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 enzyme digests fiber in the large intestine?

• A. salivary amylase
• B. pancreatic amylase
• C. cellulase
• D. none of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'none of the above.' Human digestive enzymes like salivary amylase and pancreatic amylase cannot digest fiber. Instead, fiber is fermented by gut bacteria in the large intestine. Cellulase, which is an enzyme produced by some animals and microorganisms, can break down cellulose found in plants, but it is not a human digestive enzyme, making it an incorrect choice in this context.

3. Major complications of diabetes include damage to the:

• A. stomach, liver, and pancreas
• B. eyes, nerves, and kidneys
• C. skin, blood vessels, and lungs
• D. brain, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: eyes, nerves, and kidneys. In diabetes, major complications result from damage to small blood vessels that supply these organs. Damage to the eyes can lead to retinopathy, to the nerves causing neuropathy, and to the kidneys causing nephropathy. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the typical major complications associated with diabetes.

4. Keeping Conrad’s head and neck alignment results in:

• A. increased intrathoracic pressure
• B. increased venous outflow
• C. decreased venous outflow
• D. increased intraabdominal pressure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective nursing care involves comprehensive assessments that address all aspects of a patient's condition, ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted and outcomes are optimized.

5. Where does carbohydrate digestion begin?

• A. Mouth
• B. Esophagus
• C. Stomach
• D. Small intestine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Carbohydrate digestion begins in the mouth. The enzyme amylase, found in saliva, starts the process by breaking down starches into sugars. The esophagus is a passageway for food to reach the stomach and does not participate in digestion. The stomach mainly digests proteins and is not the primary site for carbohydrate breakdown. While the small intestine does play a crucial role in digesting carbohydrates, it is not where the process initiates. Therefore, the correct answer is the mouth.

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