Nursing Elites

1. A patient taking hormonal contraceptives will soon turn 35 years of age. She is moderately obese and has smoked for 15 years. Which of the following is most important?

• A. Begin an exercise regimen.
• B. Begin smoking cessation.
• C. Begin daily aspirin therapy.
• D. Begin taking a loop diuretic to aid weight loss.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important action for a patient taking hormonal contraceptives, who is nearing 35 years of age, moderately obese, and has a history of smoking for 15 years, is to begin smoking cessation. Women over 35, especially smokers, are at an increased risk of blood clots and cardiovascular issues when using hormonal contraceptives. Smoking cessation is crucial to reduce this risk. Beginning an exercise regimen may be beneficial for overall health but is not as critical as stopping smoking in this scenario. Daily aspirin therapy or taking a loop diuretic are not indicated in this situation and may not address the primary risk associated with hormonal contraceptives and smoking.

2. A patient presents with a sudden onset of severe chest pain radiating to his back. His blood pressure is significantly higher in the right arm than in the left arm. Which of the following conditions is most likely?

• A. Acute myocardial infarction
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Aortic dissection
• D. Pericarditis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, aortic dissection. Aortic dissection is characterized by sudden, severe chest pain that can radiate to the back. The discrepancy in blood pressure between the arms (higher in the right arm) is known as a 'pulse deficit' and is a classic finding in aortic dissection. This condition involves a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, leading to the abnormal flow of blood within the aortic wall. Acute myocardial infarction (choice A) presents with chest pain but typically does not cause discrepancies in blood pressure between arms. Pulmonary embolism (choice B) usually presents with chest pain and difficulty breathing but does not cause unequal blood pressures in the arms. Pericarditis (choice D) can cause chest pain exacerbated by breathing or lying down, but it does not typically lead to differences in blood pressure between arms.

3. Which of the following best describes Cushing’s syndrome?

• A. Hypersecretion of growth hormone
• B. Excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal glands
• C. Insufficient production of insulin
• D. Increased levels of ACTH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cushing’s syndrome is characterized by the excessive production of cortisol by the adrenal glands, not growth hormone (Choice A), insulin (Choice C), or ACTH (Choice D). The increased cortisol levels lead to a variety of symptoms associated with Cushing’s syndrome.

4. Which of the following organs are primarily affected by poorly managed hypertension?

• A. The bladder and urethra
• B. The brain and skin
• C. The heart and kidneys
• D. The stomach and intestines

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Poorly managed hypertension primarily affects the heart and kidneys. The heart is at risk of conditions like heart failure due to the increased workload from elevated blood pressure. The kidneys can suffer damage from longstanding hypertension, leading to kidney disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the bladder, urethra, brain, skin, stomach, and intestines are not the primary organs affected by poorly managed hypertension.

5. When communicating with a client who has cognitive impairment, which of the following will Nurse Dory use?

• A. Complete explanations with multiple details
• B. Pictures or gestures instead of words
• C. Stimulating words and phrases to capture the client’s attention
• D. Short words and simple sentences

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Nurse Dory will use short words and simple sentences when communicating with a client who has cognitive impairment. This approach is effective because it helps improve understanding and comprehension for individuals with cognitive challenges. Choice A is incorrect because complete explanations with multiple details may overwhelm or confuse clients with cognitive impairment. Choice B is not the most effective option as using pictures or gestures instead of words may not always be practical or necessary. Choice C is also not ideal as stimulating words and phrases may cause distraction rather than enhance communication for clients with cognitive impairment.

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