Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is teaching a nursing student about the minimal effective concentration (MEC) of antibiotics. Which statement by the nursing student indicates understanding of this concept?

• A. A serum drug level greater than the MEC ensures that the drug is bacteriostatic.
• B. A serum drug level greater than the MEC broadens the spectrum of the drug.
• C. A serum drug level greater than the MEC helps eradicate bacterial infections.
• D. A serum drug level greater than the MEC increases the therapeutic index.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The MEC is the minimum amount of drug needed to halt the growth of a microorganism. A level greater than the MEC helps eradicate infections. Drugs at or above the MEC are usually bactericidal, not bacteriostatic. Therefore, choice A is incorrect. Broadening the spectrum of a drug refers to its range of activity against different microorganisms, which is not directly related to MEC. Thus, choice B is incorrect. Increasing the therapeutic index involves maximizing the effectiveness of a drug while minimizing its toxicity, which is not specifically related to MEC. Therefore, choice D is also incorrect.

2. Which of the following is the best indicator of long-term glycemic control in a patient with diabetes?

• A. Fasting blood glucose levels.
• B. Postprandial blood glucose levels.
• C. Hemoglobin A1c.
• D. Random blood glucose levels.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Hemoglobin A1c. Hemoglobin A1c measures the average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months, providing a reliable indicator of long-term glycemic control. Fasting blood glucose levels (choice A) only offer a snapshot of the current glucose level and can fluctuate throughout the day. Postprandial blood glucose levels (choice B) reflect glucose levels after meals but do not give a comprehensive view of long-term control. Random blood glucose levels (choice D) are taken at any time and lack the consistency needed to assess long-term glycemic control effectively. Therefore, Hemoglobin A1c is the superior choice for monitoring and managing diabetes over an extended period.

3. In the change-of-shift report, the nurse is told that a client has a Stage 2 pressure ulcer. Which ulcer appearance is most likely to be observed?

• A. Shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed.
• B. A deep pocket of infection and necrotic tissues.
• C. An area of erythema that is painful to touch.
• D. Visible subcutaneous tissue with sloughing.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A Stage 2 pressure ulcer typically presents as a shallow open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed. This appearance is characteristic of a Stage 2 pressure ulcer where there is partial thickness skin loss involving the epidermis and possibly the dermis. Choice B, a deep pocket of infection and necrotic tissues, is more indicative of a Stage 3 or Stage 4 pressure ulcer where the ulcer extends into deeper tissue layers. Choice C, an area of erythema that is painful to touch, is more commonly seen in early-stage pressure ulcers such as Stage 1. Choice D, visible subcutaneous tissue with sloughing, is characteristic of a more severe stage of pressure ulcer beyond Stage 2.

4. The client is planning care for a client who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?

• A. Administer anticoagulants to prevent clot formation.
• B. Monitor the client for signs of infection.
• C. Provide the client with a high-protein diet.
• D. Encourage the client to drink at least 2 liters of fluid daily.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring for signs of infection is crucial in clients receiving hemodialysis because they are at an increased risk of infection due to the invasive nature of the procedure. Administering anticoagulants is not typically a part of the routine care for clients undergoing hemodialysis unless specifically prescribed. While a high-protein diet may be beneficial for some clients, it is not a specific intervention related to hemodialysis. Encouraging fluid intake must be individualized based on the client's fluid status and should not be a generalized recommendation for all clients receiving hemodialysis.

5. A client is returning home after arthroscopy of the shoulder. The nurse should tell the client:

• A. To resume full activity the next day
• B. Not to eat or drink anything until the next morning
• C. To keep the shoulder completely immobilized for the rest of the day
• D. To report to the physician the development of fever or redness and heat at the site

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After arthroscopy, it is important for the client to report any signs of infection, such as the development of fever or redness and heat at the site, to the physician promptly. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. The client should not resume full activity the next day as rest and limited movement are usually recommended post-arthroscopy. It is not necessary to withhold food or fluids until the next morning; the client may resume the usual diet immediately unless otherwise instructed. While immobilization may be recommended for a period, keeping the shoulder completely immobilized for the rest of the day is not typically necessary post-arthroscopy.

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