Nursing Elites

1. The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is:

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is sodium. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and is the primary cation in extracellular fluids like plasma and interstitial fluid. Potassium is the primary cation within cells, not in extracellular fluids, making it an incorrect choice. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals but are not the principal cations in plasma and interstitial fluid, so they are also incorrect choices.

2. Which type of medication is most likely to induce xerostomia?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Diuretics
• C. Local anesthetics
• D. Anticholinergics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Anticholinergics. Anticholinergic medications commonly cause xerostomia by inhibiting saliva production, leading to dry mouth. Antibiotics (choice A) are not typically associated with xerostomia. Diuretics (choice B) increase urine production but do not directly affect saliva production. Local anesthetics (choice C) are used to numb specific areas during dental procedures and do not induce xerostomia.

3. A nurse is teaching a group of clients about stress. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Protein requirements decrease in times of stress.
• B. Acute stress causes an increase in metabolism.
• C. Stress causes a positive nitrogen balance in the body.
• D. Glucose is broken down more slowly during times of stress.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute stress causes an increase in metabolism. During acute stress, the body's fight-or-flight response is activated, leading to an increase in metabolism to provide energy for the body to respond to the stressor. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Protein requirements actually increase during times of stress to support the body's needs. Stress typically leads to a negative nitrogen balance in the body, not a positive one. Glucose is broken down more rapidly, not slowly, during times of stress to provide immediate energy.

4. In order to establish and maintain successful breastfeeding, which practice should a lactating mother try to follow?

• A. Initiate breastfeeding within 24 hours of birth
• B. Breastfeed on a schedule of every 2 to 3 hours
• C. Give a pacifier to an infant between feedings
• D. Find a breastfeeding support group to troubleshoot problems

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Finding a breastfeeding support group is crucial for a lactating mother to establish and maintain successful breastfeeding. This group can offer valuable advice, tips, and encouragement, helping the mother troubleshoot any issues that may arise during breastfeeding. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because breastfeeding is a natural process that should not be overly scheduled, and giving a pacifier between feedings can interfere with establishing proper breastfeeding techniques.

5. A client with chronic pancreatitis is receiving discharge teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. "You should decrease your caloric intake when experiencing abdominal pain."?
• B. "You should increase your daily intake of protein."?
• C. "You should increase fat intake when experiencing loose stools."?
• D. "You should limit alcohol intake to 2-3 drinks per week."?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In chronic pancreatitis, it is important to increase protein intake to support healing and prevent malnutrition. Choice A is incorrect because decreasing caloric intake during abdominal pain may lead to further nutritional deficiencies. Choice C is incorrect as increasing fat intake can exacerbate symptoms due to the impaired fat digestion in chronic pancreatitis. Choice D is incorrect as alcohol should be completely avoided in chronic pancreatitis to prevent further damage to the pancreas.

Similar Questions