Nursing Elites

1. When assessing an adolescent with depression, what is the most important question for the nurse to ask?

• A. What is causing your feelings of depression?
• B. Have you ever thought about suicide?
• C. What actions can we take to improve your mood?
• D. Would you like your friends to come over?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Have you ever thought about suicide?' When assessing an adolescent with depression, it is crucial to ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts. This helps determine the severity of the situation, especially if the person has considered or planned to harm themselves. Choice A is not as direct and specific to suicidal ideation. Choice C focuses on improving mood rather than assessing the risk of harm. Choice D is unrelated to assessing suicidal ideation and the severity of the depression.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is most indicative of this condition?

• A. Elevated serum amylase
• B. Decreased serum bilirubin
• C. Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• D. Decreased alkaline phosphatase

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Elevated serum amylase is the most indicative laboratory result of acute pancreatitis. In this condition, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to the leakage of amylase and lipase into the bloodstream. Elevated serum amylase levels are a classic finding in acute pancreatitis. Choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. Decreased serum bilirubin, increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and decreased alkaline phosphatase levels are not specific markers for acute pancreatitis.

3. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the heparin?

• A. Complete blood count (CBC)
• B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• C. Prothrombin time (PT)
• D. International normalized ratio (INR)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). This test is used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy. A complete blood count (CBC) (choice A) is not specific for monitoring heparin therapy. Prothrombin time (PT) (choice C) and International normalized ratio (INR) (choice D) are more commonly used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin.

4. What is the main characteristic of cystic fibrosis?

• A. Multiple upper respiratory infections
• B. An underproduction of exocrine glands
• C. Excessive, thick mucus
• D. An overproduction of thin mucus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main characteristic of cystic fibrosis is the production of excessive, thick mucus. This thick mucus leads to blockages in the airways, digestive system, and other organs. Choice A is incorrect because while individuals with cystic fibrosis are more prone to respiratory infections, the main characteristic is the mucus production. Choice B is incorrect as cystic fibrosis is characterized by the overproduction, not underproduction, of exocrine glands. Choice D is also incorrect as the mucus produced in cystic fibrosis is thick, not thin.

5. The nurse is caring for a child who has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). What is the most important intervention for the nurse?

• A. Help the child enroll in a special education class.
• B. Allay any feelings of guilt the parents may have.
• C. Explain to the parents that medications are lifelong.
• D. Teach the parents how to set limits.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important intervention for the nurse in caring for a child with ADHD is to allay any feelings of guilt the parents may have. Parents of children with ADHD often experience guilt or self-blame, thinking they are responsible for their child's condition. By addressing and alleviating these feelings, the nurse can support the parents in a crucial way. Choice A is not the most important intervention because enrolling the child in a special education class might be a consideration but does not address the emotional needs of the parents. Choice C is incorrect because stating that medications are lifelong may cause unnecessary distress to the parents. Choice D is also not the most important intervention as setting limits is important but not as critical as addressing parental guilt and emotions.

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