Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is well-hydrated and who demonstrates no evidence of anemia. Which of the following laboratory values gives the nurse an assessment of the adequacy of the client's protein uptake and synthesis?

• A. Albumin
• B. Calcium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Albumin. Albumin is a protein made by the liver and is a key indicator of the body's protein status. Low levels of albumin can indicate inadequate protein intake or synthesis. Choices B, C, and D (Calcium, Sodium, and Potassium) are not direct indicators of protein uptake and synthesis. Calcium is related to bone health, Sodium to fluid balance, and Potassium to nerve and muscle function.

2. What is a major feature of the therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) recommended for the treatment of high blood cholesterol?

• A. Avoiding all foods that contain cholesterol
• B. Reducing sodium intake to less than 2 g/day
• C. Limiting total fat intake to less than 30% of energy intake
• D. Limiting saturated fat intake to less than 7% of energy intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Limiting saturated fat intake to less than 7% of energy intake.' This is a central feature of the therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC) recommended for treating high blood cholesterol. Saturated fats can increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, a significant risk factor for heart disease. Choice A is incorrect because while it is recommended to limit cholesterol intake, it's not suggested to avoid all foods containing cholesterol entirely in the TLC. Choice B is also incorrect as although reducing sodium intake is beneficial for controlling blood pressure, it's not specifically targeted in the TLC for managing high cholesterol. Lastly, while limiting total fat intake is a healthy guideline, it's not as specific or effective as limiting saturated fat intake, making choice C also incorrect.

3. Theresa, a mother with a 2-year-old daughter, asks, 'At what age can I start taking my daughter's blood pressure as a routine procedure, since hypertension is common in our family?' What would your answer be?

• A. At 2 years old, you may
• B. As early as 1 year old
• C. When she's 3 years old
• D. When she's 6 years old

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Regular blood pressure checks generally start from age 3, but in the case of a family history of hypertension, they should start when the child is around 6 years old. This is because the readings will be more reliable and indicative of the child's health condition at this age. The other options are incorrect because they suggest earlier ages for routine blood pressure checks. While blood pressure can be measured at any age, it is not typically included as part of a routine health check-up for very young children unless there are specific health concerns.

4. Each statement regarding the correlation between vitamin D and sun exposure is accurate, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. The body can produce sufficient amounts of vitamin D from sunlight.
• B. UV radiation can convert a precursor of vitamin D to vitamin D3 by penetrating uncovered skin.
• C. Sunscreen blocks the formation of vitamin D3.
• D. By the age of 70 years, the skin generally produces vitamin D at only half the level it did at the age of 20 years.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: While UV radiation can penetrate uncovered skin and convert a precursor of vitamin D to vitamin D3, sunscreen does block the formation of vitamin D3. Sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of skin cancer. The other choices are correct: the body can produce sufficient vitamin D from sunlight, UV radiation can convert a precursor of vitamin D to vitamin D3, and skin generally produces less vitamin D as a person ages.

5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. Albumin in my urine is an indication of normal kidney function.
• B. I will keep my HbA1c at five percent.
• C. I will have ketones in my urine if my blood glucose is maintained at 190 milligrams per deciliter.
• D. I will keep my blood glucose levels between 200 and 212 milligrams per deciliter.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Maintaining an HbA1c level of 5 percent indicates good long-term blood glucose control and understanding of diabetes management. Choice A is incorrect because the presence of albumin in the urine (albuminuria) is actually an indication of kidney damage in diabetes. Choice C is incorrect as ketones in the urine are a sign of inadequate insulin and can occur when blood glucose levels are high, not at a specific level like 190 mg/dL. Choice D is also incorrect as the client should aim to keep blood glucose levels within a tighter range for better control, typically between 80-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.

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