Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

2. A nurse is preparing to administer a gavage feeding via a nasogastric tube to a preterm newborn who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Stabilize the tube with tape to the newborn’s cheek.
• B. Remove supplemental oxygen during the feeding.
• C. Measure the stomach aspirate prior to the feeding.
• D. Place the newborn on their left side for 30 minutes after the feeding.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Measuring the stomach aspirate prior to the feeding is crucial to ensure the correct placement and function of the nasogastric tube. This step helps prevent complications such as aspiration or improper feeding. Choice A is incorrect as stabilizing the tube with tape to the newborn’s cheek can cause discomfort and skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect because removing supplemental oxygen during the feeding may compromise the newborn's respiratory status. Choice D is incorrect because placing the newborn on their left side for 30 minutes after the feeding is not a standard practice and is unnecessary for administering gavage feeding.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who has malnutrition. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased vital capacity
• B. Dry skin
• C. Heat intolerance
• D. Decreased mental status

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnutrition can lead to a variety of physical and mental symptoms. One common manifestation of malnutrition is a decreased mental status, which includes confusion, lethargy, and cognitive impairment. Dry skin is a typical finding in malnutrition due to the lack of essential nutrients needed for skin health. Heat intolerance is not a direct consequence of malnutrition. While malnutrition can affect respiratory function, it typically leads to decreased vital capacity rather than increased. Therefore, the correct answer is decreased mental status.

4. A client with anorexia undergoing radiation therapy is being taught by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Limit high-calorie supplements to between meals
• B. Avoid overeating during your 'good' days
• C. Eat hot foods instead of cold foods
• D. Consume nutrient-dense foods first

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with anorexia undergoing radiation therapy is to consume nutrient-dense foods first. This ensures that the client receives the necessary calories and nutrients. Option A is incorrect because high-calorie supplements should not be limited but rather incorporated wisely into the diet. Option B is incorrect as overeating is not recommended regardless of the type of day. Option C is incorrect as there is no specific preference for hot foods over cold foods in managing anorexia during radiation therapy.

5. An elderly man is hospitalized with a diagnosis of malnutrition three months following his wife's death. What risk factor for malnutrition does this scenario illustrate?

• A. A history of chronic illness
• B. Depression or social isolation
• C. Age
• D. Impaired mobility

Correct answer: B

Rationale: This scenario illustrates depression or social isolation as a risk factor for malnutrition. After the death of his wife, the elderly man may have experienced depression or social isolation, which can lead to decreased food intake and poor nutritional status. Although age, chronic illness, and impaired mobility can also contribute to malnutrition, they are not the primary factors described in this scenario. The history of chronic illness (Choice A) and impaired mobility (Choice D) were not mentioned in the scenario, and while age (Choice C) is a factor, it's not the main factor depicted in this case.

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