Nursing Elites

1. A 44-year-old man presents with muscle weakness and fatigue. He states that he has experienced difficulty climbing stairs and even holding his arms up to comb his hair. Which test is most likely to help confirm the diagnosis?

• A. Electromyography (EMG)
• B. Nerve conduction studies
• C. Muscle biopsy
• D. Blood test for autoantibodies

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Electromyography (EMG). EMG is commonly used to diagnose conditions involving muscle weakness and fatigue, such as myasthenia gravis. Nerve conduction studies primarily assess nerve function rather than muscle involvement. While a muscle biopsy can provide valuable information, EMG is more specific for evaluating muscle function in this context. A blood test for autoantibodies may be helpful in certain autoimmune conditions but is not the primary test for confirming the diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms of muscle weakness and fatigue.

2. Which of the following hormones helps to raise the blood sugar level to help maintain homeostasis?

• A. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
• B. Insulin
• C. Glucagon
• D. Thyroxine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Glucagon. Glucagon helps raise blood sugar levels by stimulating the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, thus aiding in maintaining homeostasis. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), choice A, functions in regulating water balance in the body, not blood sugar levels. Insulin, choice B, lowers blood sugar levels by facilitating glucose uptake by cells. Thyroxine, choice D, is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland that regulates metabolism and has no direct effect on blood sugar levels.

3. A patient is prescribed zanamivir (Relenza) to treat influenza B. The patient has a history of asthma. For which of the following symptoms should the nurse assess?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Bronchospasm
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bronchospasm. Zanamivir (Relenza) is an inhaled medication used to treat influenza by reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Patients with a history of asthma are at risk of bronchospasm as a potential side effect of zanamivir. Assessing for bronchospasm is crucial in this case to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bradycardia, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism are not commonly associated with zanamivir use in the treatment of influenza B, especially in a patient with a history of asthma.

4. In discussing sex hormone production with the patient, the nurse should describe that testosterone is normally secreted in response to

• A. sexual arousal.
• B. stimulation by luteinizing hormone.
• C. ACTH release by the adrenal cortex.
• D. decreased cortisol levels.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Testosterone production is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A, 'sexual arousal,' is incorrect because testosterone secretion is not directly linked to arousal but rather to hormonal stimulation. Choice C, 'ACTH release by the adrenal cortex,' is incorrect as testosterone production is not primarily regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Choice D, 'decreased cortisol levels,' is also incorrect as cortisol and testosterone are regulated by separate endocrine pathways.

5. When arterial blood pressure declines, the kidneys secrete a hormone to increase blood pressure and peripheral resistance. What is this hormone called?

• A. Renin
• B. Antidiuretic hormone
• C. Atrial natriuretic
• D. Insulin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Renin is the correct answer. When arterial blood pressure decreases, the kidneys release renin, which triggers a series of reactions ultimately leading to an increase in blood pressure and peripheral resistance. Antidiuretic hormone (choice B) is involved in water retention, atrial natriuretic hormone (choice C) promotes sodium excretion and lowers blood pressure, and insulin (choice D) regulates glucose metabolism, not blood pressure.

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