Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following nursing diagnoses would provide the most plausible indication for the use of epoetin alfa (Epogen) in a patient with renal failure?

• A. Risk for infection related to decreased erythropoiesis
• B. Activity intolerance related to decreased oxygen-carrying capacity
• C. Powerlessness related to sequelae of renal failure
• D. Ineffective breathing pattern related to inadequate erythropoietin synthesis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a patient with renal failure, the use of epoetin alfa (Epogen) is primarily aimed at addressing the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity due to impaired erythropoiesis. Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates red blood cell production, thereby improving the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This would directly address the activity intolerance commonly seen in patients with renal failure. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the primary purpose of using epoetin alfa in this context. Risk for infection, powerlessness, and ineffective breathing pattern are important considerations in the care of a patient with renal failure, but they are not the primary indications for using epoetin alfa.

2. Which of the following is the most appropriate diagnostic method for identifying lung cancer in its early stages?

• A. CT scan
• B. MRI
• C. X-ray
• D. Biopsy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A biopsy is the most appropriate method for diagnosing lung cancer in its early stages. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample from the lung for examination under a microscope. This method provides a definitive diagnosis by identifying cancerous cells. CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays can help detect abnormalities in the lungs, but a biopsy is necessary to confirm the presence of lung cancer. CT scans offer detailed images of the lung's structure, MRIs use magnetic fields for imaging soft tissues, and X-rays provide a basic view of the lungs, but none of these imaging techniques can definitively confirm the presence of cancer without a biopsy.

3. A patient is administered a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor in combination with a nonnucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor. What is the main rationale for administering these medications together?

• A. They improve treatment adherence.
• B. They reduce the duration of illness.
• C. They exhibit synergistic antiviral effects.
• D. They prevent opportunistic infections.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main rationale for administering a nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor in combination with a nonnucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor is that they exhibit synergistic antiviral effects when used together. This combination enhances their antiviral activity against HIV by targeting different steps in the viral replication cycle. Choice A is incorrect because the rationale for combining these medications is based on their antiviral effects, not treatment adherence. Choice B is incorrect because the primary purpose of combination therapy is not to reduce the duration of illness but to improve treatment efficacy. Choice D is incorrect as the main focus of this combination is not on preventing opportunistic infections but on directly targeting the HIV virus.

4. Which of the following clinical findings in a 51-year-old woman is consistent with Graves disease?

• A. Thin hair, exophthalmos, hyperreflexia, and pretibial edema.
• B. Thin hair, exophthalmos, weight gain, and constipation.
• C. Thick hair, bradycardia, weight loss, and dry skin.
• D. Thick hair, bradycardia, weight gain, and constipation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The clinical findings of thin hair, exophthalmos (bulging eyes), hyperreflexia, and pretibial edema are classic manifestations of Graves disease, an autoimmune condition that results in hyperthyroidism. Choice B is incorrect because weight gain and constipation are more indicative of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism seen in Graves disease. Choice C is incorrect as the symptoms described are more characteristic of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism. Choice D is also incorrect as the symptoms listed are not consistent with Graves disease but rather suggest hypothyroidism.

5. A nurse practitioner is assessing a 7-year-old boy who has been brought to the clinic by his mother, who is concerned about her son's increasingly frequent, severe headaches. Which of the nurse's questions is least likely to yield data that will confirm or rule out migraines as the cause of his problem?

• A. Does your son have a family history of migraines?
• B. When your son has a headache, does he ever have nausea and vomiting as well?
• C. Does your son have any food allergies that have been identified?
• D. Is your son generally pain-free during the intervals between headaches?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In assessing a child for migraines, asking about food allergies is least likely to yield data that will confirm or rule out migraines as the cause of his headaches. Food allergies are unrelated to the typical symptoms and triggers of migraines, such as family history, associated symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and pain-free intervals between headaches. Therefore, in this scenario, focusing on food allergies is less relevant for identifying migraines as the cause of the boy's headaches.

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