Nokea
When a patient refuses to believe a terminal diagnosis, they are exhibiting:
- A. Regression
- B. Mourning
- C. Denial
- D. Rationalization
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Denial is a defense mechanism where a patient rejects a reality that is too painful or difficult to accept. In the context of a terminal diagnosis, the patient may refuse to believe it in order to avoid facing the harsh truth. Regression (choice A) involves reverting to earlier, more childlike behaviors and is not applicable in this scenario. Mourning (choice B) is the process of grieving a loss, which typically occurs after acceptance of the diagnosis. Rationalization (choice D) is creating logical explanations to justify unacceptable behaviors, which is not the case when a patient denies a terminal diagnosis.
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You have been assigned to take an apical pulse for one of the patients on the nursing unit. How will you do this?
- A. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and listen for any irregular beats.
- B. You will place the stethoscope over the heart and count the beats per minute.
- C. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and feel for any irregular beats.
- D. You will place your fingertip over the patient's wrist and count the beats per minute.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To take an apical pulse accurately, you should place the stethoscope over the heart and count the number of beats per minute. This method provides a precise assessment of the heart rate. While listening for irregular beats is essential for assessing the heart's rhythm, the primary objective of taking an apical pulse is to determine the heart rate. Choices C and D are incorrect because the apical pulse is not taken at the wrist; instead, it is obtained by auscultating at the apex of the heart, usually at the point where the fifth intercostal space meets the midclavicular line.
A patient is diagnosed with essential hypertension. Which of the following blood pressures would you expect to see in this patient prior to taking medications for the condition?
- A. 142/92
- B. 118/72
- C. 120/80
- D. 138/88
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Before starting medications for essential hypertension, a patient would typically present with a blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90. This indicates high blood pressure and is characteristic of essential hypertension. Choice A, 142/92, falls within this range, making it the correct answer. Choices B (118/72), C (120/80), and D (138/88) all have blood pressure readings that are within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the elevated blood pressure levels seen in essential hypertension.
A physician asks you to place the patient with his dorsal side facing the exam table. Which of the following accurately describes how the patient is positioned?
- A. The patient is lying prone.
- B. The patient is lying supine.
- C. The patient is lying in the recovery position.
- D. The patient is lying on his stomach.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When the physician asks for the patient to be placed with their dorsal side facing the exam table, it means the patient should be lying on their back. This position is known as the supine position, where the patient's back is on the table, facing up towards the ceiling. Choice A, 'The patient is lying prone,' is incorrect as the prone position is when the patient is lying face down. Choice C, 'The patient is lying in the recovery position,' is incorrect as the recovery position is a lateral position typically used in first aid. Choice D, 'The patient is lying on his stomach,' is incorrect as it describes the prone position, not the supine position as required in this scenario.
A patient's nursing diagnosis is Insomnia. The desired outcome is: 'Patient will sleep for a minimum of 5 hours nightly by October 31.' On November 1, a review of the sleep data shows the patient sleeps an average of 4 hours nightly and takes a 2-hour afternoon nap. Which evaluation should be documented?
- A. Consistently demonstrated
- B. Often demonstrated
- C. Sometimes demonstrated
- D. Never demonstrated
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Never demonstrated.' Despite the patient sleeping a total of 6 hours daily, it is not achieved in one uninterrupted session at night as per the desired outcome. The patient's habit of taking a 2-hour afternoon nap also affects the evaluation. Therefore, the outcome should be evaluated as 'Never demonstrated.'
Choice A, 'Consistently demonstrated,' is incorrect because the desired outcome of sleeping for a minimum of 5 hours nightly in one session is not met.
Choice B, 'Often demonstrated,' is incorrect as the patient's sleep pattern does not consistently align with the desired outcome.
Choice C, 'Sometimes demonstrated,' is also incorrect as the patient's sleep pattern does not meet the specific criteria set in the desired outcome.
Following hospitalization for congestive heart failure, a client is discharged. The nurse teaching the family suggests they encourage the client to rest frequently in which of the following positions?
- A. High Fowler's
- B. Supine
- C. Left lateral
- D. Low Fowler's
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is High Fowler's. Sitting in a chair or resting in a bed in the high Fowler's position helps decrease the cardiac workload and facilitates breathing in clients with congestive heart failure. This position helps reduce venous return and increases lung expansion, improving oxygenation. The supine position (choice B) may lead to increased pressure on the heart and lungs, making it less suitable for these clients. The left lateral position (choice C) is not as effective as High Fowler's in reducing cardiac workload and improving breathing. Low Fowler's position (choice D) does not provide the same benefits as the High Fowler's position for clients with congestive heart failure.