Nursing Elites

1. Each statement is true of calcium within saliva, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Saliva is supersaturated with calcium.
• B. Saliva is a source of calcium to mineralize an immature or demineralized enamel surface.
• C. Calcium and phosphate in saliva provide a buffering action.
• D. Calcium within saliva increases dental caries.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Calcium within saliva does not increase dental caries; in fact, the buffering action provided by calcium and phosphate in saliva inhibits caries formation by preventing the dissolution of enamel by plaque biofilm. Choice A is correct as saliva is indeed supersaturated with calcium. Choice B is correct as saliva serves as a source of calcium to mineralize an immature or demineralized enamel surface. Choice C is correct as calcium and phosphate in saliva do provide a buffering action to protect teeth from acids.

2. In some hip surgeries, an epidural catheter for Fentanyl epidural analgesia is given. What is your nursing priority care in such a case?

• A. Instruct the client to observe strict bed rest
• B. Check for epidural catheter drainage
• C. Administer analgesia through the epidural catheter as prescribed
• D. Assess respiratory rate carefully

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nursing priority care in a case where an epidural catheter for Fentanyl epidural analgesia is given during hip surgeries is to assess the respiratory rate carefully. Respiratory depression is a potential side effect of Fentanyl, especially when administered epidurally. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress promptly. Instructing the client to observe strict bed rest (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the priority over ensuring respiratory function. Checking for epidural catheter drainage (Choice B) and administering analgesia through the epidural catheter as prescribed (Choice C) are important aspects of care, but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence to prevent complications.

3. Where should a nurse auscultate the apex beat?

• A. At the fifth intercostal space, along the midclavicular line
• B. At the mid-sternum
• C. 2 inches to the left of the lower end of the sternum
• D. 1 inch to the left of the xiphoid process

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct location to auscultate the apex beat is at the fifth intercostal space, along the midclavicular line. This is where the apical impulse, also known as the point of maximal impulse (PMI), can be best heard. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect anatomical locations for auscultating the apex beat, which makes them incorrect choices. Auscultating at the correct location allows healthcare providers to assess the heart's function and detect any abnormalities in heart sounds, which is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

4. Among people who are ill, significant weight loss may be masked by?

• A. dehydration
• B. a large tumor
• C. drug therapy
• D. fluid retention

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluid retention can mask weight loss in ill individuals as the retained fluid adds to body weight, making it difficult to detect true fat or muscle loss. Dehydration (Choice A) would actually lead to weight loss rather than masking it. While a large tumor (Choice B) could contribute to weight loss, it would not mask the weight loss itself. Drug therapy (Choice C) may cause side effects, including weight changes, but it is unlikely to mask significant weight loss in the same way that fluid retention does.

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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