A client is admitted with abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and a weight loss of 25 lb (11 kg) in the last four months. During the admission assessment, the client describes to the nurse of having no interest in playing cards with friends anymore and feels worthless most days. Which nursing problem should the nurse address first?

"Risk for self-directed violence as evidenced by feelings of hopelessness."

"Chronic low self-esteem as evidenced by feelings of worthlessness."

"Anxiety as evidenced by abdominal discomfort secondary to depression."

"Imbalanced nutrition as evidenced by 25 lb (11 kg) weight loss in four months."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. "Risk for self-directed violence as evidenced by feelings of hopelessness": The client’s feelings of hopelessness, combined with significant weight loss and loss of interest in activities, suggest possible depression. Hopelessness is a key symptom of depression, which can increase the risk for self-harm or suicide.

B. "Chronic low self-esteem as evidenced by feelings of worthlessness": Feelings of worthlessness are part of the larger picture of the client’s depression. The priority is to address the immediate risk of harm, which takes precedence over chronic low self-esteem.

C. "Anxiety as evidenced by abdominal discomfort secondary to depression": While abdominal discomfort can be a symptom of depression, it is secondary to the more immediate concern of the client’s potential risk for self-directed violence.

D. "Imbalanced nutrition as evidenced by 25 lb (11 kg) weight loss in four months": The significant weight loss is concerning, but it is likely a result of the client’s depression. The focus should first be on addressing the client’s safety, followed by nutrition and weight restoration.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","G","H"]

Explanation

A. Electrolytes: Electrolytes are important to monitor in this client due to potential blood loss and altered kidney function. Electrolyte imbalances (especially sodium and potassium) can affect heart function, muscle strength, and overall fluid balance, which is crucial after trauma and surgery.

B. Coagulation studies: Given the trauma (liver and spleen lacerations), the client is at risk for bleeding. Coagulation studies (including PT, INR, and aPTT) are necessary to assess the clotting ability and manage bleeding risk, particularly before surgery or when planning for interventions.

C. Blood culture: While blood cultures are important for identifying infections, there is no immediate indication of infection in this patient at this point in time. The priority is stabilizing the patient and managing trauma and bleeding.

D. Lipid panel: A lipid panel is not a priority at this moment. It is generally used to assess cardiovascular risk and would not provide immediate information relevant to managing acute trauma and bleeding.

E. Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC is essential to assess for anemia, infection, or other hematologic abnormalities, especially in trauma patients with possible internal bleeding. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels provide information about blood loss and oxygen-carrying capacity.

F. Urine osmolality: Urine osmolality is useful for assessing kidney function and hydration but is not immediately necessary in this trauma case. The priority is stabilizing the patient's circulatory and respiratory status, with more focus on urine output and renal function.

G. Arterial blood gas (ABG): An ABG is crucial to assess the client’s oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status, especially since the client is intubated and on a ventilator. This will help in monitoring respiratory function and ensuring proper oxygen delivery.

H. Type and screen: The client has a history of trauma and potential internal bleeding. It is essential to know her blood type and ensure compatibility for any potential blood transfusions, particularly before the exploratory laparotomy and any possible further blood loss.

A. Demonstrate to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure. B. Arrange for unlicensed assistive personnel to assist the PN during the procedure. C. Acknowledge that the PN has positioned the client safely and correctly. D. Assume care of the client and assign the PN to the care of a different client.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Demonstrate to the PN how to position the client more effectively for the procedure:
The correct position for a sigmoidoscopy is the left lateral or Sims' position to allow easier access to the sigmoid colon. Demonstrating the correct position supports patient safety and provides teaching for the PN.

B. Arrange for unlicensed assistive personnel to assist the PN during the procedure: Assistance is not the issue in this scenario; the problem lies in incorrect positioning. Assigning additional help does not address the need to correct the client's position.

C. Acknowledge that the PN has positioned the client safely and correctly: The flat prone position is not appropriate for a sigmoidoscopy. Acknowledging incorrect positioning would be unsafe and potentially delay the procedure or increase the risk of injury.

D. Assume care of the client and assign the PN to the care of a different client: This is an excessive response that undermines the PN’s role. The more constructive approach is to guide and support the PN through demonstration rather than reassignment.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits Which laboratory tests would be helpful in determining the plan of care for this client? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","G","H"]

Explanation

The nurse is setting up the equipment to assist with a sigmoidoscopy while the practical nurse (PN) positions the client in a flat prone position. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) reports that a client's blood pressure cannot be measured in the arms because the client has casts on both arms and is unable to be measured in the legs because the client is in the supine position. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse observes the external genitalia of a female client in preparation for inserting an indwelling urinary catheter. At which location should the catheter be inserted? (Mark location on image)

A client returns to the mental health clinic for assistance with an anxiety reaction that is manifested by a rapid heartbeat, sweating, shaking, and nausea while driving over the bay bridge. Which action in the treatment plan should the nurse implement?

Exhibits The client has started to wake up more, opening her eyes without stimulation and looking around the room. Which should the nurse do as the client becomes more aware of her surroundings? Select all that apply.

The charge nurse of a critical care unit is informed at the beginning of the shift that less than the optimal number of registered nurses (RN) will be working that shift. In planning assignments, which client should receive the most care hours by a RN?

The nurse is planning a class about blood glucose monitoring for a group of clients with diabetes mellitus. Which timing of glucose testing would apply for any client regardless of the client's age or type of diabetes?

The nurse is providing teaching to a client newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus about disease management. Which response by the client indicates understanding?