Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is developing a plan of care for a school-age child whose family is homeless. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
A. The child has red fissures at the corners of the mouth.
Red fissures at the corners of the mouth, known as cheilosis, indicate a significant nutritional deficiency, specifically riboflavin or iron. Physiological needs are the priority according to Maslow, and untreated malnutrition directly impairs immune function, growth, and cellular repair in a vulnerable child.
B. The child has several small bruises on both legs.
Small bruises on the legs of a school-age child are common findings related to normal physical activity and play. While the nurse must monitor for patterns of abuse, non-specific bruising on bony prominences is a lower priority than the physical evidence of an active nutritional deficit.
C. The child sleeps for about 13 hours each night.
The child sleeping for about 13 hours each night is not the priority finding in this scenario. While sleep patterns are important, the potential for physical abuse and safety concerns associated with the bruises takes precedence.
D. The child is not regularly attending school.
The child not regularly attending school is a concern, but it is not the priority finding when compared to the possibility of physical abuse indicated by the bruises. Both issues need to be addressed, but ensuring the child's immediate safety is the primary focus.
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Full Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The child having red fissures at the corners of the mouth is not the priority finding. While this could indicate a nutritional deficiency, such as vitamin B2 (riboflavin) deficiency, the presence of bruises on the child's legs raises more immediate concerns related to potential physical abuse or safety issues.
Choice B rationale:
The child having several small bruises on both legs is the priority finding. Bruising on a school-age child could indicate physical abuse or an unsafe living environment. Ensuring the child's safety and well-being takes precedence over other findings. Assessing the nature, pattern, and explanation for the bruises is crucial.
Choice C rationale:
The child sleeping for about 13 hours each night is not the priority finding in this scenario. While sleep patterns are important, the potential for physical abuse and safety concerns associated with the bruises takes precedence.
Choice D rationale:
The child not regularly attending school is a concern, but it is not the priority finding when compared to the possibility of physical abuse indicated by the bruises. Both issues need to be addressed, but ensuring the child's immediate safety is the primary focus.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for a client who is comatose. The client has a living will that declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure, but the client's family has requested that the staff begin tube feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Insert the tube and begin feedings per the family's request.
Inserting the tube and beginning feedings per the family's request disregards the client's living will, which explicitly declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure. This action goes against the ethical principle of autonomy and could have legal implications.
B. Ask the provider to discuss the issue with the family.
While asking the provider to discuss the issue with the family could be a subsequent step, it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The nurse should first review the client's request with the family to emphasize the importance of the living will and facilitate understanding between the parties involved.
C. Report the dilemma to the facility's dietitian.
Reporting the dilemma to the facility's dietitian does not address the ethical and legal concerns at hand. The dietitian's role is to manage nutritional needs, not to resolve ethical dilemmas or interpret legal documents such as living wills. Involving the dietitian may not be helpful in addressing the conflict between the client's wishes and the family's request.
D. Review the client's request with the family.
Reviewing the client's request with the family respects the client's autonomy and the directives stated in their living will. It allows the nurse to communicate and clarify the client's wishes with the family, helping them understand the decisions made by the client when they were competent. This action promotes open communication and may facilitate resolution of the conflict.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D: Review the client's request with the family.
Choice D rationale: Reviewing the client's request with the family respects the client's autonomy and the directives stated in their living will. It allows the nurse to communicate and clarify the client's wishes with the family, helping them understand the decisions made by the client when they were competent. This action promotes open communication and may facilitate resolution of the conflict.
Choice A rationale: Inserting the tube and beginning feedings per the family's request disregards the client's living will, which explicitly declines the use of artificial enteral nutrition as a life-sustaining measure. This action goes against the ethical principle of autonomy and could have legal implications.
Choice B rationale: While asking the provider to discuss the issue with the family could be a subsequent step, it is not the primary action to take in this situation. The nurse should first review the client's request with the family to emphasize the importance of the living will and facilitate understanding between the parties involved.
Choice C rationale: Reporting the dilemma to the facility's dietitian does not address the ethical and legal concerns at hand. The dietitian's role is to manage nutritional needs, not to resolve ethical dilemmas or interpret legal documents such as living wills. Involving the dietitian may not be helpful in addressing the conflict between the client's wishes and the family's request.
A case manager is planning an interprofessional conference for a client who is 3 days postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the right hip. Which of the following concerns is the priority for discussion at the conference?
A. The client does not have transportation for discharge home.
The client does not have transportation for discharge home. Rationale: While transportation is important for discharge planning, it is not the priority concern in this situation. The client's immediate needs and well-being take precedence over transportation concerns.
B. The client refuses to attend physical therapy sessions.
The client refuses to attend physical therapy sessions. Rationale: The correct choice. After a hip surgery, physical therapy is crucial for preventing complications, promoting mobility, and ensuring optimal recovery. The refusal to attend these sessions could lead to delayed healing, increased risk of complications, and impaired functional outcomes. Addressing the client's resistance to therapy is a priority to ensure the best possible recovery.
C. The client's home health nurse has not completed the home assessment.
The client's home health nurse has not completed the home assessment. Rationale: While a home assessment is important for discharge planning, it is not the most immediate concern. The client's refusal to attend physical therapy could have more immediate and significant effects on their recovery and well-being.
D. The client describes feelings of depression after family visits.
The client describes feelings of depression after family visits. Rationale: While addressing the client's emotional well-being is important, it is not the priority concern in this situation. The refusal to attend physical therapy sessions could have physical consequences that take precedence over the emotional aspect.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is choice B.
Choice A rationale:
The client does not have transportation for discharge home. Rationale: While transportation is important for discharge planning, it is not the priority concern in this situation. The client's immediate needs and well-being take precedence over transportation concerns.
Choice B rationale:
The client refuses to attend physical therapy sessions. Rationale: The correct choice. After a hip surgery, physical therapy is crucial for preventing complications, promoting mobility, and ensuring optimal recovery. The refusal to attend these sessions could lead to delayed healing, increased risk of complications, and impaired functional outcomes. Addressing the client's resistance to therapy is a priority to ensure the best possible recovery.
Choice C rationale:
The client's home health nurse has not completed the home assessment. Rationale: While a home assessment is important for discharge planning, it is not the most immediate concern. The client's refusal to attend physical therapy could have more immediate and significant effects on their recovery and well-being.
Choice D rationale:
The client describes feelings of depression after family visits. Rationale: While addressing the client's emotional well-being is important, it is not the priority concern in this situation. The refusal to attend physical therapy sessions could have physical consequences that take precedence over the emotional aspect.
A nurse is developing a discharge plan for a client who is postoperative and will require a wheelchair in the home. The nurse should place a referral to which of the following resources to assist the client with this need?
A. Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy - This is incorrect because occupational therapy focuses on improving daily living and working skills, not providing wheelchairs.
B. Social services
Social services - This is the correct answer. Discharge planning begins at admission and should prepare for the functional ability of the client. This includes whether they have caregivers at home, or if they’re in need of one. A referral for social services can be made as needed to address gaps in the clients support system or resources.
C. Home health
Home health - This is incorrect because home health provides medical treatment, not equipment like wheelchairs.
D. Physical therapy
Physical therapy - This is incorrect because physical therapy helps improve mobility and strength, but does not provide wheelchairs.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is b. Social services.
Choice A: Occupational therapy - This is incorrect because occupational therapy focuses on improving daily living and working skills, not providing wheelchairs.
Choice B: Social services - This is the correct answer. Discharge planning begins at admission and should prepare for the functional ability of the client. This includes whether they have caregivers at home, or if they’re in need of one. A referral for social services can be made as needed to address gaps in the clients support system or resources.
Choice C: Home health - This is incorrect because home health provides medical treatment, not equipment like wheelchairs.
Choice D: Physical therapy - This is incorrect because physical therapy helps improve mobility and strength, but does not provide wheelchairs.