Nursing Elites

1. Which of these statements is true regarding advance directives?

• A. They must be reviewed and re-signed every 10 years in order to remain valid.
• B. An advance directive is legally valid in every state, regardless of the state it was created in.
• C. A physician must determine when a client is unable to make medical decisions for themselves.
• D. They cannot be honored by EMTs (emergency medical technicians) unless signed by a doctor.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement is that advance directives cannot be honored by EMTs unless they are signed by a doctor. EMTs are required to provide emergency care to a client, irrespective of their advance directive status, unless the directive has been signed by a doctor. When a client is brought to the hospital, physicians will assess the client and implement the advance directive if necessary. Advance directives do not need to be reviewed and re-signed every 10 years to remain valid; they remain in effect until changed. While advance directives are legally valid in most states, some states may not honor those created in other states, so it's advisable to check the new state's policies if a client moves. Additionally, it typically requires two physicians, not just one, to determine if a client is unable to make medical decisions for themselves.

2. What is the purpose of the hydraulic lift (Hoyer lift)?

• A. To assist clients who have had orthopedic surgery.
• B. To assist clients who are unable to stand and extremely obese clients.
• C. To assist clients of all ages in a hospital setting.
• D. To assist clients with special needs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The purpose of the hydraulic lift, also known as the Hoyer lift, is to facilitate safe transfers for clients who cannot stand or are extremely obese. It is specifically designed for assisting clients who are unable to stand and for those who are too heavy for healthcare workers to lift safely. Choice A is incorrect because the primary purpose of a hydraulic lift is not related to orthopedic surgery. Choice C is incorrect because it is too broad and does not capture the specific use of the hydraulic lift. Choice D is incorrect because the lift is not solely for clients with special needs but rather for those who cannot stand or are extremely obese.

3. Why might breast implants interfere with mammography?

• A. They might cause additional discomfort.
• B. They are contraindications to mammography.
• C. They are likely to be dislodged.
• D. They might prevent detection of masses.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Breast implants can interfere with mammography by potentially preventing the detection of masses. The presence of implants can obscure a clear view of breast tissue, making it difficult to identify abnormalities such as masses that may indicate breast cancer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because discomfort, contraindications, and dislodgment are not primary reasons why breast implants interfere with mammography. The main concern is the impedance of detecting abnormalities accurately due to the implants.

4. Which of the following syndromes associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord?

• A. Brown-S�quard syndrome
• B. posterior cord syndrome
• C. central cord syndrome
• D. cauda equina syndrome

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Brown-S�quard syndrome is indeed associated with incomplete lesions of the spinal cord, and it specifically results from damage to one-half of the spinal cord. This syndrome manifests as ipsilateral motor paralysis, ipsilateral loss of vibration and proprioception, and contralateral loss of pain and temperature sensation. Posterior cord syndrome mainly involves the loss of proprioception and vibratory sense, while sparing motor function and pain sensation. Central cord syndrome typically presents with more weakness in the upper extremities compared to the lower extremities due to central spinal cord damage. Cauda equina syndrome affects the nerve roots at the level of the conus medullaris, leading to symptoms like lower extremity weakness, numbness, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

5. A client with a nasogastric (NG) tube begins vomiting. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Retape the NG tube.
• B. Clamp the NG tube.
• C. Remove the NG tube.
• D. Check the NG tube placement.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube begins vomiting, the nurse should first check the NG tube placement. Vomiting can be a sign of tube displacement, which can lead to serious complications. Retaping the tube (Choice A), clamping it (Choice B), or removing it (Choice C) without first assessing its placement can be harmful or ineffective. Checking the NG tube placement is crucial as it ensures that the tube is in the correct position and prevents potential complications. Retaping the NG tube (Choice A) is incorrect because the priority is to check the placement first. Clamping the NG tube (Choice B) or removing it (Choice C) without verifying the placement can be dangerous if the tube is dislodged. Thus, these actions should not be taken before confirming the tube's position.

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