is incorrect as moving in with parents for support is helpful, but therapy is the evidence-based treatment for trauma management.
As a nurse working in obstetrics, what is one way to mitigate possible causes of intellectual disability?
- A. Explain to the parent the treatment options available.
- B. Explain to the parent environmental risks to avoid during pregnancy.
- C. Explain to the parent that genetics have a role in this disability.
- D. Explain to the parent that learning disabilities often go unnoticed until the child enters school.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because avoiding environmental risks during pregnancy can help mitigate possible causes of intellectual disability. Environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, infections, and poor nutrition can have a significant impact on fetal brain development. By educating parents about these risks, nurses can empower them to make informed choices to protect their baby's cognitive development.
Choice A is incorrect because treatment options are not preventive measures to avoid intellectual disability.
Choice C is incorrect because while genetics can play a role in intellectual disability, it is not something parents can actively mitigate during pregnancy.
Choice D is incorrect because learning disabilities are different from intellectual disabilities, and addressing them at school age is not a preventive measure during pregnancy.
A twenty-eight-year-old client enters the family therapy meeting clutching a blanket and holds the blanket throughout the session while rocking back and forth in the chair. What defense mechanism is the client demonstrating?
- A. denial
- B. projection
- C. undoing
- D. regression
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: regression. The client clutching a blanket and rocking back and forth indicate a return to an earlier stage of development to cope with stress or anxiety. Regression involves reverting to behaviors from a less mature stage. Denial (A) involves refusing to acknowledge reality, projection (B) involves attributing one's feelings onto others, and undoing (C) involves trying to undo or reverse an unacceptable action or thought. These defense mechanisms do not align with the client's behavior of regression.