Nursing Elites

1. A patient in the cardiac unit is concerned about the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. Which of the following are hereditary risk factors for developing atherosclerosis?

• A. Family history of heart disease
• B. Overweight
• C. Smoking
• D. Age

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A family history of heart disease is an inherited risk factor for developing atherosclerosis. This factor is not modifiable through lifestyle changes. Studies have shown that having a first-degree relative with heart disease significantly increases the individual's risk of developing atherosclerosis. Overweight, smoking, and age are not hereditary risk factors for atherosclerosis. Overweight and smoking are lifestyle-related risk factors, while age is a non-modifiable risk factor that increases with time but is not directly inherited.

2. When a mother is inquiring about her child's ability to potty train, what is the most critical aspect of toilet training?

• A. The age of the child
• B. The child's ability to understand instructions
• C. The overall mental and physical abilities of the child
• D. Consistent attempts with positive reinforcement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most critical aspect of toilet training is the overall mental and physical abilities of the child. While age can play a role, it is not the sole determining factor. Understanding instructions is important but may not be the most critical aspect. Consistent attempts with positive reinforcement can be helpful, but without considering the child's abilities, it may not lead to successful potty training.

3. Ruth is a 72-year-old patient who has been upset and crying all morning. When asked why she is upset, she turns toward the wall in silence. What collaborative process may be helpful in caring for this patient?

• A. Speak with the patient care technician
• B. Call the chaplain
• C. Call the social worker
• D. Call the patient's husband

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Collaborating with the patient care technician is an appropriate approach in this scenario. Patient care technicians and nurses' aides often provide direct care to patients, developing a closer relationship with them. Patients may feel more comfortable sharing their feelings with these caregivers compared to other healthcare professionals. In this situation, Ruth's distress appears more emotional than spiritual, making it more suitable to speak with someone directly involved in her care. Calling the chaplain (Choice B) might not directly address Ruth's immediate emotional needs as it could focus more on spiritual support. Involving the social worker (Choice C) could help address underlying emotional or social issues, but speaking with the patient care technician is a more direct and immediate step to assess and provide initial support. Calling the patient's husband (Choice D) may not address Ruth's immediate emotional distress and may not be appropriate without understanding the root cause of her upset.

4. If a healthcare professional prevents intentional harm from occurring to a patient, which ethical principle is being supported?

• A. Beneficence
• B. Nonmaleficence
• C. Justice
• D. Fidelity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle that emphasizes the obligation to avoid causing harm intentionally. In this scenario, by preventing intentional harm to a patient, the healthcare professional is upholding the principle of nonmaleficence. Beneficence, although important, focuses on doing good and promoting well-being rather than solely preventing harm. Justice relates to fairness and equality in resource distribution, while fidelity involves being faithful and keeping promises, which are not directly applicable to the situation of preventing intentional harm to a patient.

5. A client returns from surgery after having a colon resection. The nurse is performing an assessment and notes the wound edges have separated. This condition is called:

• A. Evisceration
• B. Hematoma
• C. Dehiscence
• D. Granulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wound dehiscence occurs when the edges of a wound pull apart. The condition may occur following a surgical procedure if the sutures were deficient. Wound dehiscence may also occur following a wound infection or in cases where a client significantly stretches or overuses the associated tissues. Evisceration refers to the protrusion of internal organs through an open wound. Hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside the blood vessels. Granulation is the formation of new connective tissue and tiny blood vessels on the surface of a wound during the healing process.

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