Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's laboratory report and notes that the serum calcium level is 4.0 mg/dL. The healthcare professional understands that which condition most likely caused this serum calcium level?

• A. Prolonged bed rest
• B. Renal insufficiency
• C. Hyperparathyroidism
• D. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prolonged bed rest can lead to hypocalcemia due to decreased mobility and bone resorption. In this scenario, the low serum calcium level of 4.0 mg/dL is likely a result of decreased bone activity and calcium release due to prolonged bed rest. Renal insufficiency would more likely lead to hypercalcemia due to impaired excretion of calcium by the kidneys. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased calcium levels as a result of excess parathyroid hormone. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia by increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.

2. Select the stage of viral hepatitis that is accurately paired with its characteristic(s).

• A. The prodromal stage: Jaundice begins
• B. The icteric stage: Flu-like symptoms occur
• C. The pre-icteric stage: Elevated urine bilirubin levels
• D. The post-icteric stage: Jaundice and dark urine occur

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The post-icteric stage of viral hepatitis is accurately described as the stage where jaundice and dark urine occur due to the accumulation of bilirubin. The resolution of jaundice and normalization of urine color are seen in this stage. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. In the prodromal stage, symptoms like fatigue and malaise appear before jaundice. The icteric stage is characterized by jaundice, not flu-like symptoms. The pre-icteric stage does not typically involve elevated urine bilirubin levels, as this occurs after the icteric stage.

3. What does the mnemonic device ABCDE stand for?

• A. Allergy, bleeding, chemicals, dietary, environment
• B. Allergy, bleeding, cardio, diabetes, endocrine
• C. Allergy, bleeding, cardio, digestive, endocrine
• D. Allergy, bleeding, cortisone, diabetes, emboli

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Allergy, bleeding, cortisone, diabetes, emboli.' The ABCDE mnemonic is used in healthcare to help remember key assessment points. Choice A is incorrect as 'chemicals' and 'dietary' are not part of the ABCDE assessment. Choice B is incorrect as 'cardio' is not part of the ABCDE mnemonic. Choice C is incorrect as 'cardio' and 'digestive' are not part of the ABCDE mnemonic.

4. You are caring for a patient with multiple trauma. Of all of these injuries and conditions, which is the most serious?

• A. A deviated trachea
• B. Gross deformity of a lower extremity
• C. Hematuria
• D. Decreased bowel sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A deviated trachea is the most serious condition among the choices provided. It can indicate a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory compromise. Choice B, a gross deformity of a lower extremity, while significant, is not as immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice C, hematuria, may indicate kidney injury but is not as acutely life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice D, decreased bowel sounds, could indicate abdominal issues, but it is not as urgent or immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea.

5. Select the tactile sensation that is accurately paired with its description or procedure for testing.

• A. Fine motor coordination: The use of the fingers
• B. Stereognosis: Equal hearing in both ears
• C. Two-point discrimination: The nurse gently pricks the patient's skin
• D. Gross motor function: The use of the lower limbs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Two-point discrimination: The nurse gently pricks the patient's skin. Two-point discrimination assesses the ability to discern two points touched simultaneously on the skin. Fine motor coordination (Choice A) refers to the precise movements of small muscles, not related to tactile sensation. Stereognosis (Choice B) is the ability to recognize objects by touch, not equal hearing in both ears. Gross motor function (Choice D) involves the coordination of large muscle groups, not specifically related to tactile sensation testing.

Similar Questions