Nursing Elites

1. A teenage client is admitted to the hospital because of an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Overdoses of acetaminophen can precipitate life-threatening abnormalities in which of the following organs?

• A. lungs
• B. liver
• C. kidneys
• D. adrenal glands

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acetaminophen is extensively metabolized in the liver. An acetaminophen overdose can lead to severe liver damage and even liver failure, which can be life-threatening. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Acetaminophen overdose does not typically cause life-threatening problems in the lungs, kidneys, or adrenal glands. While prolonged acetaminophen use may increase the risk of renal dysfunction, a single overdose primarily affects the liver.

2. Which of the following clients should refrain from therapy with the thiazide diuretic hydrochlorothiazide?

• A. a client with renal impairment
• B. a client with hypertension
• C. a client with diabetes mellitus, type II
• D. a client with renal calculi (kidney stones)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is a client with diabetes mellitus, type II. Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide can cause metabolic abnormalities, including elevated blood glucose levels. This increase is linked to diuretic-induced potassium deficiency, which reduces insulin secretion, leading to higher plasma glucose levels. Thiazides are commonly used in clients with renal impairment and hypertension. Moreover, thiazides decrease calcium excretion, reducing the risk of renal calculi, so it is not contraindicated for clients with kidney stones. Therefore, clients with diabetes mellitus, type II should avoid therapy with hydrochlorothiazide due to the potential adverse effects on blood glucose levels.

3. In the United States, several definitions of death are currently being used. The definition that uses apnea testing and pupillary responses to light is termed:

• A. whole brain death.
• B. heart-lung death.
• C. circulatory death.
• D. higher brain death.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'whole brain death.' Most protocols for determining whole brain death require two separate clinical examinations, including the induction of painful stimuli, pupillary responses to light, oculovestibular testing, and apnea testing. This comprehensive approach ensures that all functions of the brain, including the brainstem, are evaluated to confirm the absence of brain function. Choices B and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the specific tests required for determining whole brain death. Choice C, 'circulatory death,' does not involve the evaluation of brain function and is not a current definition of death in the United States.

4. When supporting a family who has just experienced a sudden and unexpected death, the nurse needs to know:

• A. that survivors have greater emotional turmoil and shock than when death is expected.
• B. that survivors have less emotional turmoil and shock than when death is expected.
• C. that survivors have the same emotional turmoil and shock as when death is expected.
• D. that survivors have little emotional turmoil and shock because they were not there.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that survivors have greater emotional turmoil and shock than when death is expected. Sudden death produces more emotional turmoil and shock in survivors compared to gradual, expected death. Survivors of sudden death do not have the opportunity to engage in anticipatory grief. The unexpectedness of sudden death is the most disturbing and unbalancing factor, leading to heightened emotional turmoil and shock. Choice B is incorrect as survivors of sudden death experience more emotional turmoil and shock. Choice C is incorrect because sudden death brings about a different level of emotional turmoil and shock. Choice D is incorrect as survivors of sudden and unexpected death still go through significant emotional distress.

5. The physician has ordered a culture for the client with suspected gonorrhea. The nurse should obtain which type of culture?

• A. Blood
• B. Nasopharyngeal secretions
• C. Stool
• D. Genital secretions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A culture for gonorrhea is taken from the genital secretions as gonorrhea primarily affects the genital area. The culture is incubated in a warm environment to promote the growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the bacterium causing gonorrhea. Genital secretions provide a direct sample from the site of infection, increasing the accuracy of diagnosis. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not suitable specimens for diagnosing gonorrhea. Blood cultures are used to detect bloodstream infections, nasopharyngeal secretions are collected for respiratory infections, and stool cultures are done to identify gastrointestinal infections, none of which are related to gonorrhea.

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