Which of the following statements indicate an effective communication technique used by the unit manager to her staff?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Option D demonstrates an effective communication technique used by the unit manager because it focuses on discussing strategic approaches to improve the delivery of nursing services while also considering cost effectiveness for the consumers. By emphasizing the need for strategic planning and efficient service delivery, the manager is promoting a proactive and solution-oriented approach rather than simply stating potential negative outcomes or making abrupt decisions like in the other options. This approach fosters more open communication, collaboration, and problem-solving within the team, ultimately leading to better outcomes and team morale.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When discharging a suicidal patient who has been taking tricyclic antidepressant drugs, it is crucial for the nurse to evaluate the risk for suicide by overdose of the medication. Tricyclic antidepressants have a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose can be quite small. This makes them particularly dangerous in cases of overdose, as they can lead to severe toxic effects, including cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and death.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Difficulty of speaking and chewing is an indicator of cranial nerve involvement. Cranial nerves are responsible for controlling various functions of the head and neck, including speech and mastication. Impairment of cranial nerve function can lead to difficulty in these activities. In the context of the question, with the patient in the stroke unit, cranial nerve involvement can occur due to the stroke affecting the brain regions responsible for cranial nerve function. Loss of pain sensation, spastic paralysis of the extremities, and forgetfulness with syncope are not specific indicators of cranial nerve involvement in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for the individual described is "Ineffective individual coping." This is because the individual has been facing challenges in both academic (failing math class) and personal (substance dependence) aspects of his life. The repeated failures in his math class and the substance dependence for three years indicate that he might be struggling to cope with stressors and challenges in his life effectively. By identifying this nursing diagnosis, the nurse can focus on helping the individual develop effective coping strategies to manage and overcome these difficulties.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary episode of neurological dysfunction caused by a temporary disruption in blood supply to the brain. The symptoms of a TIA typically last for a short period of time, usually less than 1 hour. In some cases, the symptoms may last up to 24 hours but generally resolve within a shorter time frame. It is important for healthcare providers to recognize the symptoms of a TIA promptly and assess the patient for appropriate management to prevent the risk of a full-blown stroke.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The first step in the management of a chemical splash to the eyes is to irrigate the eyes with clean water. Flushing the affected eye with water helps to remove the chemical and minimize any potential injury. It is important to continue irrigation for at least 15-20 minutes to ensure thorough removal of the chemical. This prompt action can help prevent further damage to the eye and surrounding tissue. It is crucial to remember not to delay irrigation to seek medical advice first, as immediate irrigation is vital in such situations. After irrigating the eyes, further assessment and treatment can be carried out based on the severity of the injury.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to develop a comprehensive care plan demonstrates effective care coordination. In complex healthcare situations, involving various healthcare providers such as physicians, specialists, therapists, social workers, and others is crucial to ensure that all aspects of the patient's care are addressed holistically. By working together, healthcare professionals can share information, expertise, and insights to develop a well-rounded care plan that considers all aspects of the patient's needs. This collaborative approach helps promote better outcomes for the patient and enhances overall care coordination. It also helps to ensure that the patient's preferences and values are taken into account when developing the care plan.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority when a patient appears confused and disoriented during a consultation is to provide clear and simple explanations and assess for any underlying causes of confusion. It is essential to ensure that the patient understands the information being provided and to address any potential reasons for the confusion, such as medication side effects, medical conditions, or cognitive impairment. Ignoring the patient's confusion or assuming they cannot understand can lead to misunderstandings, errors in care, and ultimately jeopardize the patient's well-being. It is crucial to approach the situation with empathy, patience, and a focus on ensuring effective communication and understanding between the nurse and the patient.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: At the concrete operational stage according to Piaget's theory, children typically demonstrate logical thinking abilities and are able to understand and work with concrete objects and events. They can also grasp concepts such as conservation and classification. These children are able to think logically about concrete events but may still struggle with abstract and hypothetical situations. Therefore, Belle, functioning at the concrete operational stage, would exhibit behaviors such as thinking logically and being able to see possibilities, as described in option A.