Nursing Elites

1. What action is specific to hormonal contraceptives and should be taught to this woman?

• A. The cervical mucus is altered to prevent sperm penetration.
• B. The release of follicle-stimulating hormone is increased to block fertility.
• C. The maturation of the endometrial lining is activated by the contraceptive.
• D. The pituitary gland increases the synthesis and release of luteinizing hormone.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action specific to hormonal contraceptives that should be taught to the woman is that they alter cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration. This mechanism helps in preventing pregnancy by reducing the chances of sperm reaching the egg. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is inaccurate as hormonal contraceptives work by inhibiting ovulation rather than increasing follicle-stimulating hormone release. Choice C is incorrect as hormonal contraceptives do not activate the maturation of the endometrial lining; instead, they modify it to prevent implantation. Choice D is also incorrect as hormonal contraceptives do not stimulate the pituitary gland to increase luteinizing hormone synthesis and release.

2. Which of the following types of vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia and is associated with lower extremity paresthesias?

• A. Vitamin B12
• B. Folate
• C. Iron
• D. Vitamin K

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, a condition characterized by the production of abnormally large and immature red blood cells. Lower extremity paresthesias, such as tingling or numbness, are common neurological symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Folate deficiency can also cause megaloblastic anemia but is not typically linked to lower extremity paresthesias. Iron deficiency leads to microcytic anemia, not megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin K deficiency is associated with bleeding tendencies, not megaloblastic anemia or paresthesias.

3. Which of the following steps occurs first during hemostasis?

• A. Vascular spasm
• B. Platelet plug
• C. Coagulation
• D. Dissolution of the clot

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Vascular spasm is the initial step in hemostasis, where blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow to the injured area. This constriction helps limit blood loss until further steps like platelet plug formation and coagulation can take place. Platelet plug formation and coagulation occur after the vascular spasm, making them incorrect choices. Dissolution of the clot happens much later in the healing process, after the injury has sufficiently healed.

4. A 30-year-old has poorly controlled asthma and is taking prednisone 10 mg by mouth once a day. He has been on this regimen for 6 weeks. Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of this medication can cause:

• A. adrenal crisis
• B. hypercortisolism
• C. ACTH stimulation
• D. thyroid crisis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation of prednisone, a corticosteroid, can lead to adrenal crisis. This occurs due to the suppression of the adrenal glands' natural cortisol production caused by prolonged exogenous steroid administration. Adrenal crisis presents with symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, and hypotension. Hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome) results from chronic excessive exposure to cortisol, not abrupt withdrawal. ACTH stimulation would be expected in response to low cortisol levels, not as a direct consequence of prednisone withdrawal. Thyroid crisis (thyroid storm) is associated with severe hyperthyroidism and is not directly related to corticosteroid withdrawal.

5. An experiment is designed to determine specific cell types involved in cell-mediated immune response. The experimenter is interested in finding cells that attack cells that have specific antigens. Which cells should be isolated?

• A. Lymphokine-producing cells
• B. Cytotoxic T cells
• C. Helper T cells
• D. Macrophages

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cytotoxic T cells are the key players in cell-mediated immunity as they directly attack cells displaying specific antigens. Lymphokine-producing cells (Choice A) are involved in cytokine production, while Helper T cells (Choice C) assist in activating other immune cells. Macrophages (Choice D) are phagocytic cells that engulf and digest pathogens, but they are not the primary cells responsible for directly attacking cells with specific antigens in cell-mediated immunity.

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