Nursing Elites

1. A patient with hypothyroidism should be advised to consume more of which nutrient?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iodine
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Iron

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Iodine. Iodine is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones. A deficiency in iodine can lead to hypothyroidism. Calcium (Choice A) is important for bone health but is not directly related to thyroid function. Vitamin C (Choice C) is essential for the immune system and skin health but does not play a significant role in thyroid function. Iron (Choice D) is vital for red blood cell production and oxygen transport but is not specifically relevant to hypothyroidism.

2. The client diagnosed with acute vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin drip, an intravenous anticoagulant. The health care provider orders warfarin (Coumadin), an oral anticoagulant. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the heparin drip prior to initiating the Coumadin
• B. Check the client’s INR prior to beginning Coumadin
• C. Clarify the order with the health care provider as soon as possible
• D. Administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered. Heparin and warfarin are often given together initially because warfarin takes a few days to become effective. Discontinuing the heparin drip prior to initiating Coumadin could leave the patient without anticoagulation coverage during the period when warfarin's effects are not yet established. Checking the client's INR prior to beginning Coumadin is important but not the immediate action to take when both medications are ordered together. Clarifying the order with the health care provider is unnecessary in this scenario as it is common practice to give heparin and warfarin concurrently in the transition period.

3. The client has recently been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which intervention should the nurse teach the client to reduce symptoms?

• A. Instruct the client to avoid drinking fluids with meals
• B. Explain the need to decrease intake of flatus-forming foods
• C. Teach the client how to perform gentle perianal care
• D. Encourage the client to see a psychologist

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Decreasing the intake of flatus-forming foods can help reduce symptoms of bloating and discomfort in IBS. This intervention focuses on dietary modifications that can positively impact the client's condition. Instructing the client to avoid drinking fluids with meals (choice A) may not directly address the underlying cause of IBS symptoms. Teaching perianal care (choice C) is important for hygiene but does not directly address IBS symptoms. Encouraging the client to see a psychologist (choice D) may be beneficial for managing stress or anxiety associated with IBS but does not directly target symptom reduction through dietary changes.

4. What is the FIRST step in providing health care for a patient?

• A. Obtain and interpret vital signs
• B. Determine the needs of the patient
• C. Develop a plan of care
• D. Obtain lab work and x-rays

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step in providing health care for a patient is to determine the needs of the patient. Understanding the patient's requirements, concerns, and medical history is crucial before proceeding with any further steps. Option A, 'Obtain and interpret vital signs,' may be necessary but typically follows assessing the patient's needs. Option C, 'Develop a plan of care,' comes after identifying the patient's needs. Option D, 'Obtain lab work and x-rays,' is usually done based on the patient's needs and the developed plan of care, making it a later step in the process.

5. Which of the following is a primary factor that affects blood pressure?

• A. Obesity
• B. Age
• C. Stress
• D. Gender

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Obesity is a primary factor that affects blood pressure. Excess body weight, especially when concentrated around the abdomen, can increase the risk of hypertension (high blood pressure) as it puts extra strain on the heart to pump blood around the body. This can lead to various cardiovascular complications and other health issues. Managing weight through a healthy diet and regular physical activity can help control blood pressure levels. Age, stress, and gender can also influence blood pressure, but obesity has a more direct and significant impact on increasing blood pressure levels compared to the other factors listed.

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