Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's laboratory report and notes that the serum calcium level is 4.0 mg/dL. The healthcare professional understands that which condition most likely caused this serum calcium level?

• A. Prolonged bed rest
• B. Renal insufficiency
• C. Hyperparathyroidism
• D. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prolonged bed rest can lead to hypocalcemia due to decreased mobility and bone resorption. In this scenario, the low serum calcium level of 4.0 mg/dL is likely a result of decreased bone activity and calcium release due to prolonged bed rest. Renal insufficiency would more likely lead to hypercalcemia due to impaired excretion of calcium by the kidneys. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased calcium levels as a result of excess parathyroid hormone. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia by increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.

2. What is the main objective of palliative care?

• A. To cure the disease
• B. To provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life
• C. To extend hospital stays
• D. To focus solely on treatment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main objective of palliative care is to provide relief from symptoms and improve quality of life. Palliative care focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients facing serious illnesses by providing relief from symptoms such as pain, stress, and other physical and emotional issues. Choice A is incorrect because palliative care does not aim to cure the disease but rather to manage symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as the goal of palliative care is not to extend hospital stays unnecessarily but to improve the patient's well-being. Choice D is incorrect as palliative care is not solely focused on treatment but takes a holistic approach to care that includes addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

3. Which healthcare-associated infection poses the greatest risk for patients?

• A. Pneumonia
• B. Catheter-related infections
• C. Intravenous line infections
• D. C. difficile

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Catheter-related infections pose the greatest risk for patients in healthcare settings. Catheters are invasive devices that can introduce pathogens directly into the bloodstream, leading to severe infections. Pneumonia, intravenous line infections, and C. difficile infections are serious concerns as well, but catheter-related infections are particularly risky due to the direct access they provide for pathogens to enter the body.

4. Jansen is receiving metformin (Glucophage). What will be the best plan of the nurse with regard to patient education with this drug? Select one that does not apply.

• A. It stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin.
• B. It must be taken after meals.
• C. It decreases sugar production in the liver.
• D. It inhibits absorption of carbohydrates.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct choice that does not apply is A. Metformin does not stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin; instead, it works by decreasing sugar production in the liver, inhibiting carbohydrate absorption, and reducing insulin resistance. It is recommended to take metformin with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Option B is incorrect as metformin is usually taken with meals. Option D is also incorrect as metformin does not inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates.

5. Which of the following most accurately describes a current concern in health care today?

• A. Health care-associated (nosocomial) infections continue to increase, not limited to health-care settings.
• B. Despite preventable deaths increasing from the opioid crisis, life expectancy in the United States has slightly risen over the last 2 years.
• C. Although adverse drug events persist, medication errors have not been completely eliminated through the use of electronic medication administration records.
• D. Gun violence has become a growing public health concern.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gun violence has become a growing public health concern due to the increasing rates of injury and death caused by the misuse of firearms. Choice A is incorrect because health care-associated infections are not limited to health-care settings and continue to increase. Choice B is inaccurate as preventable deaths from the opioid crisis have not led to a rise in life expectancy in the United States. Choice C is incorrect as medication errors have not been completely eliminated despite the use of electronic medication administration records.

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