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. The nurse notes that the fall might also cause a possible head injury. The patient will be observed for signs of increased intracranial pressure which include:

• A. Narrowing of the pulse pressure
• B. Vomiting
• C. Periorbital edema
• D. A positive Kernig's sign

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Periorbital edema is a sign of increased intracranial pressure. It is caused by fluid accumulation around the eyes due to compromised drainage. Narrowing of the pulse pressure is more indicative of shock than increased intracranial pressure. While vomiting can be a sign of increased intracranial pressure, it is not as specific as periorbital edema. A positive Kernig's sign is associated with meningitis, not increased intracranial pressure.

3. The breakdown in teamwork is often times a failure in:

• A. Electricity
• B. Inadequate supply
• C. Leg work
• D. Communication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patient safety and efficacy of care depend on actions rooted in established nursing protocols that consider both the immediate and long-term needs of the patient.

4. During an initial visit with an older adult client living alone and having difficulty preparing meals, what should the home health nurse do first?

• A. Discuss nutritional requirements with the client.
• B. Refer the client to a senior citizen center.
• C. Arrange for a home-delivered meal program.
• D. Perform a nutrition screening.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing a nutrition screening is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take first. This allows the nurse to assess the client's current nutritional status and identify any specific needs. Discussing nutritional requirements with the client (Choice A) may be important but should come after the initial assessment. Referring the client to a senior citizen center (Choice B) or arranging for a home-delivered meal program (Choice C) are actions that may be considered later based on the findings of the nutrition screening.

5. The oral cavity is the site of a wide variety of systemic disease manifestations due to:

• A. Rapid cellular turnover
• B. Constant attack by microorganisms
• C. Trauma-intense environment
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The oral cavity is indeed the site of various systemic disease manifestations due to multiple factors. Firstly, the rapid cellular turnover in the oral mucosa makes it susceptible to diseases. Secondly, the constant presence of microorganisms in the oral cavity contributes to the development of systemic diseases. Finally, the oral cavity being a trauma-intense environment further increases the risk of systemic manifestations. Therefore, all the provided options - rapid cellular turnover, constant attack by microorganisms, and a trauma-intense environment - play a role in making the oral cavity a site for various systemic diseases. Hence, the correct answer is 'All of the above.' Choices A, B, and C are incorrect individually as they each represent only one aspect of why the oral cavity is prone to systemic disease manifestations, whereas the correct answer encompasses all these factors.

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