Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for cimetidine. Which of the following laboratory findings should the healthcare provider identify as the priority to report to the provider?

• A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• B. WBC count 9,000/mm3
• C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 50 units/L
• D. Fasting glucose 105 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated AST level is indicative of liver damage, which is the priority finding to report to the provider when administering cimetidine. Elevated liver enzymes can be a sign of liver toxicity or damage. Monitoring liver function is crucial when using cimetidine, as it can sometimes lead to hepatotoxicity. The other laboratory findings are within normal ranges and not directly associated with cimetidine administration.

2. What is a key characteristic of Illness Anxiety Disorder?

• A. Excessive focus on minor symptoms without medical evidence of illness
• B. The need for consistent reassurance from healthcare professionals
• C. Compulsive behavior to avoid physical illness
• D. Development of avoidance behaviors to reduce anxiety

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Excessive focus on minor symptoms without medical evidence of illness." Illness Anxiety Disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by a preoccupation with having a serious illness despite no medical evidence to support the presence of an illness. Individuals with this disorder often interpret normal bodily sensations as signs of severe illness. Choice B is incorrect because while individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder may seek reassurance from healthcare professionals, the excessive focus on minor symptoms is the key characteristic. Choice C is incorrect as compulsive behaviors to avoid physical illness are more characteristic of illnesses like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Choice D is incorrect as the development of avoidance behaviors to reduce anxiety is more commonly seen in conditions like specific phobias or social anxiety disorder.

3. When providing discharge instructions for a patient with diabetes, what is the most important information to include?

• A. Encourage the patient to maintain a high-carbohydrate diet.
• B. Teach the patient how to monitor their blood sugar levels.
• C. Recommend the patient engage in regular exercise.
• D. Provide the patient with a list of restricted foods.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most critical information to include when providing discharge instructions for a patient with diabetes is teaching them how to monitor their blood sugar levels. This empowers the patient to actively manage their condition, make informed decisions about their diet and medication, and prevent complications. Encouraging a high-carbohydrate diet (Choice A) can be detrimental for diabetic patients as it may lead to unstable blood sugar levels. While regular exercise (Choice C) is important in diabetes management, monitoring blood sugar levels takes precedence. Providing a list of restricted foods (Choice D) is relevant but not as crucial as teaching the patient how to monitor their blood sugar levels.

4. A patient requires assistance to stand from a sitting position. Which action by the nurse ensures patient safety?

• A. Allow the patient to pull up on the nurse's arm.
• B. Place a gait belt around the patient for support.
• C. Have the patient push off the chair with their hands.
• D. Ask the patient to lift themselves up without support.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Placing a gait belt around the patient for support is the safest option when assisting a patient to stand from a sitting position. This belt provides stability and support, reducing the risk of falls or injuries during the transfer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Allowing the patient to pull up on the nurse's arm (Choice A) may lead to instability and compromise safety. Having the patient push off the chair with their hands (Choice C) might not provide sufficient support, especially for patients who require assistance. Asking the patient to lift themselves up without support (Choice D) can be dangerous and increase the risk of falls.

5. What is the most appropriate method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

• A. Insert a urinary catheter using clean gloves.
• B. Limit the duration of catheter use.
• C. Use a smaller size catheter to prevent trauma.
• D. Change the catheter tubing every 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Limit the duration of catheter use. Limiting the duration of catheterization is a crucial method for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Prolonged catheter use increases the risk of introducing pathogens into the urinary tract, leading to infections. Using clean gloves for insertion (choice A) is important for preventing contamination but does not address the main cause of CAUTIs. Using a smaller size catheter (choice C) may help reduce trauma but does not directly prevent infections. Changing the catheter tubing every 24 hours (choice D) is not necessary unless clinically indicated, and it is not the most effective method for preventing CAUTIs.

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