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 diabetes is often associated with a BMI greater than 25 and an increased percentage of body fat, particularly in the abdominal region, contributing to insulin resistance?

• A. Type 1 Diabetes
• B. Type 2 Diabetes
• C. Gestational Diabetes
• D. Prediabetes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Type 2 Diabetes is often associated with a BMI greater than 25 and an increased percentage of body fat, particularly in the abdominal region, contributing to insulin resistance. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition not primarily linked to BMI or body fat percentage. Gestational Diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is not directly related to BMI. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as Type 2 Diabetes; although it can be associated with higher BMI, it is not as definitive as in Type 2 Diabetes.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who reports muscle spasms in his calves and tingling in his hands. The client indicates consuming a low intake of milk products and green leafy vegetables. The nurse should identify that the client's findings indicate a deficiency in which of the following sources of nutrition?

• A. Iron
• B. Omega-3 fatty acids
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Calcium. Muscle spasms and tingling suggest a calcium deficiency, which is commonly associated with a low intake of milk products and green leafy vegetables. Iron (choice A) deficiency typically presents with fatigue and weakness, not muscle spasms and tingling. Omega-3 fatty acids (choice B) are essential for brain function and heart health, but their deficiency does not manifest as muscle spasms and tingling. Vitamin C (choice C) deficiency leads to scurvy with symptoms like bleeding gums and bruising, not muscle spasms and tingling.

4. When doing an initial assessment, the best way for you to identify the client’s priority problem is to:

• A. Interview the client for chief complaints and other symptoms
• B. Talk to the relatives to gather data about history of illness
• C. Do auscultation to check for chest congestion
• D. Do a physical examination while asking the client relevant questions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nursing interventions should be grounded in a deep understanding of the physiological processes involved, ensuring that care provided is both effective and efficient.

5. Vitamin deficiencies, especially the B-complex vitamins, seldom occur in isolation. Folate, a B-complex vitamin, is the exception because it functions separately from other vitamins.

• A. Both statements are true.
• B. Both statements are false.
• C. The first statement is true; the second is false.
• D. The first statement is false; the second is true.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first statement is true; the second is false. If a deficiency of one vitamin is suspected, symptoms of other vitamin B deficiencies also may be present. Folate deficiencies usually occur with other nutrient deficiencies. Specifically, folate functions in conjunction with vitamins B12 and C in maintaining normal levels of mature red blood cells.

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