Nursing Elites

1. A 35-year-old man presents with fatigue, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation of the skin. Laboratory tests reveal hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and low cortisol levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Cushing's syndrome
• B. Addison's disease
• C. Hypothyroidism
• D. Pheochromocytoma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The clinical presentation of a 35-year-old man with fatigue, weight loss, hyperpigmentation of the skin, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and low cortisol levels is classic for Addison's disease. These findings are consistent with primary adrenal insufficiency, where the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate cortisol. In Addison's disease, the adrenal cortex is damaged, leading to decreased cortisol production and elevated levels of ACTH. This results in symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, and hyperpigmentation due to increased ACTH production stimulating melanocytes. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia are common electrolyte abnormalities seen in Addison's disease due to aldosterone deficiency. Therefore, the correct diagnosis in this case is Addison's disease.

2. A 60-year-old woman presents with pruritus, jaundice, and xanthomas. Laboratory tests reveal elevated cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Primary biliary cirrhosis
• B. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• C. Gallstones
• D. Pancreatic cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The combination of pruritus, jaundice, and xanthomas, along with elevated cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase levels, is classic for primary biliary cirrhosis. Pruritus is often the initial symptom, followed by jaundice due to cholestasis. Xanthomas, elevated cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase levels are also common findings in primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary sclerosing cholangitis and pancreatic cancer may present with similar symptoms but are less likely in this clinical context.

3. A patient with hyperthyroidism is to receive radioactive iodine therapy. What information should the nurse include in the patient teaching plan?

• A. Avoid close contact with pregnant women for one week.
• B. Take iodine supplement daily.
• C. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
• D. Use disposable utensils for all meals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid close contact with pregnant women for one week. This precaution is essential to prevent radiation exposure to vulnerable populations. Pregnant women and small children are more sensitive to radiation, making it crucial for patients undergoing radioactive iodine therapy to avoid close contact with them for a specified period. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking iodine supplements daily is not necessary for patients receiving radioactive iodine therapy. Restricting fluid intake to 1 liter per day is not a standard recommendation for radioactive iodine therapy. Using disposable utensils for all meals is not a specific precaution related to radioactive iodine therapy.

4. The healthcare provider prescribes naproxen (Naprosyn) 500 mg PO twice a day for a client with osteoarthritis. During a follow-up visit one month later, the client tells the nurse, 'The pills don't seem to be working. They are not helping the pain at all.' Which factor should influence the nurse's response?

• A. Noncompliance is probably affecting optimal medication effectiveness.
• B. Drug dosage is inadequate and needs to be increased to three times a day.
• C. The drug needs 4 to 6 weeks to reach therapeutic levels in the bloodstream.
• D. NSAID response is variable, and trying another NSAID may be more effective.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Different NSAIDs work differently in individuals. If a patient is not experiencing relief with one NSAID, switching to a different one may provide better pain management. This variability in response is common among NSAIDs due to individual differences in drug metabolism and efficacy.

5. The healthcare professional is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute.
• B. Nausea and vomiting.
• C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
• D. Shortness of breath.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nausea and vomiting are common signs of digoxin toxicity, which can lead to serious complications like dysrhythmias. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent further harm to the client. Choice A, a heart rate of 58 beats per minute, although slightly lower than normal, may be appropriate for a client on digoxin. Choice C, a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg, is within normal limits and does not indicate an immediate need for intervention. Choice D, shortness of breath, is a common symptom in heart failure and requires monitoring but is not as indicative of digoxin toxicity as nausea and vomiting.

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