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. When a nurse signs a consent form, which ethical principle is being observed regarding the patient?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Justice
• C. Accountability
• D. Beneficence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Autonomy'. Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make their own decisions, which is being honored when a nurse signs a consent form. While beneficence (Choice D) is an important ethical principle that involves acting in the patient's best interest, it is not what is being primarily observed in this instance. Justice (Choice B) refers to fairness and equal treatment and is not specifically relevant to this scenario. Accountability (Choice C) pertains to being answerable for one's actions and decisions, but again, it is not the principle directly observed in this situation. Therefore, when a nurse signs a consent form, it is the principle of autonomy that is being observed.

3. One of the following statements is true with regards to the care of clients with depression:

• A. Only mentally ill persons commit suicide
• B. All depressed clients are considered potentially suicidal
• C. Most suicidal person gives no warning
• D. The chance of suicide lessens as depression lessens

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nursing interventions should be grounded in a deep understanding of the physiological processes involved, ensuring that care provided is both effective and efficient.

4. What physiological role does phosphorus play in the body?

• A. Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, and relaxation
• B. Calcium homeostasis, structural integrity of heart muscle
• C. No known metabolic function, caries-preventing properties
• D. ATP energy release; metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins; regulates acid-base balance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Phosphorus plays a crucial role in ATP energy release, the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, and regulation of acid-base balance. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Phosphorus is not directly involved in blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, or calcium homeostasis. It also has known metabolic functions and is not associated with caries prevention.

5. A nurse is initiating continuous enteral feedings for a client who has a new gastrostomy tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Measure the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours.
• B. Obtain the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours.
• C. Keep the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings.
• D. Flush the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours is essential to maintain tube patency and prevent blockages. This action helps ensure the continuous flow of enteral feedings without obstruction. Measuring the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours (Choice A) is important but not the priority when initiating enteral feedings. Obtaining the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours (Choice B) is unnecessary and not directly related to tube feeding initiation. Keeping the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings (Choice C) is a good practice to prevent aspiration, but tube flushing is more crucial to prevent tube occlusion.

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