Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Before starting medications for essential hypertension, a patient would typically present with a blood pressure reading equal to or greater than 140/90. This indicates high blood pressure and is characteristic of essential hypertension.
Choice A, 142/92, falls within this range, making it the correct answer.

Choices B (118/72), C (120/80), and D (138/88) all have blood pressure readings that are within the normal range and would not typically be expected in a patient diagnosed with essential hypertension.
Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the elevated blood pressure levels seen in essential hypertension.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient is confused and unable to answer questions. When the patient is unable to provide information, it is important to use secondary sources such as family members. The nurse's best action is to document the patient's mental status and obtain additional assessment data from the family member. This approach will help gather relevant information about the patient's condition. Asking an advanced practice nurse to perform the assessment interview is not necessary as it is within the staff nurse's scope of practice. Calling for a mental health advocate is also unnecessary at this point as the priority is to assess the patient's condition and gather information from the family member.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'An overabundance of a particular white blood cell in the peripheral blood.' Basophilia specifically indicates an increased number of basophils in the peripheral blood. It can be observed in conditions like leukemia and certain allergic reactions.
Choice A is incorrect as it describes something unrelated to basophilia.
Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a decrease in basophils, which is opposite to the actual meaning of basophilia.
Choice D is also incorrect as basophilia does have a defined medical significance.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Overemphasize behaviors which accommodate for perceived weaknesses.' Compensation involves overemphasizing or exaggerating a particular behavior or trait to make up for or cover up perceived weaknesses in oneself. This defense mechanism allows individuals to focus on their strengths rather than acknowledging their shortcomings.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Refusing to hear unwanted information relates more to denial, transferring feelings of negativity to someone else is projection, and placing blame on others is an example of the defense mechanism known as externalization.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Understaffing of nursing personnel is a critical organizational factor that can contribute to workplace violence directed at nurses. When there are too few nurses on duty due to understaffing, it can lead to delays in care delivery and inadequate attention to clients' needs. This situation can result in heightened frustration, aggression, or violence from clients or their families towards the nursing staff. On the other hand, the presence of security guards (
Choice
B) may enhance safety in the workplace and deter violence, making it an incorrect choice. Clients who have short hospital stays (
Choice
A) and restricted client areas (
Choice
C) are not directly linked to organizational factors that promote workplace violence against nurses, making them incorrect choices.