During a neurological assessment, a healthcare provider is evaluating a client's balance. Which of the following examinations should the provider use for this purpose?
- A. Romberg test
- B. Deep tendon reflexes
- C. Mini-Mental State Examination
- D. Babinski reflex
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Romberg test is utilized to assess the client's balance and proprioception by having them stand with their eyes closed. This test helps evaluate sensory ataxia, a condition where an individual's balance is affected due to impaired sensory input. Deep tendon reflexes (Choice B) are assessed by tapping a tendon with a reflex hammer to evaluate the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nerves; this is not directly related to balance assessment. The Mini-Mental State Examination (Choice C) is a cognitive screening tool used to assess cognitive impairment or dementia, not balance. The Babinski reflex (Choice D) is elicited by stroking the sole of the foot to assess neurologic function, particularly in the corticospinal tract, and is not specific to balance evaluation.
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A healthcare professional working in the emergency department is witnessing the signing of informed consent forms for the treatment of multiple clients during their shift. Which of the following signatures may the healthcare professional legally witness?
- A. A 16-year-old client who is married
- B. A 27-year-old who has schizophrenia
- C. An adoptive parent who brings in their 8-year-old child
- D. A 17-year-old mother who brings in her toddler
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. A 16-year-old who is married can legally sign an informed consent form. In this case, being married at 16 may indicate legal emancipation or the ability to consent to medical treatment. Choice B is incorrect because having schizophrenia doesn't automatically imply incapacity to provide informed consent. Choice C is incorrect as an adoptive parent does not have the legal authority to provide consent for medical treatment on behalf of a child without proper documentation. Choice D is incorrect as a 17-year-old mother would generally not have the legal capacity to give consent for her toddler, as parental consent is usually required for minors.
A nurse is developing an individualized plan of care for a patient. Which action is important for the nurse to take?
- A. Establish goals that are measurable and realistic.
- B. Set goals that are a little beyond the capabilities of the patient.
- C. Use the nurse's own judgment and not be swayed by family desires.
- D. Explain that without taking alignment risks, there can be no progress.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When developing an individualized plan of care for a patient, the nurse must set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Choice A is correct as it emphasizes the importance of establishing goals that are measurable and realistic, ensuring they are attainable within a specific timeframe. Setting goals that are beyond the capabilities of the patient (Choice B) can lead to frustration and lack of progress. Using only the nurse's judgment and disregarding family desires (Choice C) may not consider important aspects of the patient's social support and preferences. Explaining that progress requires taking alignment risks (Choice D) is not a standard approach in nursing care planning and may confuse the patient or hinder trust in the nurse's decision-making.
A nurse is in a public building when someone cries out, 'Help! I think he is having a heart attack!' The nurse responds to the scene and finds the unconscious adult lying on the floor. Another bystander has obtained an AED. The nurse's first action, after ensuring someone has called for EMS, should be to:
- A. Administer cardiac compressions
- B. Attach the AED pads to the client
- C. Check for a pulse
- D. Perform rescue breaths
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a scenario where a person is unconscious and there is an indication of a possible heart attack, the immediate priority for the nurse should be to administer cardiac compressions. This action helps maintain circulation and ensures oxygenated blood reaches vital organs until the AED is available. Checking for a pulse or performing rescue breaths may delay essential circulation support, and attaching AED pads should follow the initial step of administering compressions to maximize the chances of a successful resuscitation.
A nurse in a long-term care facility is admitting a client who is incontinent and smells strongly of urine. His partner, who has been caring for him at home, is embarrassed and apologizes for the smell. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "It must be difficult to care for someone who is confined to bed."
- B. "It is important to keep the client clean to avoid infections."
- C. "I understand that this is challenging; let's work together to ensure comfort."
- D. "The smell is quite strong; we need to address this immediately."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: "I understand that this is challenging; let's work together to ensure comfort." This response acknowledges the difficulty the partner is facing, shows empathy, and offers to collaborate in providing care. Choice A is incorrect because it does not directly address the partner's feelings of embarrassment or offer support. Choice B, while true, does not address the partner's emotional state and may come across as directive rather than supportive. Choice D is also incorrect as it focuses solely on the smell without addressing the partner's emotions or offering assistance in managing the situation with empathy.
While changing the linen on the client's bed, what should the nurse do?
- A. Hold the linen away from their body and clothing.
- B. Fold the linen neatly before placing it in the laundry.
- C. Wear clean gloves while handling the linen.
- D. Place the linen directly on the floor until the new linen is in place.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When changing the linen on a client's bed, it is essential for the nurse to hold the linen away from their body and clothing. This practice helps prevent contamination and maintain a clean environment. Folding the linen neatly before placing it in the laundry (Choice B) is a good practice but not the immediate action required during linen changing. Wearing clean gloves while handling the linen (Choice C) is important in certain situations but may not be necessary for routine linen changing. Placing the linen directly on the floor until the new linen is in place (Choice D) is incorrect as it can lead to contamination and is not hygienic.