Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of depression has been prescribed a medication that ultimately increases the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin between neurons. Which process will accompany the actions of the neurotransmitter in a chemical synapse?

• A. Two-way communication between neurons is permitted, in contrast to the one-way communication in electrical synapses.
• B. Communication between a neuron and the single neuron it is connected with will be facilitated.
• C. The neurotransmitter will cross gap junctions more readily.
• D. More neurotransmitters will cross the synaptic cleft and bond with postsynaptic receptors.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When serotonin levels increase, more neurotransmitters will cross the synaptic cleft and bind with postsynaptic receptors, facilitating enhanced communication. Option A is incorrect because chemical synapses, unlike electrical synapses, are unidirectional. Option B is incorrect because neurotransmitters impact communication with multiple neurons, not just a single connected neuron. Option C is incorrect because neurotransmitters cross the synaptic cleft, not gap junctions.

2. When the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, the condition is called:

• A. Alloimmunity
• B. Opsonization
• C. Autoimmunity
• D. Hypersensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Autoimmunity is the correct term for a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly targets its own tissues. Alloimmunity (Choice A) refers to an immune response against foreign tissue. Opsonization (Choice B) is a process where pathogens are marked for destruction by immune cells. Hypersensitivity (Choice D) involves an exaggerated immune response against antigens.

3. A nurse is teaching a patient about the use of testosterone gel for the treatment of hypogonadism. What important instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Apply the gel after showering, and allow it to dry completely before dressing.
• B. Apply the gel to the genitals for maximum absorption.
• C. Apply the gel before bedtime to enhance absorption during sleep.
• D. Apply the gel to the face and neck for improved results.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to apply testosterone gel after showering and allow it to dry completely before dressing. This helps prevent the transfer of the gel to others and ensures proper absorption. Choice B is incorrect because the gel should not be applied to the genitals. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific benefit to applying the gel before bedtime. Choice D is incorrect as the gel should not be applied to the face and neck for the treatment of hypogonadism.

4. A 21-year-old male is brought to the ED following a night of partying in his fraternity. His friends found him 'asleep' and couldn't get him to respond. They cannot recall how many alcoholic beverages he drank the night before. While educating a student nurse and the man's friends, the nurse begins by explaining that alcohol is:

• A. A water-soluble compound that is easily absorbed by the gastric lining of the stomach.
• B. Very lipid-soluble and rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier.
• C. Able to reverse the transport of some substances to remove them from the brain.
• D. Very likely to cause sedation and therefore the client just needs to sleep it off.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Alcohol is very lipid-soluble and rapidly crosses the blood–brain barrier, leading to its effects on the central nervous system and causing symptoms like sedation and unconsciousness. Choice A is incorrect because alcohol is not water-soluble; it is lipid-soluble. Choice C is incorrect as alcohol does not reverse the transport of substances from the brain. Choice D is incorrect as sedation from alcohol is not a reason to just 'sleep it off' in cases of alcohol poisoning, which can be life-threatening and requires medical attention.

5. In which patient is alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency the likely cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?

• A. A 30-year-old who has smoked for 3 years
• B. A 65-year-old man who worked as a taxi driver most of his life
• C. A 70-year-old woman who smoked for 40 years
• D. A 50-year-old with exposure to secondhand smoke

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition that can lead to COPD at a young age, even in light smokers. Choice B is less likely as the patient's occupation does not directly correlate with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Choice C, a 70-year-old woman with a long smoking history, is more likely to have COPD due to smoking rather than alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. Choice D, exposure to secondhand smoke, is not a common cause of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency-related COPD.

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