Nursing Elites

1. You are caring for Thomas N., a 77-year-old man with edema in his legs and a fluid restriction. You have been assigned to weigh him daily. Based on these symptoms and the care he is receiving, what disorder is he most likely affected by?

• A. Diabetes
• B. Dementia
• C. Congestive heart failure
• D. Contiguous heart disease

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thomas N.'s symptoms of edema in his legs and fluid restriction point towards congestive heart failure (CHF) rather than dementia or diabetes. In CHF, patients often present with dependent edema in their legs due to excessive blood volume, leading to fluid intake restrictions and a low-salt diet. Daily weight monitoring is crucial in CHF to assess fluid retention or loss. Diabetes primarily affects blood sugar levels, dementia is a cognitive disorder, and 'Contiguous heart disease' is not a recognized medical term, making choices A, B, and D incorrect in this scenario.

2. When taking a patient’s history, she mentions being depressed and dealing with an anxiety disorder. Which of the following medications would the patient most likely be taking?

• A. Amitriptyline (Elavil)
• B. Calcitonin
• C. Pergolide mesylate (Permax)
• D. Verapamil (Calan)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Amitriptyline (Elavil) as it is a tricyclic antidepressant commonly used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. Amitriptyline works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Calcitonin is a hormone used in the treatment of osteoporosis; Pergolide mesylate is a dopamine agonist used in Parkinson's disease; Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and certain heart conditions, not mental health disorders.

3. A nursing student caring for a 6-month-old infant is asked to collect a sample for urinalysis from the infant. How should the student collect the specimen?

• A. Catheterizing the infant using the smallest available Foley catheter
• B. Attaching a urinary collection device to the infant's perineum for collection
• C. Obtaining the specimen from the diaper by squeezing the diaper after the infant voids
• D. Noting the time of the next expected voiding and then preparing a specimen cup for the urine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct method for collecting a urine sample from an infant for urinalysis is by attaching a urinary collection device to the infant's perineum. This device is a plastic bag with an adhesive opening that allows it to be secured to the perineum to collect urine. Catheterizing the infant with a Foley catheter should not be done unless specifically prescribed due to the risk of infection. Obtaining the specimen from the diaper by squeezing it after the infant voids may not provide an accurate sample for urinalysis. Trying to predict the time of the next voiding to prepare a specimen cup is not practical or reliable in ensuring an appropriate sample for urinalysis.

4. A woman in her third trimester complains of severe heartburn. What is appropriate teaching by the nurse to help the woman alleviate these symptoms?

• A. Drink small amounts of liquids frequently
• B. Eat the evening meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime
• C. Take sodium bicarbonate after each meal
• D. Sleep with head propped on several pillows

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the third trimester, many women experience heartburn due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the stomach. Elevating the head while sleeping can help prevent gastric contents from refluxing back into the esophagus, thus reducing heartburn symptoms. Drinking small amounts of liquids frequently may exacerbate heartburn by increasing stomach distension. Eating the evening meal just before retiring can also worsen heartburn symptoms as lying down shortly after eating can promote reflux. Taking sodium bicarbonate after each meal is not recommended as it can disrupt the body's natural pH balance and lead to other complications.

5. When assessing a patient suspected to have Hepatitis, a nurse notes the patient's eyes are yellow-tinged. Which of the following diagnostic results would further assist in confirming this diagnosis?

• A. Decreased serum Bilirubin
• B. Elevated serum ALT levels
• C. Low RBC and Hemoglobin with increased WBCs
• D. Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Elevated serum ALT levels would further confirm the diagnosis of Hepatitis. ALT is a liver enzyme, and hepatitis is a liver disease. Elevated liver enzymes, such as ALT, often indicate liver damage. Choice A, 'Decreased serum Bilirubin,' is incorrect as elevated bilirubin levels are typically seen in hepatitis due to impaired bilirubin metabolism. Choices C and D are unrelated to confirming a diagnosis of hepatitis as they describe findings not specific to liver function or hepatitis. Low RBC and Hemoglobin with increased WBCs (Choice C) suggest a different condition like anemia or infection, not specific to liver disease. Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen level (Choice D) is more indicative of kidney function rather than liver function, thus not helpful in confirming hepatitis.

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