Nursing Elites

1. What physiologic role does calcium play in the body?

• A. Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation
• B. Calcium homeostasis, structural integrity of heart muscle
• C. No known metabolic function, caries-preventing properties
• D. ATP energy release; metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins; regulates acid-base balance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation.' Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological functions such as blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, membrane permeability, and activation of certain enzymes. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is involved in calcium homeostasis, it is not the only role it plays in the body. Choice C is incorrect as calcium indeed has several known metabolic functions, and it is not solely for preventing caries. Choice D is also incorrect as the functions mentioned are primarily carried out by other nutrients and not specifically by calcium.

2. A patient with an ileostomy is suffering from frequent diarrhea. The clinician should advise the patient to increase his intake of what food to thicken stool output?

• A. celery
• B. salad greens
• C. potatoes
• D. dried beans and peas

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potatoes are starchy and can help thicken stool output, making them beneficial for patients with an ileostomy experiencing diarrhea.

3. What gastrointestinal side effects are associated with antisecretory drugs such as proton pump inhibitors?

• A. Nausea and vomiting
• B. Gastroparesis
• C. Dumping syndrome
• D. Flatulence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a type of antisecretory drug that can cause nausea and vomiting by altering stomach acid production. These are common side effects associated with PPIs. Gastroparesis (B) is a condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying; it is not a side effect of PPIs. Dumping syndrome (C) is a group of symptoms that can occur after having part of your stomach removed and is not a side effect of PPIs. While some people might experience flatulence (D) when taking PPIs, it is not as commonly associated with these drugs as the effects of nausea and vomiting.

4. Which of the following interventions should be considered the highest priority when caring for June, who has hemiparesis secondary to a stroke?

• A. Position June in an upright lateral position
• B. Perform range of motion exercises
• C. Apply antiembolic stockings
• D. Use hand rolls or pillows for support

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Apply antiembolic stockings'. In the case of a patient who has experienced a stroke and is suffering from hemiparesis, the highest priority intervention is to prevent further complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening. Antiembolic stockings are used to increase venous blood flow velocity and reduce the risk of DVT. Choice 'A', positioning June in an upright lateral position, while important for overall care, is not the highest priority. Choice 'B', performing range of motion exercises, is an important part of recovery but not the immediate priority. Choice 'D', using hand rolls or pillows for support, is also a valuable intervention but does not address the most pressing risk of further complications.

5. Chest x-ray was ordered after thoracentesis. When your client asks what is the reason for another chest x-ray, you will explain:

• A. to rule out pneumothorax
• B. to rule out any possible perforation
• C. to decongest
• D. to rule out any foreign body

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.

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