NURS 205 - Exam 3 - Chapters 7, 8, and 9

Ch. 9 5. An emergency department nurse assesses a client admitted after a lightning strike. Which assessment should the nurse complete first? a. Electrocardiogram (ECG) b. Wound inspection c. Creatinine kinase d. Computed tomography of head

ANS: A Clients who survive an immediate lightning strike can have serious myocardial injury, which can be manifested by ECG and myocardial perfusion abnormalities. The nurse should prioritize the ECG. Other assessments should be completed but are not the priority.

Ch. 9 10. While on a camping trip, a nurse cares for an adult client who had a drowning incident in a lake and is experiencing agonal breathing with a palpable pulse. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Deliver rescue breaths. b. Wrap the client in dry blankets. c. Assess for signs of bleeding. d. Check for a carotid pulse.

ANS: A In this emergency situation, the nurse should immediately initiate airway clearance and ventilator support measures, including delivering rescue breaths.

Ch. 7 3. A nurse is caring for a client who has lung cancer and is dying. Which prescription should the nurse question? a. Morphine 10 mg sublingual every 6 hours PRN for pain level greater than 5 b. Albuterol (Proventil) metered dose inhaler every 4 hours PRN for wheezes c. Atropine solution 1% sublingual every 4 hours PRN for excessive oral secretions d. Sodium biphosphate (Fleet) enema once a day PRN for impacted stool

ANS: A Pain medications should be scheduled around the clock to maintain comfort and prevent reoccurrence of pain. The other medications are appropriate for this client.

Ch. 7 12. A nurse discusses inpatient hospice with a client and the clients family. A family member expresses concern that her loved one will receive only custodial care. How should the nurse respond? a. The goal of palliative care is to provide the greatest degree of comfort possible and help the dying person enjoy whatever time is left. b. Palliative care will release you from the burden of having to care for someone in the home. It does not mean that curative treatment will stop. c. A palliative care facility is like a nursing home and costs less than a hospital because only pain medications are given. d. Your relative is unaware of her surroundings and will not notice the difference between her home and a palliative care facility.

ANS: A Palliative care provides an increased level of personal care designed to manage symptom distress. The focus is on pain control and helping the relative die with dignity.

Ch. 9 6. A nurse teaches a community health class about water safety. Which statement by a participant indicates that additional teaching is needed? a. I can go swimming all by myself because I am a certified lifeguard. b. I cannot leave my toddler alone in the bathtub for even a minute. c. I will appoint one adult to supervise the pool at all times during a party. d. I will make sure that there is a phone near my pool in case of an emergency.

ANS: A People should never swim alone, regardless of lifeguard status. The other statements indicate good understanding of the teaching.

Ch. 9 7. A provider prescribes a rewarming bath for a client who presents with partial-thickness frostbite. Which action should the nurse take prior to starting this treatment? a. Administer intravenous morphine. b. Wrap the limb with a compression dressing. c. Massage the frostbitten areas. d. Assess the limb for compartment syndrome.

ANS: A Rapid rewarming in a water bath is recommended for all instances of partial-thickness and full-thickness frostbite. Clients experience severe pain during the rewarming process and nurses should administer intravenous analgesics.

Ch. 9 4. An emergency department nurse cares for a middle-aged mountain climber who is confused and exhibits bizarre behaviors. After administering oxygen, which priority intervention should the nurse implement? a. Administer dexamethasone (Decadron). b. Complete a minimental state examination. c. Prepare the client for computed tomography of the brain. d. Request a psychiatric consult.

ANS: A The client is exhibiting signs of mountain sickness and high altitude cerebral edema (HACE). Dexamethasone (Decadron) reduces cerebral edema by acting as an anti-inflammatory in the central nervous system. The other interventions will not treat mountain sickness or HACE.

Ch. 8 7. Emergency medical technicians arrive at the emergency department with an unresponsive client who has an oxygen mask in place. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Assess that the client is breathing adequately. b. Insert a large-bore intravenous line. c. Place the client on a cardiac monitor. d. Assess for the best neurologic response.

ANS: A The highest-priority intervention in the primary survey is to establish that the client is breathing adequately. Even though this client has an oxygen mask on, he or she may not be breathing, or may be breathing inadequately with the device in place.

Ch. 7 11. A nurse is caring for a client who is terminally ill. The clients spouse states, I am concerned because he does not want to eat. How should the nurse respond? a. Let him know that food is available if he wants it, but do not insist that he eat. b. A feeding tube can be placed in the nose to provide important nutrients. c. Force him to eat even if he does not feel hungry, or he will die sooner. d. He is getting all the nutrients he needs through his intravenous catheter.

ANS: A When family members understand that the client is not suffering from hunger and is not starving to death, they may allow the client to determine when, what, or if to eat. Often, as death approaches, metabolic needs decrease and clients do not feel the sensation of hunger. Forcing them to eat frustrates the client and the family.

Ch. 7 1. A hospice nurse is caring for a dying client and her family members. Which interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply.) a. Teach family members about physical signs of impending death. b. Encourage the management of adverse symptoms. c. Assist family members by offering an explanation for their loss. d. Encourage reminiscence by both client and family members. e. Avoid spirituality because the clients and the nurses beliefs may not be congruent.

ANS: A, B, D The nurse should teach family members about the physical signs of death, because family members often become upset when they see physiologic changes in their loved one. Palliative care includes management of symptoms so that the peaceful death of the client is facilitated. Reminiscence will help both the client and family members cope with the dying process. The nurse is not expected to explain why this is happening to the familys loved one. The nurse can encourage spirituality if the client is agreeable, regardless of whether the clients religion is the same.

Ch. 8 2. An emergency department (ED) nurse is preparing to transfer a client to the trauma intensive care unit. Which information should the nurse include in the nurse-to-nurse hand-off report? (Select all that apply.) a. Mechanism of injury b. Diagnostic test results c. Immunizations d. List of home medications e. Isolation precautions

ANS: A, B, E Hand-off communication should be comprehensive so that the receiving nurse can continue care for the client fluidly. Communication should be concise and should include only the most essential information for a safe transition in care. Hand-off communication should include the clients situation (reason for being in the ED), brief medical history, assessment and diagnostic findings, Transmission-Based Precautions needed, interventions provided, and response to those interventions.

Ch. 9 4. An emergency department nurse moves to a new city where heat-related illnesses are common. Which clients does the nurse anticipate being at higher risk for heat-related illnesses? (Select all that apply.) a. Homeless individuals b. Illicit drug users c. White people d. Hockey players e. Older adults

ANS: A, B, E Some of the most vulnerable, at-risk populations for heat-related illness include older adults; blacks (more than whites); people who work outside, such as construction and agricultural workers (more men than women); homeless people; illicit drug users (especially cocaine users); outdoor athletes (recreational and professional); and members of the military who are stationed in countries with hot climates (e.g., Iraq, Afghanistan).

Ch. 9 2. A nurse teaches a client who has severe allergies to prevent bug bites. Which statements should the nurse include in this clients teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Consult an exterminator to control bugs in and around your home. b. Do not swat at insects or wasps. c. Wear sandals whenever you go outside. d. Keep your prescribed epinephrine auto-injector in a bedside drawer. e. Use screens in your windows and doors to prevent flying insects from entering.

ANS: A, B, E To prevent arthropod bites and stings, clients should wear protective clothing, cover garbage cans, use screens in windows and doors, inspect clothing and shoes before putting them on, consult an exterminator, remove nests, avoid swatting at insects, and carry a prescription epinephrine auto-injector at all times if they are known to be allergic to bee or wasp stings.

Ch. 7 3. A hospice nurse plans care for a client who is experiencing pain. Which complementary therapies should the nurse incorporate in this clients pain management plan? (Select all that apply.) a. Play music that the client enjoys. b. Massage tissue that is tender from radiation therapy. c. Rub lavender lotion on the clients feet. d. Ambulate the client in the hall twice a day. e. Administer intravenous morphine.

ANS: A, C Complementary therapies for pain management include massage therapy, music therapy, Therapeutic Touch, and aromatherapy. Nurses should not massage over sites of tissue damage from radiation therapy. Ambulation and intravenous morphine are not complementary therapies for pain management.

Ch. 7 2. A nurse admits an older adult client to the hospital. Which criterion should the nurse use to determine if the client can make his own medical decisions? (Select all that apply.) a. Can communicate his treatment preferences b. Is able to read and write at an eighth-grade level c. Is oriented enough to understand information provided d. Can evaluate and deliberate information e. Has completed an advance directive

ANS: A, C, D To have decision-making ability, a person must be able to perform three tasks: receive information (but not necessarily oriented 4); evaluate, deliberate, and mentally manipulate information; and communicate a treatment preference. The client does not have to read or write at a specific level. Education can be provided at the clients level so that he can make the necessary decisions. The client does not need to complete an advance directive to make his own medical decisions. An advance directive will be necessary if he wants to designate someone to make medical decisions when he is unable to.

Ch. 9 3. A nurse is providing health education at a community center. Which instructions should the nurse include in teaching about prevention of lightning injuries during a storm? (Select all that apply.) a. Seek shelter inside a building or vehicle. b. Hide under a tall tree. c. Do not take a bath or shower. d. Turn off the television. e. Remove all body piercings. f. Put down golf clubs or gardening tools.

ANS: A, C, D, F When thunder is heard, shelter should be sought in a safe area such as a building or an enclosed vehicle. Electrical equipment such as TVs and stereos should be turned off. Stay away from plumbing, water, and metal objects. Do not stand under an isolated tall tree or a structure such as a flagpole. Body piercings will not increase a persons chances of being struck by lightning.

Ch. 9 5. An emergency department nurse plans care for a client who is admitted with heat stroke. Which interventions should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer oxygen via mask or nasal cannula. b. Administer ibuprofen, an antipyretic medication. c. Apply cooling techniques until core body temperature is less than 101 F. d. Infuse 0.9% sodium chloride via a large-bore intravenous cannula. e. Obtain baseline serum electrolytes and cardiac enzymes.

ANS: A, D, E Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids should be provided, and baseline laboratory tests should be performed as quickly as possible. The client should be cooled until core body temperature is reduced to 102 F. Antipyretics should not be administered.

Ch. 9 1. A nurse is teaching a wilderness survival class. Which statements should the nurse include about the prevention of hypothermia and frostbite? (Select all that apply.) a. Wear synthetic clothing instead of cotton to keep your skin dry. b. Drink plenty of fluids. Brandy can be used to keep your body warm. c. Remove your hat when exercising to prevent the loss of heat. d. Wear sunglasses to protect skin and eyes from harmful rays. e. Know your physical limits. Come in out of the cold when limits are reached.

ANS: A, D, E To prevent hypothermia and frostbite, the nurse should teach clients to wear synthetic clothing (which moves moisture away from the body and dries quickly), layer clothing, and wear a hat, facemask, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The client should also be taught to drink plenty of fluids, but to avoid alcohol when participating in winter activities. Clients should know their physical limits and come in out of the cold when these limits have been reached.

Ch. 8 4. The complex care provided during an emergency requires interdisciplinary collaboration. Which interdisciplinary team members are paired with the correct responsibilities? (Select all that apply.) a. Psychiatric crisis nurse Interacts with clients and families when sudden illness, serious injury, or death of a loved one may cause a crisis b. Forensic nurse examiner Performs rapid assessments to ensure clients with the highest acuity receive the quickest evaluation, treatment, and prioritization of resources c. Triage nurse Provides basic life support interventions such as oxygen, basic wound care, splinting, spinal immobilization, and monitoring of vital signs d. Emergency medical technician Obtains client histories, collects evidence, and offers counseling and follow- up care for victims of rape, child abuse, and domestic violence e. Paramedic Provides prehospital advanced life support, including cardiac monitoring, advanced airway management, and medication administration

ANS: A, E The psychiatric crisis nurse evaluates clients with emotional behaviors or mental illness and facilitates follow- up treatment plans. The psychiatric crisis nurse also works with clients and families when experiencing a crisis. Paramedics are advanced life support providers who can perform advanced techniques that may include cardiac monitoring, advanced airway management and intubation, establishing IV access, and administering drugs en route to the emergency department. The forensic nurse examiner is trained to recognize evidence of abuse and to intervene on the clients behalf. The forensic nurse examiner will obtain client histories, collect evidence, and offer counseling and follow-up care for victims of rape, child abuse, and domestic violence. The triage nurse performs rapid assessments to ensure clients with the highest acuity receive the quickest evaluation, treatment, and prioritization of resources. The emergency medical technician is usually the first caregiver and provides basic life support and transportation to the emergency department.

Ch. 8 5. A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department (ED). Which client should the nurse prioritize to receive care first? a. A 22-year-old with a painful and swollen right wrist b. A 45-year-old reporting chest pain and diaphoresis c. A 60-year-old reporting difficulty swallowing and nausea d. An 81-year-old with a respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min and a temperature of 101 F

ANS: B A client experiencing chest pain and diaphoresis would be classified as emergent and would be triaged immediately to a treatment room in the ED. The other clients are more stable.

Ch. 7 10. A nurse assesses a client who is dying. Which manifestation of a dying client should the nurse assess to determine whether the client is near death? a. Level of consciousness b. Respiratory rate c. Bowel sounds d. Pain level on a 0-to-10 scale

ANS: B Although all of these assessments should be performed during the dying process, periods of apnea and Cheyne- Strokes respirations indicate death is near. As peripheral circulation decreases, the clients level of consciousness and bowel sounds decrease, and the client would be unable to provide a numeric number on a pain scale. Even with these other symptoms, the nurse should continue to assess respiratory rate throughout the dying process. As the rate drops significantly and breathing becomes agonal, death is near.

Ch. 7 6. A nurse teaches a client who is considering being admitted to hospice. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Hospice admission has specific criteria. You may not be a viable candidate, so we will look at alternative plans for your discharge. b. Hospice care focuses on a holistic approach to health care. It is designed not to hasten death, but rather to relieve symptoms. c. Hospice care will not help with your symptoms of depression. I will refer you to the facilitys counseling services instead. d. You seem to be experiencing some difficulty with this stage of the grieving process. Lets talk about your feelings.

ANS: B As both a philosophy and a system of care, hospice care uses an interdisciplinary approach to assess and address the holistic needs of clients and families to facilitate quality of life and a peaceful death. This holistic approach neither hastens nor postpones death but provides relief of symptoms experienced by the dying client.

Ch. 7 9. A nurse is caring for a terminally ill client who has just died in a hospital setting with family members at the bedside. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Call for emergency assistance so that resuscitation procedures can begin. b. Ask family members if they would like to spend time alone with the client. c. Ensure that a death certificate has been completed by the physician. d. Request family members to prepare the clients body for the funeral home.

ANS: B Before moving the clients body to the funeral home, the nurse should ask family members if they would like to be alone with the client. Emergency assistance will not be necessary. Although it is important to ensure that a death certificate has been completed before the client is moved to the mortuary, the nurse first should ask family members if they would like to be alone with the client. The clients family should not be expected to prepare the body for the funeral home.

Ch. 9 13. A provider prescribes diazepam (Valium) to a client who was bitten by a black widow spider. The client asks, What is this medication for? How should the nurse respond? a. This medication is an antivenom for this type of bite. b. It will relieve your muscle rigidity and spasms. c. It prevents respiratory difficulty from excessive secretions. d. This medication will prevent respiratory failure.

ANS: B Black widow spider venom produces a syndrome known as latrodectism, which manifests as severe abdominal pain, muscle rigidity and spasm, hypertension, and nausea and vomiting. Diazepam is a muscle relaxant that can relieve pain related to muscle rigidity and spasms. It does not prevent respiratory difficulty or failure.

Ch. 9 9. A nurse plans care for a client admitted with a snakebite to the right leg. With whom should the nurse collaborate? a. The facilitys neurologist b. The poison control center c. The physical therapy department d. A herpetologist (snake specialist)

ANS: B For the client with a snakebite, the nurse should contact the regional poison control center immediately for specific advice on antivenom administration and client management.

Ch. 8 2. The emergency department team is performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a client when the clients spouse arrives at the emergency department. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Request that the clients spouse sit in the waiting room. b. Ask the spouse if he wishes to be present during the resuscitation. c. Suggest that the spouse begin to pray for the client. d. Refer the clients spouse to the hospitals crisis team.

ANS: B If resuscitation efforts are still under way when the family arrives, one or two family members may be given the opportunity to be present during lifesaving procedures. The other options do not give the spouse the opportunity to be present for the client or to begin to have closure.

Ch. 8 6. A nurse is evaluating levels and functions of trauma centers. Which function is appropriately paired with the level of the trauma center? a. Level I Located within remote areas and provides advanced life support within resource capabilities b. Level II Located within community hospitals and provides care to most injured clients c. Level III Located in rural communities and provides only basic care to clients d. Level IV Located in large teaching hospitals and provides a full continuum of trauma care for all clients

ANS: B Level I trauma centers are usually located in large teaching hospital systems and provide a full continuum of trauma care for all clients. Both Level II and Level III facilities are usually located in community hospitals. These trauma centers provide care for most clients and transport to Level I centers when client needs exceed resource capabilities. Level IV trauma centers are usually located in rural and remote areas. These centers provide basic care, stabilization, and advanced life support while transfer arrangements to higher-level trauma centers are made.

Ch. 9 3. A client presents to the emergency department after prolonged exposure to the cold. The client is difficult to arouse and speech is incoherent. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Reposition the client into a prone position. b. Administer warmed intravenous fluids to the client. c. Wrap the clients extremities in warm blankets. d. Initiate extracorporeal rewarming via hemodialysis.

ANS: B Moderate hypothermia manifests with muscle weakness, increased loss of coordination, acute confusion, apathy, incoherence, stupor, and impaired clotting. Moderate hypothermia should be treated by core rewarming methods, which include administration of warm IV fluids, heated oxygen, and heated peritoneal, pleural, gastric, or bladder lavage, and by positioning the client in a supine position to prevent orthostatic changes. The clients trunk should be warmed prior to the extremities to prevent peripheral vasodilation. Extracorporeal warming with cardiopulmonary bypass or hemodialysis is a treatment for severe hypothermia.

Ch. 7 8. The nurse is teaching a family member about various types of complementary therapies that might be effective for relieving the dying clients anxiety and restlessness. Which statement made by the family member indicates understanding of the nurses teaching? a. Maybe we should just hire an around-the-clock sitter to stay with Grandmother. b. I have some of her favorite hymns on a CD that I could bring for music therapy. c. I dont think that shell need pain medication along with her herbal treatments. d. I will burn therapeutic incense in the room so we can stop the anxiety pills.

ANS: B Music therapy is a complementary therapy that may produce relaxation by quieting the mind and removing a clients inner restlessness. Hiring an around-the-clock sitter does not demonstrate that the clients family understands complementary therapies. Complementary therapies are used in conjunction with traditional therapy. Complementary therapy would not replace pain or anxiety medication but may help decrease the need for these medications.

Ch. 8 8. A trauma client with multiple open wounds is brought to the emergency department in cardiac arrest. Which action should the nurse take prior to providing advanced cardiac life support? a. Contact the on-call orthopedic surgeon. b. Don personal protective equipment. c. Notify the Rapid Response Team. d. Obtain a complete history from the paramedic.

ANS: B Nurses must recognize and plan for a high risk of contamination with blood and body fluids when engaging in trauma resuscitation. Standard Precautions should be taken in all resuscitation situations and at other times when exposure to blood and body fluids is likely. Proper attire consists of an impervious cover gown, gloves, eye protection, a facemask, a surgical cap, and shoe covers.

Ch. 7 1. A nurse cares for a dying client. Which manifestation of dying should the nurse treat first? a. Anorexia b. Pain c. Nausea d. Hair loss

ANS: B Only symptoms that cause distress for a dying client should be treated. Such symptoms include pain, nausea and vomiting, dyspnea, and agitation. These problems interfere with the clients comfort. Even when symptoms, such as anorexia or hair loss, disturb the family, they should be treated only if the client is distressed by their presence. The nurse should treat the clients pain first.

Ch. 9 1. On a hot humid day, an emergency department nurse is caring for a client who is confused and has these vital signs: temperature 104.1 F (40.1 C), pulse 132 beats/min, respirations 26 breaths/min, blood pressure 106/66 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take? a. Encourage the client to drink cool water or sports drinks. b. Start an intravenous line and infuse 0.9% saline solution. c. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol) 650 mg orally. d. Encourage rest and re-assess in 15 minutes.

ANS: B The client demonstrates signs of heat stroke. This is a medical emergency and priority care includes oxygen therapy, IV infusion with 0.9% saline solution, insertion of a urinary catheter, and aggressive interventions to cool the client, including external cooling and internal cooling methods. Oral hydration would not be appropriate for a client who has symptoms of heat stroke because oral fluids would not provide necessary rapid rehydration, and the confused client would be at risk for aspiration. Acetaminophen would not decrease this clients temperature or improve the clients symptoms. The client needs immediate medical treatment; therefore, rest and re-assessing in 15 minutes is inappropriate.

Ch. 7 2. A nurse plans care for a client who is nearing end of life. Which question should the nurse ask when developing this clients plan of care? a. Is your advance directive up to date and notarized? b. Do you want to be at home at the end of your life? c. Would you like a physical therapist to assist you with range-of-motion activities? d. Have your children discussed resuscitation with your health care provider?

ANS: B When developing a plan of care for a dying client, consideration should be given for where the client wants to die. Advance directives do not need to be notarized. A physical therapist would not be involved in end-of-life care. The client should discuss resuscitation with the health care provider and children; do-not-resuscitate status should be the clients decision, not the familys decision.

Ch. 8 1. A nurse is caring for clients in a busy emergency department. Which actions should the nurse take to ensure client and staff safety? (Select all that apply.) a. Leave the stretcher in the lowest position with rails down so that the client can access the bathroom. b. Use two identifiers before each intervention and before mediation administration. c. Attempt de-escalation strategies for clients who demonstrate aggressive behaviors. d. Search the belongings of clients with altered mental status to gain essential medical information. e. Isolate clients who have immune suppression disorders to prevent hospital-acquired infections.

ANS: B, C, D To ensure client and staff safety, nurses should use two identifiers per The Joint Commissions National Patient Safety Goals; follow the hospitals security plan, including de-escalation strategies for people who demonstrate aggressive or violent tendencies; and search belongings to identify essential medical information. Nurses should also use standard fall prevention interventions, including leaving stretchers in the lowest position with rails up, and isolating clients who present with signs and symptoms of contagious infectious disorders.

Ch. 8 3. An emergency room nurse is caring for a trauma client. Which interventions should the nurse perform during the primary survey? (Select all that apply.) a. Foley catheterization b. Needle decompression c. Initiating IV fluids d. Splinting open fractures e. Endotracheal intubation f. Removing wet clothing g. Laceration repair

ANS: B, C, E, F The primary survey for a trauma client organizes the approach to the client so that life-threatening injuries are rapidly identified and managed. The primary survey is based on the standard mnemonic ABC, with an added D and E: Airway and cervical spine control; Breathing; Circulation; Disability; and Exposure. After the completion of primary diagnostic and laboratory studies, and the insertion of gastric and urinary tubes, the secondary survey (a complete head-to-toe assessment) can be carried out.

Ch. 8 13. A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which client should the nurse classify as nonurgent? a. A 44-year-old with chest pain and diaphoresis b. A 50-year-old with chest trauma and absent breath sounds c. A 62-year-old with a simple fracture of the left arm d. A 79-year-old with a temperature of 104 F

ANS: C A client in a nonurgent category can tolerate waiting several hours for health care services without a significant risk of clinical deterioration. The client with a simple arm fracture and palpable radial pulses is currently stable, is not at significant risk of clinical deterioration, and would be considered nonurgent. The client with chest pain and diaphoresis and the client with chest trauma are emergent owing to the potential for clinical deterioration and would be seen immediately. The client with a high fever may be stable now but also has a risk of deterioration.

Ch. 8 4. While triaging clients in a crowded emergency department, a nurse assesses a client who presents with symptoms of tuberculosis. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula. b. Administer intravenous 0.9% saline solution. c. Transfer the client to a negative-pressure room. d. Obtain a sputum culture and sensitivity.

ANS: C A client with signs and symptoms of tuberculosis or other airborne pathogens should be placed in a negative- pressure room to prevent contamination of staff, clients, and family members in the crowded emergency department.

Ch. 7 14. A hospice nurse is caring for a variety of clients who are dying. Which end-of-life and death ritual is paired with the correct religion? a. Roman Catholic Autopsies are not allowed except under special circumstances. b. Christian Upon death, a religious leader should perform rituals of bathing and wrapping the body in cloth. c. Judaism A person who is extremely ill and dying should not be left alone. d. Islam An ill or dying person should receive the Sacrament of the Sick.

ANS: C According to Jewish law, a person who is extremely ill or dying should not be left alone. Orthodox Jews do not allow autopsies except under special circumstances. The Islamic faith requires a religious leader to perform rituals of bathing and wrapping the body in cloth upon death. A Catholic priest performs the Sacrament of the Sick for ill or dying people.

Ch. 8 1. An emergency room nurse assesses a client who has been raped. With which health care team member should the nurse collaborate when planning this clients care? a. Emergency medicine physician b. Case manager c. Forensic nurse examiner d. Psychiatric crisis nurse

ANS: C All other members of the health care team listed may be used in the management of this clients care. However, the forensic nurse examiner is educated to obtain client histories and collect evidence dealing with the assault, and can offer the counseling and follow-up needed when dealing with the victim of an assault.

Ch. 7 5. After teaching a client about advance directives, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client correctly understands the teaching? a. An advance directive will keep my children from selling my home when Im old. b. An advance directive will be completed as soon as Im incapacitated and cant think for myself. c. An advance directive will specify what I want done when I can no longer make decisions about health care. d. An advance directive will allow me to keep my money out of the reach of my family.

ANS: C An advance directive is a written document prepared by a competent individual that specifies what, if any, extraordinary actions a person would want taken when he or she can no longer make decisions about personal health care. It does not address issues such as the clients residence or financial matters.

Ch. 8 11. An emergency department (ED) case manager is consulted for a client who is homeless. Which intervention should the case manager provide? a. Communicate client needs and restrictions to support staff. b. Prescribe low-cost antibiotics to treat community-acquired infection. c. Provide referrals to subsidized community-based health clinics. d. Offer counseling for substance abuse and mental health disorders.

ANS: C Case management interventions include facilitating referrals to primary care providers who are accepting new clients or to subsidized community-based health clinics for clients or families in need of routine services. The ED nurse is accountable for communicating pertinent staff considerations, client needs, and restrictions to support staff (e.g., physical limitations, isolation precautions) to ensure that ongoing client and staff safety issues are addressed. The ED physician prescribes medications and treatments. The psychiatric nurse team evaluates clients with emotional behaviors or mental illness and facilitates the follow-up treatment plan, including possible admission to an appropriate psychiatric facility.

Ch. 9 12. A provider prescribes Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (CroFab) for a client who is admitted after being bitten by a pit viper snake. Which assessment should the nurse complete prior to administering this medication? a. Assess temperature and for signs of fever. b. Check the clients creatinine kinase level. c. Ask about allergies to pineapple or papaya. d. Inspect the skin for signs of urticaria (hives).

ANS: C CroFab is an antivenom for pit viper snakebites. Clients should be assessed for hypersensitivity to bromelain (a pineapple derivative), papaya, and sheep protein prior to administration. During and after administration, the nurse should assess for urticaria, fever, and joint pain, which are signs of serum sickness.

Ch. 9 8. A nurse assesses a client recently bitten by a coral snake. Which assessment should the nurse complete first? a. Unilateral peripheral swelling b. Clotting times c. Cardiopulmonary status d. Electrocardiogram rhythm

ANS: C Manifestations of coral snake envenomation are the result of its neurotoxic properties. The physiologic effect is to block neurotransmission, which produces ascending paralysis, reduced perception of pain, and, ultimately, respiratory paralysis. The nurse should monitor for respiratory rate and depth. Severe swelling and clotting problems do not occur with coral snakes but do occur with pit viper snakes. Electrocardiogram rhythm is not affected by neurotoxins.

Ch. 9 14. After teaching a client how to prevent altitude-related illnesses, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching? a. If my climbing partner cant think straight, we should descend to a lower altitude. b. I will ask my provider about medications to help prevent acute mountain sickness. c. My partner and I will plan to sleep at a higher elevation to acclimate more quickly. d. I will drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while on the mountain.

ANS: C Teaching to prevent altitude-related illness should include descending when symptoms start, staying hydrated, and taking acetazolamide (Diamox), which is commonly used to prevent and treat acute mountain sickness. The client should be taught to sleep at a lower elevation.

Ch. 8 3. An emergency room nurse is triaging victims of a multi-casualty event. Which client should receive care first? a. A 30-year-old distraught mother holding her crying child b. A 65-year-old conscious male with a head laceration c. A 26-year-old male who has pale, cool, clammy skin d. A 48-year-old with a simple fracture of the lower leg

ANS: C The client with pale, cool, clammy skin is in shock and needs immediate medical attention. The mother does not have injuries and so would be the lowest priority. The other two people need medical attention soon, but not at the expense of a person in shock.

Ch. 7 13. An intensive care nurse discusses withdrawal of care with a clients family. The family expresses concerns related to discontinuation of therapy. How should the nurse respond? a. I understand your concerns, but in this state, discontinuation of care is not a form of active euthanasia. b. You will need to talk to the provider because I am not legally allowed to participate in the withdrawal of life support. c. I realize this is a difficult decision. Discontinuation of therapy will allow the client to die a natural death. d. There is no need to worry. Most religious organizations support the clients decision to stop medical treatment.

ANS: C The nurse should validate the familys concerns and provide accurate information about the discontinuation of therapy. The other statements address specific issues related to the withdrawal of care but do not provide appropriate information about their purpose. If the clients family asks for specific information about euthanasia, legal, or religious issues, the nurse should provide unbiased information about these topics.

Ch. 8 12. An emergency department nurse is caring for a client who is homeless. Which action should the nurse take to gain the clients trust? a. Speak in a quiet and monotone voice. b. Avoid eye contact with the client. c. Listen to the clients concerns and needs. d. Ask security to store the clients belongings.

ANS: C To demonstrate behaviors that promote trust with homeless clients, the emergency room nurse should make eye contact (if culturally appropriate), speak calmly, avoid any prejudicial or stereotypical remarks, show genuine care and concern by listening, and follow through on promises. The nurse should also respect the clients belongings and personal space.

Ch. 8 9. A nurse is triaging clients in the emergency department. Which client should be considered urgent? a. A 20-year-old female with a chest stab wound and tachycardia b. A 45-year-old homeless man with a skin rash and sore throat c. A 75-year-old female with a cough and a temperature of 102 F d. A 50-year-old male with new-onset confusion and slurred speech

ANS: C A client with a cough and a temperature of 102 F is urgent. This client is at risk for deterioration and needs to be seen quickly, but is not in an immediately life-threatening situation. The client with a chest stab wound and tachycardia and the client with new-onset confusion and slurred speech should be triaged as emergent. The client with a skin rash and a sore throat is not at risk for deterioration and would be triaged as nonurgent.

Ch. 9 11. A nurse assesses a client admitted with a brown recluse spider bite. Which priority assessment should the nurse perform to identify complications of this bite? a. Ask the client about pruritus at the bite site. b. Inspect the bite site for a bluish purple vesicle. c. Assess the extremity for redness and swelling. d. Monitor the clients temperature every 4 hours.

ANS: D Fever and chills indicate systemic toxicity, which can lead to hemolytic reactions, kidney failure, pulmonary edema, cardiovascular collapse, and death. Assessing for a fever should be the nurses priority. All other symptoms are normal for a brown recluse bite and should be assessed, but they do not provide information about complications from the bite, and therefore are not the priority.

Ch. 7 4. A client tells the nurse that, even though it has been 4 months since her sisters death, she frequently finds herself crying uncontrollably. How should the nurse respond? a. Most people move on within a few months. You should see a grief counselor. b. Whenever you start to cry, distract yourself from thoughts of your sister. c. You should try not to cry. Im sure your sister is in a better place now. d. Your feelings are completely normal and may continue for a long time.

ANS: D Frequent crying is not an abnormal response. The nurse should let the client know that this is normal and okay. Although the client may benefit from talking with a grief counselor, it is not unusual for her to still be grieving after a few months. The other responses are not as therapeutic because they justify or minimize the clients response.

Ch. 7 7. A nurse is caring for a dying client. The clients spouse states, I think he is choking to death. How should the nurse respond? a. Do not worry. The choking sound is normal during the dying process. b. I will administer more morphine to keep your husband comfortable. c. I can ask the respiratory therapist to suction secretions out through his nose. d. I will have another nurse assist me to turn your husband on his side.

ANS: D The choking sound or death rattle is common in dying clients. The nurse should acknowledge the spouses concerns and provide interventions that will reduce the choking sounds. Repositioning the client onto one side with a towel under the mouth to collect secretions is the best intervention. The nurse should not minimize the spouses concerns. Morphine will assist with comfort but will not decrease the choking sounds. Nasotracheal suctioning is not appropriate in a dying client.

Ch. 9 2. While at a public park, a nurse encounters a person immediately after a bee sting. The persons lips are swollen, and wheezes are audible. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Elevate the site and notify the persons next of kin. b. Remove the stinger with tweezers and encourage rest. c. Administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and apply ice. d. Administer an EpiPen from the first aid kit and call 911.

ANS: D The clients swollen lips indicate that anaphylaxis may be developing, and this is a medical emergency. 911 should be called immediately, and the client transported to the emergency department as quickly as possible. If an EpiPen is available, it should be administered at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction. The other answers do not provide adequate interventions to treat airway obstruction due to anaphylaxis.

Ch. 8 10. An emergency department nurse is caring for a client who has died from a suspected homicide. Which action should the nurse take? a. Remove all tubes and wires in preparation for the medical examiner. b. Limit the number of visitors to minimize the familys trauma. c. Consult the bereavement committee to follow up with the grieving family. d. Communicate the clients death to the family in a simple and concrete manner.

ANS: D When dealing with clients and families in crisis, communicate in a simple and concrete manner to minimize confusion. Tubes must remain in place for the medical examiner. Family should be allowed to view the body. Offering to call for additional family support during the crisis is suggested. The bereavement committee should be consulted, but this is not the priority at this time.

Ch. 7 4. A nurse teaches a clients family members about signs and symptoms of approaching death. Which manifestations should the nurse include in this teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Warm and flushed extremities b. Long periods of insomnia c. Increased respiratory rate d. Decreased appetite e. Congestion and gurgling

ANS: D, E Common physical signs and symptoms of approaching death including coolness of extremities, increased sleeping, irregular and slowed breathing rate, a decrease in fluid and food intake, congestion and gurgling, incontinence, disorientation, and restlessness.

Ch. 8 5. A nurse prepares to discharge an older adult client home from the emergency department (ED). Which actions should the nurse take to prevent future ED visits? (Select all that apply.) a. Provide medical supplies to the family. b. Consult a home health agency. c. Encourage participation in community activities. d. Screen for depression and suicide. e. Complete a functional assessment.

ANS: D, E Due to the high rate of suicide among older adults, a nurse should assess all older adults for depression and suicide. The nurse should also screen older adults for functional assessment, cognitive assessment, and risk for falls to prevent future ED visits.