Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following a total bilateralmastectomy. The client is tearful and looks away when her surgical dressings are removed. The nurse should place the priority on which of the following actions?
A. Demonstrating a nonjudgmental attitude toward the client when providing care for her surgical wounds
B. Providing the client with information on community resources that will strengthen her coping skills
C. Identifying the client's perception of the changes in her physical appearance
Identifying the client's perception of the changes in her physical appearance is essential for developing a plan of care that addresses her psychosocial needs and promotes her self-esteem and body image. The client may experience grief, anger, depression, anxiety, or guilt after losing her breasts, which can affect her quality of life and recovery. The nurse should explore how the client feels about herself and her sexuality, and provide emotional support and empathy. The other actions are also important, but they are not as a priority as understanding how the client views herself.
D. Encouraging the client to write about her feelings in a journal each day
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
The correct answer is C. Identifying the client's perception of the changes in her physical appearance is essential for developing a plan of care that addresses her psychosocial needs and promotes her self-esteem and body image. The client may experience grief, anger, depression, anxiety, or guilt after losing her breasts, which can affect her quality of life and recovery. The nurse should explore how the client feels about herself and her sexuality, and provide emotional support and empathy. The other actions are also important, but they are not as a priority as understanding how the client views herself.
Similar Questions
A nurse in an inpatient mental health facility is reinforcing teaching with a client who signed a consent form for electroconvulsive therapy. Which of the following statements by the clientindicates an understanding of the procedure?
A. "I might have short-term memory loss after the procedure."
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that uses a mild electrical current to cause a brief seizure in the brain, which can help treat severe mentalhealth conditions. One of the possible side effects of ECT is short-term memory loss, which usually resolves within a few weeks. Therefore, if the client states that they might have short-term memory loss after the procedure, they indicate an understanding of the procedure and its risks. The other statements are incorrect or irrelevant. ECT does not require a full-liquid diet, a urinary catheter, or cause seizures after the procedure.
B. 17 will need to follow a full-liquid diet for 24 hours after the procedure."
C. "I will have a urinary catheter in place during the procedure."
D. I might have occasional seizures for several days after the procedure."
Full Explanation
The correct answer is A. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that uses a mild electrical current to cause a brief seizure in the brain, which can help treat severe mentalhealth conditions. One of the possible side effects of ECT is short-term memory loss, which usually resolves within a few weeks. Therefore, if the client states that they might have short-term memory loss after the procedure, they indicate an understanding of the procedure and its risks. The other statements are incorrect or irrelevant. ECT does not require a full-liquid diet, a urinary catheter, or cause seizures after the procedure.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports hearing voices. Which of the following statements should the nurse make first?
A. "Let's take a walk outside to see if the voices you are hearing will stop."
B. "Can you listen to me instead of the voices you are hearing?"
C. "Are the voices you are hearing telling you to hurt yourself or someone else?"
Hearing voices is a common symptom of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. The nurse should first assess if the client is at risk of harming themselves or others due to the content of the voices. This is a priority intervention that can help prevent potential violence or suicide. The other statements are not appropriate as initial responses. A walk outside may not stop the voices and may expose the client to more stimuli that could worsen their condition. Asking the client to listen to the nurse instead of the voices may be perceived as dismissive or challenging by the client. Acknowledging that the voices are real to the client but not to the nurse may help establish rapport, but it does not address the urgency of assessing for safety.
D. "I know that the voices are real to you, but I do not hear them."
Full Explanation
The correct answer is C. Hearing voices is a common symptom of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. The nurse should first assess if the client is at risk of harming themselves or others due to the content of the voices. This is a priority intervention that can help prevent potential violence or suicide. The other statements are not appropriate as initial responses. A walk outside may not stop the voices and may expose the client to more stimuli that could worsen their condition. Asking the client to listen to the nurse instead of the voices may be perceived as dismissive or challenging by the client. Acknowledging that the voices are real to the client but not to the nurse may help establish rapport, but it does not address the urgency of assessing for safety.
A nurse is caring for a client who has paranoid schizophrenia and believes that they are being followed by FBI agents who are pretending to be psychiatric staff. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. "Why do you feel the staff is the FBI?"
B. "What makes you think the staff is following you?"
C. "This must be very frightening for you. Let's talk more about it."
Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia that involves delusions of persecution or conspiracy. The nurse should use therapeutic communication techniquesto empathize with the client's feelings and encourage them to express their thoughts without challenging or reinforcing their delusions. Therefore, stating that this must be very frightening for them and inviting them to talk more about it is an appropriate response that can help reduce anxiety and build trust. The other statements are not helpful or may be harmful. Asking why or what questions may imply doubt or disbelief in theclient's reality and provoke defensiveness or hostility. Contradicting or correcting the client's delusions may also increase their suspicion and resistance to treatment.
D. "The psychiatric staff is not FBI. They are here to help you."
Full Explanation
The correct answer is C. Paranoid schizophrenia is a type of schizophrenia that involves delusions of persecution or conspiracy. The nurse should use therapeutic communication techniques to empathize with the client's feelings and encourage them to express their thoughts without challenging or reinforcing their delusions. Therefore, stating that this must be very frightening for them and inviting them to talk more about it is an appropriate response that can help reduce anxiety and build trust. The other statements are not helpful or may be harmful. Asking why or what questions may imply doubt or disbelief in the client's reality and provoke defensiveness or hostility. Contradicting or correcting the client's delusions may also increase their suspicion and resistance to treatment.