Nursing Elites

1. For a patient on lithium therapy, which dietary recommendation is essential?

• A. Increase caffeine intake
• B. Increase sodium intake
• C. Increase protein intake
• D. Increase fiber intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase sodium intake. For patients on lithium therapy, maintaining consistent sodium intake is crucial to avoid fluctuations in drug levels. Increasing caffeine intake (choice A) is not recommended as it can interfere with lithium levels. While protein intake (choice C) is important for overall health, it is not specifically essential for patients on lithium therapy. Similarly, increasing fiber intake (choice D) is beneficial but not a primary concern for patients on lithium therapy.

2. Enteral feedings may be appropriate for patients with:

• A. Acute cholecystitis
• B. Hepatic encephalopathy
• C. Ulcerative colitis in remission
• D. Acute exacerbation of Crohn’s disease

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Enteral feedings are commonly used in patients with Crohn’s disease during acute exacerbations to provide adequate nutrition while resting the bowel. Acute cholecystitis, hepatic encephalopathy, and ulcerative colitis in remission wouldn't typically require enteral feedings as the primary nutritional support. Acute cholecystitis may necessitate fasting and intravenous fluids, hepatic encephalopathy may require dietary modifications but not enteral feedings, and patients with ulcerative colitis in remission usually have their nutritional needs met through a regular diet.

3. When is aspirin most effective when taken?

• A. On an empty stomach with cold water
• B. On a full stomach after a meal
• C. With a glass of fruit juice
• D. First thing in the morning

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Aspirin is best absorbed on an empty stomach to maximize its effectiveness. Taking it with cold water helps in its quick absorption. Option B is incorrect because taking aspirin on a full stomach can delay its absorption. Option C is incorrect as fruit juice may not provide the ideal conditions for absorption. Option D is incorrect as taking aspirin first thing in the morning may not ensure an empty stomach.

4. What is the initial step in providing healthcare for a patient?

• A. Obtain and interpret vital signs
• B. Determine the needs of the patient
• C. Develop a plan of care
• D. Obtain lab work and x-rays

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial step in providing healthcare for a patient is to determine the needs of the patient. This step involves assessing the patient's condition, listening to their concerns, and understanding what care or treatment they require. Obtaining and interpreting vital signs (Choice A) is a crucial step but typically follows the assessment of the patient's needs. Developing a plan of care (Choice C) and obtaining lab work and x-rays (Choice D) come after understanding the patient's needs and assessing their condition.

5. The nurse in the pediatric clinic performs a physical assessment of a 13-year-old boy. Which of the following findings by the nurse requires immediate intervention?

• A. The adolescent complains of his scrotum aching after exercise. The nurse palpates a worm-like mass above the testes.
• B. The nurse noted unilateral breast enlargement.
• C. The child’s scrotum appears swollen, and a soft mass is palpated. The nurse is unable to insert a finger above the mass.
• D. The child’s scrotum appears enlarged and red. The nurse palpated a thickened and swollen spermatic cord.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is the correct answer because a swollen and thickened spermatic cord could indicate testicular torsion, which is a surgical emergency. Testicular torsion occurs when the spermatic cord twists, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. This condition requires immediate intervention to prevent testicular damage. Choices A, B, and C do not present findings that suggest a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

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