Nursing Elites

1. A patient suffers from an autoimmune disorder. Which of the following represents a potential result of a viral infection in a patient with an autoimmune disorder?

• A. Lymphocytes recognize the host's tissue as foreign.
• B. Erythrocytes destroy the T cells of the host.
• C. The involution of the thymus gland increases the risk of infection.
• D. The differential decreases the sedimentation rate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with an autoimmune disorder, a viral infection can trigger an immune response where lymphocytes mistakenly recognize the host's tissue as foreign. This can lead to an exacerbation of the autoimmune condition. Choice B is incorrect because erythrocytes are not responsible for destroying T cells. Choice C is incorrect as thymus involution weakens the immune response, making the patient more susceptible to infections rather than increasing the infection risk. Choice D is unrelated to the potential effects of a viral infection in a patient with an autoimmune disorder.

2. A 70-year-old woman has difficulty with driving, and she has been frequently getting lost. Her husband said she has also been acting strangely and seems to want to sleep a lot. He said the other night she kept saying she was seeing animals such as lions in her room. He says her memory is not too bad, but he is very concerned about her health. Physical examination reveals an alert woman with stable vital signs. Bradykinesia and limb rigidity are noted. These findings are consistent with:

• A. Alzheimer's disease.
• B. vascular dementia.
• C. dementia with Lewy bodies.
• D. frontotemporal dementia.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Hallucinations, parkinsonian symptoms (like bradykinesia and limb rigidity), and fluctuating cognition are characteristic of DLB. Alzheimer's disease (Choice A) typically presents with memory loss as a prominent feature. Vascular dementia (Choice B) is associated with a history of strokes and step-wise cognitive decline. Frontotemporal dementia (Choice D) often presents with changes in behavior and personality rather than the parkinsonian symptoms seen in this case.

3. A client has been admitted to the hospital with symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Which aspect of the client's condition would require priority monitoring?

• A. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels
• B. Monitoring for signs of respiratory compromise
• C. Monitoring for changes in consciousness
• D. Monitoring blood pressure closely

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Guillain-Barré syndrome, respiratory muscle weakness can lead to respiratory compromise, making it crucial to prioritize monitoring for signs of respiratory distress. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels is important but is secondary to assessing for respiratory compromise in this condition. Changes in consciousness and monitoring blood pressure closely are not typically the priority in Guillain-Barré syndrome.

4. Which condition is characterized by a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Diabetes insipidus
• C. Cushing's disease
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by a lack of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to excessive urination and thirst. Choice A, Diabetes mellitus, is a different condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Choice C, Cushing's disease, is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol. Choice D, Hyperthyroidism, involves an overactive thyroid gland producing excess thyroid hormones.

5. A patient is taking a statin for hyperlipidemia. What important instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?

• A. Take the medication at night to avoid muscle pain.
• B. Take the medication in the morning to ensure it works throughout the day.
• C. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fat meal to increase absorption.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the patient to take the medication at night to avoid muscle pain. Statins are known to potentially cause muscle pain or weakness; taking the medication at night can help reduce the incidence of these side effects. Option B is incorrect because the timing of statin administration is not related to its effectiveness throughout the day. Option C is a general precaution when taking medications but not the most important instruction specific to statins. Option D is incorrect as taking the medication with a high-fat meal can actually decrease its absorption.

Similar Questions