Nursing Elites

1. In the management of heart failure, which diuretic is preferred due to its demonstrated significant mortality reduction in patients with heart failure?

• A. Furosemide (Lasix)
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL)
• C. Spironolactone (Aldactone)
• D. Mannitol (Osmitrol)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, is the preferred choice in heart failure due to its cardio-protective effect, leading to reduced mortality in patients with heart failure. It is used to manage both hypertension and edema, making it a valuable option in heart failure treatment.

2. What is the goal of pharmacologic therapy in the treatment of Parkinson�s disease?

• A. To increase the amount of acetylcholine at the pre-synaptic neurons
• B. To reduce the amount of dopamine available in the substantia nigra
• C. To balance cholinergic and dopaminergic activity in the brain
• D. To block dopamine receptors in pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Parkinson�s disease results from a decrease in dopaminergic (inhibitory) activity, leaving an imbalance with too much cholinergic (excitatory) activity. With an increase in dopamine, the neurotransmitter activity becomes more balanced, and symptoms are controlled.

3. Following a child's return from exploratory surgery due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen, which nursing intervention should be excluded from the plan of care?

• A. Immediate initiation of oral feedings
• B. Assessment of the surgical site
• C. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management
• D. Visitation at the bedside

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Immediate initiation of oral feedings should be excluded from the plan of care post-abdominal surgery due to the risk of bowel complications like paralytic ileus or anastomotic leak. Starting oral feedings immediately can increase these risks and hinder healing. It is crucial to wait until bowel function returns and the patient shows signs of tolerance before introducing oral feedings. Assessment of the surgical site is necessary to monitor for any signs of infection or complications. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management is essential for ensuring the patient's comfort post-surgery. Visitation at the bedside provides emotional support and can aid in the patient's recovery. Therefore, the correct answer is to exclude immediate initiation of oral feedings.

4. Why is the specific gravity for infants lower than for older children?

• A. Infants have a greater body surface area.
• B. Infants have a higher basal metabolic rate.
• C. Infants have a greater percentage of body weight that is water.
• D. Infants' kidneys are less able to concentrate urine.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because infants' kidneys are less developed compared to older children, making them less efficient at concentrating urine. This results in a lower specific gravity in infants. The other choices do not directly explain why the specific gravity is lower in infants.

5. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to the parent of a school-age child with cystic fibrosis. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. You should offer your child high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day
• B. Your child should decrease dietary fats to less than 10% of their caloric intake
• C. Your child will need to take a 1-gram sodium chloride tablet daily throughout their lifetime
• D. You should calculate your child's carbohydrate needs based on their daily activities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The parent should provide a well-balanced diet that is high in protein and calories for a child with cystic fibrosis. This diet helps meet the child's increased energy requirements. Offering high-protein meals and snacks throughout the day is essential to ensure adequate nutrition and energy intake for children with cystic fibrosis. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because children with cystic fibrosis actually need a higher fat intake for proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, sodium chloride supplementation is not a general recommendation for all children with cystic fibrosis, and carbohydrate needs are usually based on maintaining adequate weight and growth rather than daily activities.

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