The nurse observes that the family members of a patient who was injured in an accident are blaming each other for the circumstances leading up to the accident. The nurse appropriately lets the family members express their feelings of responsibility, while explaining that there was probably little they could do to prevent the injury. In what stage of crisis is this family?
- A. Anxiety and denial
- B. Remorse and guilt
- C. Anger
- D. Grief
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The family's blame and sense of responsibility indicate remorse and guilt, a stage of crisis where individuals process feelings of fault. This is distinct from anxiety, anger, or grief.
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A patient is brought to the ED by friends. The friends tell the nurse that the patient was using cocaine at a party. On arrival to the ED the patient is in visible distress with an axillary temperature of 40.1°C (104.2°F). What would be the priority nursing action for this patient?
- A. Monitor cardiovascular effects.
- B. Administer antipyretics.
- C. Ensure airway and ventilation.
- D. Prevent seizure activity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ensuring airway and ventilation is the priority in cocaine-induced hyperthermia, as respiratory compromise is life-threatening. Cardiovascular monitoring, antipyretics, and seizure prevention follow.
A patient is brought to the ED by ambulance after swallowing highly acidic toilet bowl cleaner 2 hours earlier. The patient is alert and oriented. What is the care team's most appropriate treatment?
- A. Administering syrup of ipecac
- B. Performing a gastric lavage
- C. Giving milk to drink
- D. Referring to psychiatry
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Diluting an acidic ingestion with milk or water is appropriate after 2 hours, as gastric lavage is ineffective beyond 1 hour. Ipecac is obsolete, and psychiatric referral follows physical stabilization.
A patient is brought to the ED by two police officers. The patient was found unconscious on the sidewalk, with his face and hands covered in blood. At present, the patient is verbally abusive and is fighting the staff in the ED, but appears medically stable. The decision is made to place the patient in restraints. What action should the nurse perform when the patient is restrained?
- A. Frequently assess the patient's skin integrity.
- B. Inform the patient that he is likely to be charged with assault.
- C. Avoid interacting with the patient until the restraints are removed.
- D. Take the opportunity to perform a full physical assessment.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Frequent skin integrity checks prevent injury from restraints. Legal charges are not the nurse's role, interaction should continue, and a full assessment may be unsafe while combative.
A 13-year-old is being admitted to the ED after falling from a roof and sustaining blunt abdominal injuries. To assess for internal injury in the patient's peritoneum, the nurse should anticipate what diagnostic test?
- A. Radiograph
- B. Computed tomography (CT) scan
- C. Complete blood count (CBC)
- D. Barium swallow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: CT scans effectively detect intraperitoneal injuries from blunt trauma. Radiographs are less detailed, CBC indicates blood loss but not location, and barium swallow is irrelevant.
A patient with a history of major depression is brought to the ED by her parents. Which of the following nursing actions is most appropriate?
- A. Noting that symptoms of physical illness are not relevant to the current diagnosis
- B. Asking the patient if she has ever thought about taking her own life
- C. Conducting interviews in a brief and direct manner
- D. Arranging for the patient to spend time alone to consider her feelings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Screening for suicidal ideation is critical in depression to assess risk. Physical symptoms are relevant, interviews should be empathetic, and leaving the patient alone risks suicide.
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