Nursing Elites

1. What nursing diagnosis would be most appropriate for a patient with heart failure?

• A. risk for infection
• B. fluid volume excess
• C. impaired body temperature
• D. ineffective airway clearance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient with heart failure is 'fluid volume excess.' In heart failure, the heart's reduced pumping ability leads to fluid retention, causing an excess of fluid in the body. This can result in symptoms such as edema, shortness of breath, and weight gain. 'Risk for infection,' 'impaired body temperature,' and 'ineffective airway clearance' are not the most appropriate nursing diagnoses for a patient with heart failure as they do not directly relate to the pathophysiology and common issues seen in heart failure patients.

2. Each statement is true of rickets, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Rickets is being diagnosed more frequently in the United States.
• B. Rickets is caused by vitamin C deficiency.
• C. Tachetic deformities such as bow legs or knock-knees develop.
• D. A narrow and distorted chest occurs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Rickets is caused by vitamin D deficiency, not vitamin C deficiency. It usually occurs in children who are 1 to 3 years old. The name rickets came from the word 'wrikken,' meaning 'to bend or twist.' Common manifestations of rickets include tachetic deformities like bow legs or knock-knees, a narrow and distorted chest, and failure of the epiphyses of bones to develop normally, resulting in twisted and warped bones. While the diagnosis of rickets may be increasing in the United States, it is not caused by a lack of vitamin C.

3. A nurse is initiating continuous enteral feedings for a client who has a new gastrostomy tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Measure the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours.
• B. Obtain the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours.
• C. Keep the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings.
• D. Flush the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours is essential to maintain tube patency and prevent blockages. This action helps ensure the continuous flow of enteral feedings without obstruction. Measuring the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours (Choice A) is important but not the priority when initiating enteral feedings. Obtaining the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours (Choice B) is unnecessary and not directly related to tube feeding initiation. Keeping the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings (Choice C) is a good practice to prevent aspiration, but tube flushing is more crucial to prevent tube occlusion.

4. In taking the client’s blood pressure, the nurse should position the client’s arm:

• A. At the level of the heart
• B. Slightly above the level of the heart
• C. At the 5th intercostals space midclavicular line
• D. Below the level of the heart

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proper patient positioning is essential for maximizing lung expansion and promoting the drainage of secretions. Postural drainage techniques rely on gravity to help clear different lung segments, which is critical in preventing complications such as atelectasis or pneumonia in immobilized patients.

5. Which physiologic role does vitamin C play in the body?

• A. Transcribing DNA to RNA
• B. Absorption and regulation of calcium
• C. Protects integrity of cellular membranes
• D. Catalyst for synthesis of blood-clotting factors

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Vitamin C plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity of cellular membranes. It is essential for collagen synthesis, which is important for wound healing and maintaining skin, blood vessels, and other tissues. Choice A is incorrect as the transcription of DNA to RNA is facilitated by vitamin A. Choice B is incorrect as calcium absorption and regulation are functions of vitamin D. Choice D is incorrect as vitamin K serves as a catalyst for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors, not vitamin C.

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