Nursing Elites

1. A 45-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels. Imaging shows a normal common bile duct but dilated intrahepatic bile ducts. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Based on the symptoms of fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice, along with elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels, and imaging findings of a normal common bile duct but dilated intrahepatic bile ducts, the most likely diagnosis is primary biliary cirrhosis. Primary sclerosing cholangitis presents with different imaging findings, often showing strictures and beading of the bile ducts. Gallstones typically cause obstruction in the biliary system, leading to different symptoms and imaging findings. Pancreatic cancer would present with different clinical features and imaging characteristics.

2. The client has a nasogastric (NG) tube and is receiving enteral feedings. What intervention should the nurse implement to prevent complications associated with the NG tube?

• A. Flush the NG tube with water before and after feedings.
• B. Check gastric residual volume every 6 hours.
• C. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees.
• D. Replace the NG tube every 24 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 30 degrees is crucial in preventing aspiration, a common complication associated with nasogastric (NG) tubes and enteral feedings. This position helps reduce the risk of reflux and aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs, promoting client safety and preventing respiratory complications. Flushing the NG tube with water before and after feedings (Choice A) is not the primary intervention to prevent complications. Checking gastric residual volume every 6 hours (Choice B) is important but not directly related to preventing complications associated with the NG tube. Replacing the NG tube every 24 hours (Choice D) is not a standard practice and is not necessary to prevent complications if the tube is functioning properly.

3. A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed furosemide. What is the primary action of this medication?

• A. Increase cardiac output
• B. Reduce fluid retention
• C. Decrease heart rate
• D. Lower blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that acts by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the loop of Henle, leading to increased diuresis. By reducing fluid retention, furosemide helps decrease the workload on the heart in patients with chronic heart failure. This medication does not directly increase cardiac output, decrease heart rate, or lower blood pressure as its primary action.

4. A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is prescribed hydroxychloroquine. What is the most important instruction the nurse should give?

• A. Report any vision changes immediately.
• B. Take the medication with milk.
• C. Avoid high-fat foods.
• D. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a patient prescribed hydroxychloroquine, especially in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is to report any vision changes immediately. Hydroxychloroquine can potentially cause retinal damage, so prompt reporting and ophthalmologic evaluation are essential in preventing irreversible eye complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the significant adverse effect of hydroxychloroquine on vision. Taking the medication with milk, avoiding high-fat foods, or increasing intake of green leafy vegetables are not relevant to the primary concern of monitoring for visual changes.

5. A 35-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Laboratory tests reveal high TSH and low free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Thyroiditis
• D. Thyroid cancer

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The scenario describes a 35-year-old woman with symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance along with high TSH and low free T4 levels. These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, there is decreased thyroid hormone production leading to elevated TSH levels as the body tries to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormone. The low free T4 levels indicate insufficient thyroid hormone in the blood, which can manifest as symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

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