Nursing Elites

1. As you are walking in the park, a huge black Labrador runs up to you and places his paws on your shoulders. Immediately your heart starts racing, you feel palpitations, anxiety, and your hands become a little shaky. The nurse knows that this response is primarily caused by:

• A. cerebral cortex.
• B. somatic nervous system.
• C. limbic system.
• D. autonomic nervous system.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The autonomic nervous system controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate, respiration, and sweating. In the given scenario, the 'fight or flight' response is activated, leading to increased heart rate, palpitations, anxiety, and shaky hands. The cerebral cortex is involved in conscious thought processes and decision-making, not the immediate physiological response observed here. The somatic nervous system regulates voluntary movements, while the limbic system is responsible for emotions and memory, but the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for the physiological responses seen in this situation.

2. A group of prison inmates developed tuberculosis following exposure to an infected inmate. On examination, tissues were soft and granular (like clumped cheese). Which of the following is the most likely cause?

• A. Coagulative necrosis
• B. Liquefactive necrosis
• C. Caseous necrosis
• D. Autonecrosis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Caseous necrosis is characteristic of tuberculosis, where the tissue has a soft, cheese-like appearance. Coagulative necrosis involves protein denaturation, liquefactive necrosis is seen in brain infarcts and abscesses, and autonecrosis is not a recognized term in pathology, making them incorrect choices in this scenario.

3. A patient has developed a decubitus ulcer on the coccyx. What defense mechanism is most affected by this homeostatic change?

• A. The mucous membrane is affected.
• B. The respiratory tract is affected.
• C. The skin is affected.
• D. The gastrointestinal tract is affected.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, a decubitus ulcer on the coccyx indicates a breakdown of the skin's integrity due to prolonged pressure. The skin is the primary defense mechanism of the body against external pathogens. When the skin is compromised, it can lead to infections and other complications. The mucous membrane (Choice A) plays a role in protecting internal surfaces, not the skin. The respiratory tract (Choice B) is involved in breathing and not directly related to the skin's defense. The gastrointestinal tract (Choice D) is responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrients, not the primary defense mechanism against external threats like the skin.

4. A patient is prescribed dutasteride (Avodart) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What outcome should the nurse expect to observe if the drug is having the desired effect?

• A. Decreased size of the prostate gland
• B. Increased urinary output
• C. Increased urine flow
• D. Decreased blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased size of the prostate gland. Dutasteride is a medication used for BPH to reduce the size of the prostate gland, thereby improving urinary flow and decreasing symptoms. Choice B, increased urinary output, is incorrect as dutasteride primarily targets the size of the prostate gland rather than directly affecting urinary output. Choice C, increased urine flow, is related to the expected outcome of dutasteride therapy but is not as direct as the reduction in the size of the prostate gland. Choice D, decreased blood pressure, is not an expected outcome of dutasteride therapy for BPH.

5. A patient is starting on atorvastatin (Lipitor) for hyperlipidemia. What critical instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects.
• B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
• C. Take the medication in the morning with breakfast to improve absorption.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fat meal to increase its effectiveness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the medication at night to reduce the risk of muscle pain and other side effects. Atorvastatin, like other statins, is more effective when taken in the evening as the body produces more cholesterol at night. Taking it with a high-fat meal (choice D) is not recommended as it may reduce the drug's absorption. Grapefruit juice (choice B) should be avoided with atorvastatin as it can increase the risk of side effects. Taking the medication in the morning with breakfast (choice C) is not as effective as taking it at night.

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