Nursing Elites

1. A child's thymus gland is fully formed and proportionately larger than an adult's. Which of the following processes that contribute to immunity takes place in the thymus gland?

• A. Differentiation of B cells
• B. Production of natural killer (NK) cells
• C. Proliferation of T cells
• D. Filtration of antigens from the blood

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Proliferation of T cells. The thymus gland is responsible for the maturation and proliferation of T cells, which play a crucial role in adaptive immunity. Option A, differentiation of B cells, is incorrect because B cell maturation primarily occurs in the bone marrow. Option B, production of natural killer (NK) cells, is incorrect as NK cells are mainly produced in the bone marrow and lymph nodes. Option D, filtration of antigens from the blood, is incorrect as antigen filtration is not a primary function of the thymus gland.

2. A 45-year-old diabetic male is experiencing erectile dysfunction. If his erectile dysfunction is caused by the nervous system, then the nurse can educate the client that the venous blood supply to the penis is controlled by:

• A. Sympathetic nerves.
• B. Parasympathetic nerves.
• C. Somatic nerves.
• D. Spinal reflexes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Erectile function is primarily controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, which facilitates the dilation of blood vessels in the penis. The parasympathetic nerves are responsible for vasodilation in the penis, allowing blood to enter and creating an erection. Sympathetic nerves, on the other hand, are responsible for ejaculation by causing contraction of the muscles around the vas deferens. Somatic nerves are involved in sensation and movement, not specifically in controlling blood supply to the penis. Spinal reflexes can play a role in the erectile process, but they are not directly responsible for controlling the venous blood supply.

3. What should the nurse include in patient education regarding the effectiveness of oral contraceptives?

• A. Oral contraceptives are highly effective when taken correctly but not 100% foolproof.
• B. Oral contraceptives may take some time to reach full effectiveness after starting.
• C. Oral contraceptives can be less effective if taken with certain antibiotics.
• D. Taking oral contraceptives with food does not significantly affect their efficacy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Oral contraceptives can be less effective when taken with certain antibiotics due to potential drug interactions that may reduce contraceptive efficacy. It is crucial for patients to be aware of this to consider additional contraceptive measures when prescribed antibiotics. Choice A is incorrect because while oral contraceptives are highly effective when taken correctly, they are not 100% foolproof. Choice B is incorrect as oral contraceptives may take some time to reach their full effectiveness after starting. Choice D is also incorrect as taking oral contraceptives with food does not significantly affect their efficacy.

4. How should the nurse respond to a 72-year-old patient diagnosed with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) who is skeptical about tamsulosin (Flomax) for symptom relief?

• A. “Flomax can increase the amount of urine your kidneys produce, resulting in better urine flow.”
• B. “Flomax can relax your prostate and your bladder neck, making it easier to pass urine.”
• C. “Flomax makes your urine less alkaline, reducing the irritation that makes your prostate swell.”
• D. “Flomax increases the strength of your bladder muscle and results in a stronger flow of urine.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct response is choice B because it explains the mechanism of action of Flomax, which helps the patient understand how the medication works. By stating that Flomax relaxes the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to pass urine, the nurse is addressing the patient's concerns about symptom relief. Choices A, C, and D provide inaccurate information about Flomax's mechanism of action and do not directly address the patient's skepticism or concerns.

5. A tension pneumothorax requires a needle thoracostomy and/or chest tube placement as treatment to which component of the pathophysiology of the condition?

• A. An accumulation of blood in the pleural space, which makes it difficult for the lungs to exchange gases.
• B. Extreme pain caused by a fractured rib
• C. A large accumulation of trapped air in the pleural space affecting both the lungs and heart.
• D. Sudden failure of the respiratory system due to fluid accumulation in the alveoli

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A tension pneumothorax is characterized by a large accumulation of trapped air in the pleural space, creating pressure that affects both the lungs and heart. This condition can lead to life-threatening consequences by shifting mediastinal structures and impairing cardiac function. Treatment involves decompressing the trapped air to relieve the tension. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not describe the primary pathophysiological mechanism of tension pneumothorax, which is the accumulation of air in the pleural space, not blood, rib fractures, or alveolar fluid accumulation.

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