Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Frequently remind the client of the expectations for her behavior.
A) Frequently remind the client of the expectations for her behavior: Clients experiencing mania may have difficulty maintaining appropriate behavior due to their heightened energy levels and impulsivity. Frequently reminding them of behavioral expectations helps provide structure and boundaries, which can promote a safer and more controlled environment.
B. Encourage the client to participate in a group activity in the dayroom.
B) Encourage the client to participate in a group activity in the dayroom: While social interaction can be beneficial, clients in a manic state might be overly stimulated by group activities. This can exacerbate their symptoms, leading to increased agitation or disruptive behavior. It's often more appropriate to provide a calm and low-stimulation environment.
C. Allow the client to pick her own choice of clothing.
C) Allow the client to pick her own choice of clothing: Allowing a manic client to choose their own clothing can lead to choices that are inappropriate for the setting or the weather, as judgment may be impaired during mania. Providing guidance in clothing choices can help ensure the client is dressed suitably and safely.
D. Encourage the client to increase physical activity during the day.
D) Encourage the client to increase physical activity during the day: While physical activity is generally beneficial, clients in a manic state may already be overly active and may not need encouragement to increase their activity. Overexertion can lead to exhaustion and further exacerbate manic symptoms. It is often more beneficial to encourage activities that promote relaxation and calmness.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Answer: A. Frequently remind the client of the expectations for her behavior.
Rationale:
A) Frequently remind the client of the expectations for her behavior:
Clients experiencing mania may have difficulty maintaining appropriate behavior due to their heightened energy levels and impulsivity. Frequently reminding them of behavioral expectations helps provide structure and boundaries, which can promote a safer and more controlled environment.
B) Encourage the client to participate in a group activity in the dayroom:
While social interaction can be beneficial, clients in a manic state might be overly stimulated by group activities. This can exacerbate their symptoms, leading to increased agitation or disruptive behavior. It's often more appropriate to provide a calm and low-stimulation environment.
C) Allow the client to pick her own choice of clothing:
Allowing a manic client to choose their own clothing can lead to choices that are inappropriate for the setting or the weather, as judgment may be impaired during mania. Providing guidance in clothing choices can help ensure the client is dressed suitably and safely.
D) Encourage the client to increase physical activity during the day:
While physical activity is generally beneficial, clients in a manic state may already be overly active and may not need encouragement to increase their activity. Overexertion can lead to exhaustion and further exacerbate manic symptoms. It is often more beneficial to encourage activities that promote relaxation and calmness.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a female client who has a new diagnosis of breast cancer. The client is concerned about potential changes to her body image depending on her choice of treatment. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Reassure the client that she will adjust to changes to her body.
While providing reassurance is important, it may not be sufficient to address the client's concerns about potential changes to her body image. Initiating a referral to Reach to Recovery can provide the client with additional support and resources tailored to her specific needs.
B. Contact an occupational therapist to talk with the client
While an occupational therapist may have valuable input on certain aspects of the client's care, such as functional abilities and adaptations, initiating a referral to Reach to Recovery would be more appropriate for addressing the client's concerns related to body image.
C. Initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery
When caring for a female client who has a new diagnosis of breast cancer and expresses concerns about potential changes to her body image, the nurse should initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery. Reach to Recovery is a program provided by the American Cancer Society that connects breast cancer patients with trained volunteers who have gone through a similar experience. These volunteers can provide emotional support, information, and resources to help the client cope with the physical and emotional changes that may occur due to breast cancer and its treatment.
D. Explain that surgery can restore the breast to its original appearance
While surgery options such as breast reconstruction can restore the breast to a similar appearance, it is not appropriate for the nurse to make guarantees about the outcome or appearance of the breast after surgery. Every individual's situation is unique, and the decision to undergo surgery and the results of such procedures are dependent on various factors. Referring the client to Reach to Recovery would be more beneficial in addressing her concerns holistically.
Full Explanation
c. Initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery.
Explanation:
When caring for a female client who has a new diagnosis of breast cancer and expresses concerns about potential changes to her body image, the nurse should initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery. Reach to Recovery is a program provided by the American Cancer Society that connects breast cancer patients with trained volunteers who have gone through a similar experience. These volunteers can provide emotional support, information, and resources to help the client cope with the physical and emotional changes that may occur due to breast cancer and its treatment.
Explanation for the other options:
a .Reassure the client that she will adjust to changes to her body:
While providing reassurance is important, it may not be sufficient to address the client's concerns about potential changes to her body image. Initiating a referral to Reach to Recovery can provide the client with additional support and resources tailored to her specific needs.
b. Contact an occupational therapist to talk with the client:
While an occupational therapist may have valuable input on certain aspects of the client's care, such as functional abilities and adaptations, initiating a referral to Reach to Recovery would be more appropriate for addressing the client's concerns related to body image.
d. Explain that surgery can restore the breast to its original appearance:
While surgery options such as breast reconstruction can restore the breast to a similar appearance, it is not appropriate for the nurse to make guarantees about the outcome or appearance of the breast after surgery. Every individual's situation is unique, and the decision to undergo surgery and the results of such procedures are dependent on various factors. Referring the client to Reach to Recovery would be more beneficial in addressing her concerns holistically.
In summary, when a client with a new diagnosis of breast cancer expresses concerns about potential changes to her body image, the nurse should initiate a client referral to Reach to Recovery. This program can provide the client with the necessary emotional support and resources to navigate the physical and emotional changes associated with breast cancer and its treatment.
A nurse is assisting with triaging clients in a mass casualty situation. The nurse should recommend that which of the following clients receive care first?
A. A client who has a head injury and whose pupils are fixed and dilated
A client who has a head injury and whose pupils are fixed and dilated may have experienced brain death and may not be able to be resuscitated.
B. A client who has a dislocated shoulder and reports a pain level of 8 on a scale from 0 to 10
Adislocated shoulder, while painful, is not immediately life-threatening
C. A client who has a 20.3-cm (8-in) scalp laceration with intermittent bleeding
A scalp laceration with intermittent bleeding can be managed with pressure and is not immediately life-threatening.
D. A client who has diminished breath sounds and paradoxical chest movement
The nurse should recommend that the client who has diminished breath sounds and paradoxical chest movement receive care first. This client is likely experiencing a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Full Explanation
The nurse should recommend that the client who has diminished breath sounds and paradoxical chest movement receive care first. This client is likely experiencing a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention.
Option a is incorrect because a client who has a head injury and whose pupils are fixed and dilated may have experienced brain death and may not be able to be resuscitated.
Option b is incorrect because a dislocated shoulder, while painful, is not immediately life-threatening. Option c is incorrect because a scalp laceration with intermittent bleeding can be managed with pressure and is not immediately life-threatening.
A nurse receives report on four clients. The nurse should first collect data about the client who has which of the following?
A. Cellulitis accompanied by a low-grade fever
While cellulitis and a low-grade fever require atention, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should prioritize assessing the client with altered consciousness and vomiting due to the potential for more urgent interventions
B. A decreased level of consciousness and vomiting
When receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. This combination of symptoms suggests a potentially serious condition that requires immediate atention and assessment. It could indicate a neurological or gastrointestinal issue, and further evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions.
C. A pain rating of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 after receiving analgesia 30 min ago
Although the client's pain rating of 7 indicates ongoing pain, it is not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first address the client with altered consciousness to determine the cause and provide appropriate interventions before assessing and managing pain in other clients.
D. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose level of 160 mg/dL
While elevated blood glucose levels in a client with type 2 diabetes require atention and management, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first assess the client with altered consciousness to identify the cause and provide prompt interventions.
Full Explanation
b. A decreased level of consciousness and vomiting
Explanation:
When receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. This combination of symptoms suggests a potentially serious condition that requires immediate atention and assessment. It could indicate a neurological or gastrointestinal issue, and further evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions.
Explanation for the other options:
a. Cellulitis accompanied by a low-grade fever:
While cellulitis and a low-grade fever require atention, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should prioritize assessing the client with altered consciousness and vomiting due to the potential for more urgent interventions.
c. A pain rating of 7 on a scale from 0 to 10 after receiving analgesia 30 min ago:
Although the client's pain rating of 7 indicates ongoing pain, it is not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first address the client with altered consciousness to determine the cause and provide appropriate interventions before assessing and managing pain in other clients.
d. Type 2 diabetes mellitus and a blood glucose level of 160 mg/dL:
While elevated blood glucose levels in a client with type 2 diabetes require atention and management, they are not as immediately critical as a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. The nurse should first assess the client with altered consciousness to identify the cause and provide prompt interventions.
In summary, when receiving report on four clients, the nurse should first collect data about the client who has a decreased level of consciousness and vomiting. These symptoms indicate a potentially serious condition requiring immediate assessment and intervention.