Nursing Elites

1. Digestion, elimination, and ___________ are the three functions of the digestive system.

• A. constriction
• B. relaxation
• C. absorption
• D. peristalsis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'absorption.' The three main functions of the digestive system are digestion, absorption, and elimination. Absorption refers to the process of absorbing nutrients and other substances from the digested food into the bloodstream. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: Constriction is not a primary function of the digestive system, relaxation is not a distinct function in this context, and peristalsis is a muscular movement that aids in digestion but is not one of the three main functions of the digestive system.

2. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. The correct action by the nurse is reflected by which statement?

• A. Performs the examination from both sides of the bed.
• B. Examines tender or painful areas last to help relieve the patient's anxiety.
• C. Follows a flexible examination sequence, considering the patient's age and condition.
• D. Organizes the assessment to ensure that the patient does not change positions too often.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should organize the assessment to minimize the patient's need to change positions frequently, ensuring efficiency and comfort. It is essential to perform the examination from both sides of the bed to facilitate a comprehensive assessment. Examining tender or painful areas last can help reduce patient discomfort and anxiety. The examination sequence should be flexible, taking into account the patient's age, condition, and specific needs. This approach allows for a tailored and patient-centered assessment, optimizing the quality of care provided.

3.

• A. The patient is experiencing bradycardia.
• B. These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.
• C. The patient's pulse rate is not normal"?no action is required.
• D. The patient's next clinic visit should occur as scheduled.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These are normal vital signs for a healthy, athletic adult.' A pulse rate of 48 beats per minute is considered bradycardia in adults, but it is not a concern in well-trained athletes like marathon runners. Bradycardia is a normal physiological response to aerobic conditioning. Tachycardia, on the other hand, is defined as a pulse rate above 100 beats per minute, which is not the case here. The low pulse rate in this scenario is a reflection of the athlete's cardiovascular fitness. Therefore, there is no need to notify the physician or schedule a follow-up visit based on these findings.

4. A patient works with a nurse to establish outcomes. The nurse believes that one outcome suggested by the patient is not in the patient's best interest. What is the nurse's best action?

• A. Remain silent.
• B. Educate the patient that the outcome is not realistic.
• C. Explore with the patient possible consequences of the outcome.
• D. Formulate an appropriate outcome without the patient's input.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should collaborate with the patient rather than impose personal opinions. While the nurse should respect the patient's autonomy, they also have a duty to provide guidance. By exploring possible consequences of the suggested outcome with the patient, the nurse can facilitate a discussion that helps the patient make an informed decision. This approach respects the patient's input while ensuring their well-being. Remaining silent (Choice A) may not address the issue, educating the patient unilaterally (Choice B) may be perceived as dismissive, and formulating an outcome without patient input (Choice D) disregards the patient's autonomy and preferences.

5. A patient has suddenly developed shortness of breath and appears to be in significant respiratory distress. After calling the physician and placing the patient on oxygen, which of these actions is the best for the nurse to take when further assessing the patient?

• A. Count the patient's respirations.
• B. Bilaterally percuss the thorax, noting any differences in percussion tones.
• C. Call for a chest x-ray and wait for the results before beginning an assessment.
• D. Inspect the thorax for any new masses and bleeding associated with respirations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a situation where a patient is in significant respiratory distress, bilaterally percussing the thorax to note any differences in percussion tones is a crucial nursing intervention. Percussion provides instant feedback regarding changes in underlying tissue density, which can give important clues about the patient's physical status. This hands-on assessment technique is readily available and can be performed promptly. Counting the patient's respirations, while important, may not provide as much detailed information as percussion. Ordering a chest x-ray and waiting for the results can cause a delay in assessing and addressing the patient's immediate needs. Inspecting the thorax for new masses and bleeding, although relevant, may not offer as much real-time information about the patient's condition compared to percussion.

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