Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is a factor that leads to increased risk for dehydration in the elderly?

• A. More insensible losses
• B. Increase in muscle mass
• C. Decline in kidney function
• D. Decrease in fat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decline in kidney function. As people age, their kidneys may not work as effectively in conserving water and concentrating urine, leading to a higher risk of dehydration. Choice A is incorrect because more insensible losses do not directly relate to an increased risk of dehydration in the elderly. Choice B, an increase in muscle mass, is not a factor that leads to dehydration. Choice D, a decrease in fat, is also not a direct factor contributing to dehydration in the elderly.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS?

• A. HIV only infects B cells
• B. HIV is a retrovirus
• C. Infection does not require a host cell receptor
• D. After infection, cell death is immediate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. HIV is a retrovirus that infects T cells and leads to the gradual destruction of the immune system. Choice A is incorrect because HIV infects T cells primarily, not just B cells. Choice C is incorrect because HIV infection requires host cell receptors for entry. Choice D is incorrect because cell death after HIV infection is not immediate; instead, the virus gradually weakens the immune system over time.

3. A patient is taking alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis. What instructions should the nurse provide to ensure the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Take the medication with a full glass of water and remain upright for at least 30 minutes.
• B. Take the medication at bedtime to ensure absorption during sleep.
• C. Take the medication with milk to enhance calcium absorption.
• D. Take the medication with food to prevent nausea.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water, and patients should remain upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Taking the medication at bedtime (choice B) is not recommended as it can lead to esophageal irritation when lying down. Taking the medication with milk (choice C) is incorrect as it may interfere with the absorption of alendronate. Taking the medication with food (choice D) is not recommended as it may reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

4. A patient who was frequently homeless over the past several years has begun a drug regimen consisting solely of isoniazid (INH). What is this patient's most likely diagnosis?

• A. Active tuberculosis
• B. Latent tuberculosis
• C. Mycobacterium avium complex
• D. Human immunodeficiency virus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Active tuberculosis. Given the patient's history of homelessness and initiation of isoniazid (INH) treatment, the most likely diagnosis is active tuberculosis. Isoniazid is a first-line medication used in the treatment of active tuberculosis. Latent tuberculosis (choice B) would not typically necessitate treatment with isoniazid alone. Mycobacterium avium complex (choice C) is not typically treated with isoniazid alone. Human immunodeficiency virus (choice D) is a risk factor for developing tuberculosis but is not the primary diagnosis in this patient scenario.

5. When reviewing the purpose/action of neurotransmitters as they interact with different receptors, the nursing instructor gives an example using acetylcholine. When acetylcholine is released at the sinoatrial node in the right atrium of the heart, it is:

• A. positively charged.
• B. inhibitory.
• C. overstimulated.
• D. dormant.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetylcholine acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter at the sinoatrial node. It slows down the heart rate by decreasing the firing rate of the sinoatrial node, which serves as the heart's natural pacemaker. Neurotransmitters do not have a charge, so choice A is incorrect. Choice C is wrong as overstimulation is not a characteristic of acetylcholine at the sinoatrial node. Choice D is also incorrect because acetylcholine actively influences heart rate regulation when released at the sinoatrial node.

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