Nursing Elites

1. An essential nutrient must:

• A. be eaten every day
• B. be obtained by the diet
• C. be water soluble
• D. be eaten at every meal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'be obtained by the diet.' Essential nutrients are those that the body cannot synthesize in sufficient quantities and must therefore be obtained through the diet. Choice A is incorrect because not all essential nutrients need to be consumed daily; the frequency of consumption varies. Choice C is incorrect because not all essential nutrients are water-soluble; they can be water-soluble or fat-soluble. Choice D is incorrect because essential nutrients do not need to be consumed at every meal, but rather need to be included in the overall diet regularly.

2. Where is Vitamin K synthesized?

• A. by bacteria in the GI tract
• B. by the body by sunlight
• C. deficiency is called beriberi
• D. found in vegetable oils

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Vitamin K is synthesized by bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Choice B is incorrect as the synthesis of Vitamin D, not K, can be induced by sunlight exposure. Choice C is incorrect as beriberi is a condition caused by thiamine (Vitamin B1) deficiency, not Vitamin K. Choice D is incorrect as Vitamin E is commonly found in vegetable oils, not Vitamin K.

3. What condition has been shown to be associated with esophageal dysphagia?

• A. myasthenia gravis
• B. achalasia
• C. Alzheimer's disease
• D. cerebral palsy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Achalasia is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by the esophagus having difficulty moving food toward the stomach, resulting in dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Myasthenia gravis (Choice A) is a neuromuscular disorder that affects skeletal muscles, not the esophagus. Alzheimer's disease (Choice C) primarily affects cognitive function, not the esophagus. Cerebral palsy (Choice D) is a neurological disorder affecting body movement and muscle coordination, unrelated to esophageal dysphagia.

4. In a patient with osteoporosis, which mineral is essential to prevent further bone loss?

• A. Iron
• B. Phosphorus
• C. Magnesium
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Calcium is crucial in preventing bone loss in patients with osteoporosis.

5. The nurse is working with a patient who recently had a stroke. The patient frequently chokes and coughs when eating and is having difficulty feeding herself. What is the best way to ensure adequate nutrition?

• A. to have an aide feed her at each meal
• B. to ask a family member to assist during meals
• C. to provide tube feedings for the patient
• D. to initiate TPN for the patient

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way to ensure adequate nutrition for a stroke patient who frequently chokes and coughs when eating and has difficulty feeding herself is to provide tube feedings. Tube feedings are a safe and effective method to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines, bypassing the swallowing mechanism, reducing the risk of aspiration. Having an aide feed her each meal (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of swallowing difficulty and aspiration risk. Asking a family member to be present at each meal (choice B) does not provide a definitive solution to the patient's nutritional needs. Placing the patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (choice D) is a more invasive and typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feedings or have non-functional gastrointestinal tracts.

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