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. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

3. The nurse understands that malnutrition is a prevalent issue among hospitalized individuals. What is it commonly associated with?

• A. Decreased health care expenses
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Decreased mortality rates
• D. A compromised immune system

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Malnutrition is often associated with a weakened immune system. This is because when the body is not sufficiently nourished, it lacks the necessary nutrients to maintain a well-functioning immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infections and other health complications. This can potentially increase mortality rates and prolong hospital stays, contrary to choice C. Choices A and B are incorrect as malnutrition does not lead to decreased health care costs or high blood pressure. In fact, it may increase health care costs due to the potential for increased complications and extended hospital stays.

4. Before administration of blood and blood products, the nurse should first:

• A. Check with another R.N the client’s name, Identification number, ABO and RH type.
• B. Explain the procedure to the client
• C. Assess baseline vital signs of the client
• D. Check for the BT order

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective nursing care involves comprehensive assessments that address all aspects of a patient's condition, ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted and outcomes are optimized.

5. How many diet-related major risk factors for coronary heart disease does Mrs. Winslow have?

• A. 1
• B. 4
• C. 2
• D. 3

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Mrs. Winslow has four major diet-related risk factors for coronary heart disease: high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. Choice A is incorrect because there are more than one risk factor present. Choices C and D are incorrect as they do not account for the total number of diet-related major risk factors identified.

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