Nursing Elites

1. In a 68-year-old man, a gradual loss of hearing is known as _____________.

• A. presbycusis
• B. xerostomia
• C. myopia
• D. presbyopia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'presbycusis.' Presbycusis is the age-related gradual loss of hearing ability, commonly seen in the elderly population. Xerostomia refers to dry mouth, myopia is nearsightedness, and presbyopia is the age-related loss of the eye's ability to focus on close objects. Given Mr. Roberts' age and symptom of gradual hearing loss, presbycusis is the most likely diagnosis. Xerostomia, myopia, and presbyopia do not match the sensory change described in the question, making them incorrect choices.

2. In the Gram Stain procedure, which component acts as the mordant?

• A. Crystal violet
• B. Methyl alcohol
• C. Iodine
• D. Safranin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the Gram Stain procedure, the mordant is Gram's Iodine. The purpose of the mordant is to form a complex with the crystal violet, enhancing its ability to bind to the cell wall. Crystal violet is actually the primary stain used in the Gram Stain procedure to initially color all cells. Methyl alcohol is the decolorizer that removes the crystal violet from certain cell types. Safranin is the counterstain used to stain those cells that did not retain the crystal violet stain after the decolorization step.

3. Each small square on the EKG paper is:

• A. 0.04 seconds long and 5mm tall
• B. 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall
• C. 0.04 seconds long and 20mm tall
• D. 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Each small square on an EKG paper represents 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall. This standardization is essential for accurate measurements. One large square on EKG paper consists of 5 small squares in length and 5 small squares in height, which equals 0.2 seconds long and 5mm tall (0.5 mV). Choice A is incorrect because while the duration is correct, the height mentioned is not accurate. Choice B is incorrect as it provides the correct height but the duration is inaccurate. Choice C is incorrect as the height mentioned is exaggerated, and the duration is correct but the height is not. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.04 seconds long and 1mm tall.

4. A physician's order instructs a nurse to take a temperature at the axilla. Where would the nurse place the thermometer?

• A. In the rectum
• B. In the mouth
• C. On the temples
• D. In the armpit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a physician's order specifies taking a temperature at the axilla, the nurse should place the thermometer in the armpit. The axilla is the anatomical area of the armpit located under the arms, proximal to the trunk. Placing the thermometer in the rectum (Choice A) is used for rectal temperature measurements, in the mouth (Choice B) for oral temperature measurements, and on the temples (Choice C) is not a common site for temperature assessment. Therefore, the correct placement based on the given instruction is in the armpit.

5. When assessing a 75-year-old patient who has asthma, the nurse notes that the patient assumes a tripod position, leaning forward with arms braced on the chair. How would the nurse interpret these findings?

• A. Interpret that the patient is eager and interested in participating in the interview.
• B. Evaluate the patient for abdominal pain, which may be exacerbated in the sitting position.
• C. Interpret that the patient is having difficulty breathing and assist them to a supine position.
• D. Recognize that a tripod position is often used when a patient is having respiratory difficulties.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assuming a tripod position"?leaning forward with arms braced on chair arms"?occurs with chronic pulmonary diseases like asthma. This position helps improve breathing by allowing better use of respiratory muscles. Option A is incorrect because assuming the tripod position is not related to being eager or interested in participating in an interview. Option B is incorrect as abdominal pain is not typically associated with the tripod position in this context. Option C is incorrect as assisting the patient to a supine position would not address the underlying respiratory difficulty indicated by the tripod position. Therefore, the correct interpretation is to recognize that the patient is likely experiencing respiratory difficulties when assuming the tripod position.

Similar Questions