Nursing Elites

1. A 30-year-old has poorly controlled asthma and is taking prednisone 10 mg by mouth once a day. He has been on this regimen for 6 weeks. Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of this medication can cause:

• A. adrenal crisis
• B. hypercortisolism
• C. ACTH stimulation
• D. thyroid crisis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of prednisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to adrenal crisis. This occurs due to the suppression of the adrenal glands' natural cortisol production caused by prolonged exogenous steroid administration. Adrenal crisis presents with symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, and hypotension. Hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome) results from chronic excessive exposure to cortisol, not abrupt withdrawal. ACTH stimulation would be expected in response to low cortisol levels, not as a direct consequence of prednisone withdrawal. Thyroid crisis (thyroid storm) is associated with severe hyperthyroidism and is not directly related to corticosteroid withdrawal.

2. A 55-year-old male patient is taking finasteride (Proscar) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What patient teaching should the nurse provide regarding the use of this medication?

• A. Avoid taking over-the-counter antacids while on this medication.
• B. This medication may decrease libido.
• C. This medication may take several months to improve symptoms.
• D. This medication may cause increased hair growth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: The nurse should inform the patient that finasteride may take several months to improve symptoms of BPH. It is essential for patients to understand the delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and compliance. Choice A is incorrect because there is no significant interaction between finasteride and over-the-counter antacids. Choice B is incorrect as finasteride is more commonly associated with decreased libido rather than increased libido. Choice D is incorrect as finasteride is known to reduce hair growth rather than increase it.

3. What are the major mechanisms of spinal cord injuries?

• A. Hypoextension, expansion, hyperflexion
• B. Hyperflexion, expansion, hypometabolism
• C. Hypermetabolism, compression, hyperextension
• D. Hyperextension, hyperflexion, compression

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Spinal cord injuries commonly occur due to hyperextension, hyperflexion, and compression. Hyperextension and hyperflexion refer to the excessive bending or stretching of the spinal cord, while compression is the exertion of pressure on the spinal cord. These mechanisms can lead to damage such as contusions, lacerations, and compression of the spinal cord. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the major mechanisms of spinal cord injuries.

4. Which of the following is a complication of compartment syndrome?

• A. Hemorrhage
• B. Pain and tissue damage
• C. Increased limb function
• D. Chronic kidney disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pain and tissue damage. Compartment syndrome occurs due to increased pressure within the muscle compartments, leading to pain and tissue damage. Hemorrhage (choice A) is not a typical complication of compartment syndrome. Increased limb function (choice C) is not a complication but rather a potential improvement if the condition is managed appropriately. Chronic kidney disease (choice D) is unrelated to compartment syndrome.

5. Which of the following factors are known to contribute to an individual's ability to adapt to stress? (Select ONE that does not apply.)

• A. Ethnicity
• B. Age
• C. Socioeconomic status
• D. Gender

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct factors that contribute to an individual's ability to adapt to stress are age, socioeconomic status, and gender. Age can influence coping mechanisms and resilience. Socioeconomic status can impact access to resources and support systems. Gender differences can also play a role in how individuals experience and manage stress. Ethnicity, while important in other contexts, is not directly mentioned in the provided rationale and is not one of the factors listed as contributing to an individual's ability to adapt to stress.

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