Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in a prenatal clinic is educating a client about expected changes during pregnancy. The nurse should instruct the client about which change during pregnancy is related to the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Constipation
• C. Decreased absorption of iron
• D. Decreased absorption of calcium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During pregnancy, the hormonal changes can lead to the slowing down of the gastrointestinal tract, causing constipation. This occurs due to increased progesterone levels, which relax smooth muscles, including those in the intestines, leading to slower bowel movements. Diarrhea is not typically associated with the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract during pregnancy. While there may be changes in the absorption of nutrients like iron and calcium, they are not directly related to the slowing of the gastrointestinal tract.

2. The healthcare professional in the dialysis unit understands that patients may experience various complications during hemodialysis. What describes a common complication during hemodialysis?

• A. confusion
• B. profuse sweating
• C. hypertension
• D. leg cramps

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Leg cramps are a common complication during hemodialysis due to shifts in fluid and electrolyte levels that occur during the treatment. Confusion (choice A) is not a common complication specifically related to hemodialysis. Profuse sweating (choice B) is not typically associated with hemodialysis complications. Hypertension (choice C) might be a pre-existing condition in some patients but is not a direct common complication of hemodialysis.

3. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is associated with which vitamin deficiency?

• A. Thiamine (B1)
• B. Riboflavin (B2)
• C. Niacin (B3)
• D. Pyridoxine (B6)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is indeed associated with thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. This syndrome is commonly seen in individuals with chronic alcoholism due to poor diet and impaired thiamine absorption. Thiamine is essential for normal brain function and energy metabolism. Riboflavin (B2) deficiency can lead to symptoms like sore throat and swollen mucous membranes, not Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Niacin (B3) deficiency causes pellagra, characterized by dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia, and death, but not Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Pyridoxine (B6) deficiency can result in dermatitis, glossitis, and peripheral neuropathy, but it is not associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

4. A client with a history of pancreatitis is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following food choices should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?

• A. Noodles
• B. Vegetable Soup
• C. Baked Fish
• D. Cheddar cheese

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patients with pancreatitis should avoid high-fat foods like cheddar cheese as they can exacerbate symptoms due to the organ's role in fat digestion. Noodles, vegetable soup, and baked fish are generally considered to be lower in fat content and are thus safer choices for individuals with pancreatitis.

5. The nurse is working with a patient who recently had a stroke. The patient frequently chokes and coughs when eating and is having difficulty feeding herself. What is the best way to ensure adequate nutrition?

• A. to have an aide feed her at each meal
• B. to ask a family member to assist during meals
• C. to provide tube feedings for the patient
• D. to initiate TPN for the patient

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way to ensure adequate nutrition for a stroke patient who frequently chokes and coughs when eating and has difficulty feeding herself is to provide tube feedings. Tube feedings are a safe and effective method to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines, bypassing the swallowing mechanism, reducing the risk of aspiration. Having an aide feed her each meal (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of swallowing difficulty and aspiration risk. Asking a family member to be present at each meal (choice B) does not provide a definitive solution to the patient's nutritional needs. Placing the patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (choice D) is a more invasive and typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feedings or have non-functional gastrointestinal tracts.

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