Nursing Elites

1. Why is it important to genotype HCV before initiating drug therapy?

• A. Side effects of nucleotide analogs
• B. Measures for improving the appetite
• C. Ways to increase activity and exercise
• D. Administering alpha-interferon (Intron A)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Genotyping of HCV plays a crucial role in managing treatment as it helps determine the most effective therapy for the specific viral strain. It allows healthcare providers to personalize treatment regimens and predict response rates. The statement about acute HCV infection converting to chronic state is accurate, highlighting the need for appropriate management. Immune globulin and vaccines are not available for HCV, and Ribavirin is commonly used for chronic HCV infection. Improving appetite is essential in liver health as adequate nutritional intake supports hepatocyte regeneration. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific importance of genotyping in HCV treatment or the significance of appetite improvement in liver function.

2. What action will the nurse plan to take for a 40-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) who has urinary retention caused by a flaccid bladder?

• A. Decrease the patient's evening fluid intake.
• B. Teach the patient how to use the Cred method.
• C. Suggest the use of adult incontinence briefs for nighttime only.
• D. Assist the patient to the commode every 2 hours during the day.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a 40-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis experiencing urinary retention due to a flaccid bladder, teaching the Cred method is the appropriate action. The Cred method involves applying manual pressure over the bladder to aid in bladder emptying. Decreasing fluid intake is not the correct approach as it will not address the underlying issue of bladder emptying and may lead to dehydration and urinary tract infections. Using adult incontinence briefs only addresses the symptom of incontinence without addressing the bladder emptying problem. Assisting the patient to the commode every 2 hours does not actively address the issue of improving bladder emptying as effectively as teaching the Cred method.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to palpate and percuss a patient's abdomen as part of the assessment process. Which of these findings would cause the healthcare professional to immediately discontinue this part of the assessment?

• A. The patient states, 'That sounds like it might hurt me.'
• B. There is a pulsating mass on the upper middle abdomen.
• C. The patient has black, tarry stools and anemia.
• D. The patient has had an endoscopic procedure two days prior.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A pulsating mass on the upper middle abdomen is indicative of a life-threatening aortic aneurysm. Palpating or percussing such an area can potentially cause the aneurysm to rupture, leading to severe internal bleeding and endangering the patient's life. Therefore, the healthcare professional should immediately discontinue the assessment to prevent any harm.\nChoice A is incorrect because the patient expressing concerns about the procedure does not necessarily indicate a life-threatening condition. Choice C describes symptoms that should be further investigated but do not pose an immediate threat during abdominal assessment. Choice D, a prior endoscopic procedure, is not a contraindication for palpation or percussion of the abdomen unless there are specific complications or conditions related to the procedure that would require caution.

4. In a pediatric clinic, a nurse is assessing a child recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. Which of the following later findings of this disease would the nurse not expect to see at this time?

• A. Positive sweat test
• B. Bulky greasy stools
• C. Moist, productive cough
• D. Meconium ileus

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a child newly diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF), noisy respirations and a dry, non-productive cough are typically the first respiratory signs to appear. The other options, including a positive sweat test, bulky greasy stools, and meconium ileus, are among the earliest findings of CF. CF is a genetic condition that affects the production of mucus, sweat, saliva, and digestive juices. Due to a defective gene, these secretions become thick and sticky instead of thin and slippery, leading to blockages in various passageways, especially in the pancreas and lungs. Respiratory failure is a severe consequence of CF, making it crucial to monitor respiratory symptoms closely in affected individuals. Therefore, a moist, productive cough would not be an expected finding in a newly diagnosed child with CF.

5. A client complained of nausea, a metallic taste in her mouth, and fine hand tremors 2 hours after her first dose of lithium carbonate (Lithane). What is the nurse's best explanation of these findings?

• A. These side effects are common and should subside in a few days.
• B. The client is probably having an allergic reaction and should discontinue the drug.
• C. Taking the lithium on an empty stomach should decrease these symptoms.
• D. Decreasing dietary intake of sodium and fluids should minimize the side effects.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'These side effects are common and should subside in a few days.' Nausea, metallic taste, and fine hand tremors are common side effects of lithium carbonate (Lithane) and typically diminish within a few days as the body adjusts to the medication. Option B is incorrect because these symptoms are not indicative of an allergic reaction. Option C is incorrect as taking lithium on an empty stomach does not directly address or decrease these specific side effects. Option D is also incorrect as reducing sodium and fluid intake is not the recommended approach to managing these particular side effects of lithium.

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