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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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Chest tube insertion tray: Thoracentesis may lead to complications like pneumothorax, especially in clients with lung disease such as emphysema. If air or fluid reaccumulates or lung collapse occurs, a chest tube may be urgently required to re-expand the lung and drain air or fluid buildup.

B. Intubation tray: While intubation may be needed in cases of severe respiratory failure, it is not the first-line equipment after an ineffective thoracentesis. It would only be used if the patient is unable to breathe adequately despite other interventions.

C. Ventilator: Mechanical ventilation is not immediately needed for a failed thoracentesis unless the client develops respiratory failure. It is a secondary measure if oxygenation cannot be maintained with basic support.

D. Crash cart: A crash cart is essential during cardiac arrest or life-threatening emergencies. It is not the most appropriate equipment to have specifically for an ineffective thoracentesis unless severe complications arise suddenly.

A. Perform active range of motion exercises. B. Apply compression stockings. C. Give antispasmodic medications. D. Massage the extremities twice a week.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Perform active range of motion exercises: Active ROM exercises are beneficial for maintaining joint mobility and circulation, but they may not sufficiently reduce spasticity in clients with upper motor neuron lesions.

B. Apply compression stockings: Compression stockings help prevent venous thromboembolism and manage edema, but they do not treat muscle spasticity. They offer circulatory support, not neuromuscular control, and therefore would not alleviate the client’s current concern.

C. Give antispasmodic medications: Antispasmodics such as baclofen or tizanidine directly target muscle spasticity by acting on the central nervous system. These medications reduce the frequency and intensity of spasms, improving comfort and mobility in clients with spinal cord injuries.

D. Massage the extremities twice a week: Massage may offer relaxation and temporary relief but is not a primary treatment for spasticity. It does not alter the neurophysiological causes of muscle spasms and is unlikely to produce sustained control over involuntary muscle activity.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is assisting the healthcare provider with a thoracentesis for a client who has emphysema. Which equipment should the nurse have at the bedside in the event the procedure is ineffective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client who sustained an L-1 spinal cord injury six months ago that resulted in paraplegia is now experiencing spastic muscle movements in the lower extremities. Which intervention should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Exhibits For each assessment finding, click to indicate whether the findings from the client's assessment are generally associated with rotator cuff injury and/or humeral fracture. Each column must have at least one response selected.

Exhibits The client has received a medical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The client should receive education about living and managing her condition and how to minimize disease complications. Which education should be given to the client by the nurse? Select all that apply.

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The nurse is preparing an older adult client for discharge following cataract extraction. Which instruction should be included in the discharge teaching?

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The nurse notes that a client with depression has been more withdrawn and noncommunicative during the past two weeks. Which intervention is most important to include in the updated plan of care for this client?