Nursing Elites

1. A client with asthma is being admitted for breathing difficulties. His arterial blood gas results are pH 7.26, PCO2 49, PaO2 90, and HCO3- 21. Which of the following best describes this condition?

• A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
• B. Compensated respiratory alkalosis
• C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
• D. Compensated metabolic alkalosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the client's arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.26 and a PCO2 of 49, both of which are abnormal. A pH below the normal range of 7.35-7.45 indicates acidosis. The elevated PCO2 of 49 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the primary issue. The normal range for PCO2 is 35-45 mmHg, so a value of 49 indicates the retention of excess CO2, leading to acidosis. The low HCO3- level of 21 also supports the presence of metabolic acidosis; however, the primary abnormality is respiratory, making this an uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Uncompensated respiratory acidosis.' Choice B, 'Compensated respiratory alkalosis,' is incorrect because the client's pH is acidic, not alkalotic. Additionally, there is no compensation occurring for the primary respiratory acidosis indicated by the elevated PCO2. Choice C, 'Uncompensated metabolic acidosis,' is incorrect because while the HCO3- level is low, the primary issue indicated by the elevated PCO2 is respiratory acidosis. Choice D, 'Compensated metabolic alkalosis,' is incorrect since the arterial blood gas results do not support a metabolic alkalosis. The low HCO3- level would typically be seen in metabolic acidosis, but in this case, the primary issue is respiratory acidosis.

2. When teaching a Vietnamese patient who has been treated for pneumonia and needs to complete her antibiotic regimen at home, what is an important cultural component to consider?

• A. Cupping will help to pull toxins from the body
• B. Coining will help to release the wind or bad energy from the body
• C. Once symptoms disappear there is no longer an illness
• D. Most households consist of at least 3 generations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Once symptoms disappear there is no longer an illness'. In Vietnamese culture, there is a belief that once symptoms go away, the illness is no longer present and does not require further treatment. This is crucial to understand when educating Vietnamese patients about completing their antibiotic regimen. Choices A and B (cupping and coining) are traditional Vietnamese healing practices that are not directly related to completing antibiotic therapy. Choice D, about households consisting of multiple generations, is not directly relevant to the completion of antibiotic treatment for pneumonia in this context.

3. Because of budget cuts in the hospital, the nursing manager informs the staff that they must either rotate to other units more often or take their turns staying home from work. Which principle is this nurse manager demonstrating?

• A. Justice
• B. Paternalism
• C. Veracity
• D. Fraternity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Veracity involves truth-telling, even in challenging situations. In this scenario, the nurse manager is being transparent about the need for staff to rotate units or take turns staying home due to budget cuts. This allows the staff to make informed decisions about their work schedules and potential impact on their pay and work areas. Option A, Justice, does not apply as the focus is on communication and transparency, not fairness. Option B, Paternalism, does not fit as it involves decisions made for others' well-being without their input, which is not the case here. Option D, Fraternity, pertains to unity among individuals, which is not the principle demonstrated by the nurse manager in this situation.

4. A nurse walks into a client's room to find the nursing assistant yelling, 'Sit back down or I won't help you eat, and then you will starve!' This type of behavior is known as:

• A. Psychological abuse
• B. Abandonment
• C. Material exploitation
• D. Physical abuse

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Psychological abuse. This behavior is classified as psychological abuse, which harms another person through words or threats. The nursing assistant's actions of yelling, making threats, and using food as a form of control fall under psychological abuse. Abandonment (choice B) refers to deserting or leaving a client without care, which is not the case in the scenario. Material exploitation (choice C) involves taking advantage of a person's assets or resources for personal gain, which is not evident here. Physical abuse (choice D) involves causing physical harm, which is not the primary issue in this situation. Therefore, the most appropriate classification for the behavior described in the scenario is psychological abuse.

5. Mrs. F has been diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following complications is Mrs. F at highest risk of developing?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The parathyroid glands regulate calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus in the body. Hyperparathyroidism leads to excessive production of parathyroid hormone, causing the release of calcium from bones into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated blood calcium levels, known as hypercalcemia. This puts individuals at risk of developing complications such as kidney stones, bone pain, osteoporosis, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. The other options, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, and hypermagnesemia, are not directly associated with hyperparathyroidism. Hyponatremia is low sodium levels in the blood, hypocalcemia is low calcium levels, and hypermagnesemia is high magnesium levels, which are not typically seen in hyperparathyroidism.

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