Nursing Elites

1. After experiencing a left frontal lobe CVA, a fifty-five-year-old man is being monitored by a nurse. The patient's family is not present in the room. What should the nurse observe most closely for?

• A. Changes in emotion and behavior
• B. Monitor loss of hearing
• C. Observe appetite and vision deficits
• D. Changes in facial muscle control

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to watch for changes in emotion and behavior. The frontal lobe, particularly the left side, is responsible for regulating behavior and emotions. Therefore, following a left frontal lobe CVA, monitoring for alterations in emotion and behavior is crucial. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because loss of hearing, appetite and vision deficits, and changes in facial muscle control are not directly associated with a left frontal lobe CVA.

2. A nurse is returning phone calls in a pediatric clinic. Which of the following reports most requires the nurse's immediate attention and phone call?

• A. An 8-year-old boy has been vomiting, appears to have slower movements, and has a history of an atrioventricular shunt placement.
• B. A 10-year-old girl feels a dull pain in her abdomen after doing sit-ups in gym class.
• C. A 7-year-old boy has been having a low fever and headache for the past 3 days and has a history of an anterior knee wound.
• D. A 7-year-old girl who had a cast on her right ankle is complaining of itching.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the 8-year-old boy with vomiting, slower movements, and a history of an atrioventricular shunt placement. This report requires immediate attention because the symptoms could indicate a blocked shunt, which is a serious medical condition needing urgent evaluation and intervention. Slower movements in the context of an atrioventricular shunt history could suggest increased intracranial pressure. The other choices involve less urgent issues: choice B describes post-exercise pain, choice C presents with a low-grade fever and headache that could be due to a mild infection, and choice D reports itching associated with a cast, which is a common issue and less critical compared to a potentially blocked shunt.

3. In conducting a community health fair for a group of middle-aged citizens, which statement should the nurse emphasize in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease?

• A. Participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 3 to 5 days per week.
• B. Engage in an aerobic exercise class every day.
• C. Limit your alcohol intake to a moderate level.
• D. The best way to lose weight is to follow a balanced diet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging in an aerobic exercise class every day is crucial in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Aerobic exercises help keep the heart in shape, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. It is recommended to participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, which can be achieved by engaging in aerobic exercise daily. Choice A has been corrected to emphasize the frequency required to significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Choice C has been modified to suggest moderation in alcohol intake, as excessive alcohol consumption is harmful. Choice D is also incorrect as a balanced diet, not specifically high-protein, high-fat, is recommended to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and maintain a healthy weight.

4. A nurse reviewed the arterial blood gas reading of a 25-year-old male. The nurse should be able to conclude the patient is experiencing which of the following conditions?

• A. metabolic acidosis
• B. respiratory acidosis
• C. metabolic alkalosis
• D. respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, there is an elevated pH and low carbon dioxide levels (PaCO2 < 35 mmHg). In the given arterial blood gas reading, the patient's pH is 7.41 (within normal range), PaCO2 is 29 mmHg (below normal range), indicating respiratory alkalosis. The bicarbonate level is normal (25 mEq/l), ruling out metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. The low PaO2 (54 mmHg) may indicate hypoxemia, but it is not directly related to the acid-base disorder being assessed. Metabolic acidosis (choice A) is characterized by low pH and low bicarbonate levels, which are not present in this case. Respiratory acidosis (choice B) is indicated by low pH and high PaCO2 levels, which also do not match the provided data. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is defined by high pH and high bicarbonate levels, which are not seen in this scenario.

5. Post thyroidectomy the nurse assesses for complications by performing which of the following assessments?

• A. Accu-Chek
• B. Chvostek's
• C. Ballottement
• D. Ice water colonic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Chvostek's. A positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's sign is indicative of tetany, which is associated with low calcium levels. This can occur if parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during thyroidectomy. Accu-Chek is a brand of blood glucose monitor used for checking blood sugar levels and is not relevant in this context. Ballottement is a technique used in physical examination to assess for fluid in the body, typically in the abdomen or joints. Ice water colonic is not a standard medical assessment and is not relevant to post-thyroidectomy complications.

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