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. When the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, the condition is called

• A. Alloimmunity
• B. Opsonization
• C. Autoimmunity
• D. Hypersensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, autoimmunity. Autoimmunity refers to the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Alloimmunity (choice A) is the immune response to tissues of another individual of the same species. Opsonization (choice B) is the process where pathogens are marked for destruction by immune cells. Hypersensitivity (choice D) refers to excessive or inappropriate immune responses.

3. A 5-month-old child is admitted to the hospital with recurring respiratory infections. A possible cause of this condition is:

• A. Hypergammaglobulinemia
• B. Increased maternal IgG
• C. Immune insufficiency
• D. Decreased maternal antibody breakdown, resulting in hyposensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Immune insufficiency is a possible cause of recurring respiratory infections in a 5-month-old child. In this scenario, the child's immune system may not be functioning optimally, leading to a susceptibility to infections. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Hypergammaglobulinemia refers to high levels of gamma globulins in the blood and is not typically associated with recurring respiratory infections in this context. Increased maternal IgG would provide passive immunity to the child, offering some protection against infections. Decreased maternal antibody breakdown leading to hyposensitivity is not a common cause of recurring respiratory infections in a 5-month-old child.

4. 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.

5. A staff member asks what leukocytosis means. How should the nurse respond? Leukocytosis can be defined as:

• A. A normal leukocyte count
• B. A high leukocyte count
• C. A low leukocyte count
• D. Another term for leukopenia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Leukocytosis refers to an abnormally high leukocyte count. This condition is characterized by an elevated number of white blood cells in the bloodstream. Choice A is incorrect because leukocytosis does not refer to a normal leukocyte count. Choice C is incorrect as leukocytosis is not related to a low leukocyte count. Choice D is incorrect as leukopenia is the opposite of leukocytosis, indicating a low white blood cell count.

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