Nursing Elites

1. A patient diagnosed with alopecia would be described as having:

• A. body lice
• B. lack of ear lobes
• C. Indigestion
• D. hair loss

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'hair loss.' Alopecia is a medical term that specifically refers to the condition of hair loss, usually in patches or all over the body. Choice A, 'body lice,' refers to a parasitic infestation and is not related to alopecia. Choice B, 'lack of ear lobes,' is completely unrelated to the term alopecia, which is solely about hair loss. Choice C, 'Indigestion,' has no connection to alopecia as it pertains to digestive issues, not hair loss. Therefore, the correct description for a patient diagnosed with alopecia is 'hair loss.'

2. Mr. V is receiving treatment for a spinal cord injury after falling off of his deck at home. He has undergone spinal surgery and has been placed in a halo traction device. Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate for a client with a spinal cord injury?

• A. Turn the client and use incentive spirometry each shift
• B. Administer stool softeners as ordered
• C. Turn the head slowly to avoid further damage to the spine
• D. Change NPO status

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with a spinal cord injury, administering stool softeners as ordered is a crucial nursing intervention. Patients with spinal cord injuries are at higher risk of constipation due to decreased mobility. Stool softeners help prevent constipation and potential fecal impaction. Turning the client and using incentive spirometry each shift can be beneficial for respiratory function but is not the most vital intervention in this scenario. Turning the head slowly to avoid further damage to the spine is important but is not directly related to preventing constipation. Changing NPO status is not relevant to preventing constipation or managing a spinal cord injury.

3. The nurse is caring for a 13-year-old following spinal fusion for scoliosis. Which of the following interventions is appropriate in the immediate post-operative period?

• A. Raise the head of the bed at least 30 degrees
• B. Encourage ambulation within 24 hours
• C. Maintain in a flat position, logrolling as needed
• D. Encourage leg contraction and relaxation after 48 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the immediate post-operative period following spinal fusion for scoliosis in a 13-year-old, it is important to maintain the patient in a flat position and perform logrolling as needed. This helps prevent injury to the surgical site and ensures proper spinal alignment. Raising the head of the bed at least 30 degrees is contraindicated as it can put strain on the surgical site. Encouraging ambulation within 24 hours may be appropriate in the recovery process but not in the immediate post-operative period. Encouraging leg contraction and relaxation after 48 hours may also be part of the rehabilitation process but is not a priority in the immediate post-operative period.

4. A 24-year-old female is admitted to the ER for confusion. This patient has a history of a myeloma diagnosis, constipation, intense abdominal pain, and polyuria. Based on the presenting signs and symptoms, which of the following would you most likely suspect?

• A. Diverticulosis
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Hypocalcemia
• D. Irritable bowel syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Hypercalcemia. In this case, the patient's history of myeloma, constipation, intense abdominal pain, and polyuria suggests hypercalcemia. Elevated calcium levels can lead to polyuria, severe abdominal pain, and confusion. Diverticulosis (Choice A), characterized by small pouches in the colon wall, typically does not present with confusion and polyuria. Hypocalcemia (Choice C) is unlikely given the symptoms described. Irritable bowel syndrome (Choice D) does not typically cause confusion and polyuria as seen in hypercalcemia.

5. A client with a new colostomy is being taught how to care for the colostomy bag. Which statement from the client indicates the need for more education?

• A. I can clean the skin around the ostomy site with soap and water when I change the bag.
• B. I should irrigate the stoma regularly to avoid buildup of gas and odor.
• C. I need to wait 30 minutes after I irrigate to replace the colostomy bag.
• D. I should change the bag when it is one-third to one-fourth full.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A client with a new colostomy requires education on proper colostomy care. Waiting 30 minutes after irrigating to replace the colostomy bag is unnecessary. The client may reapply the bag once the skin is dry. Cleaning the skin around the ostomy site with soap and water, irrigating the stoma regularly to prevent gas and odor buildup, and changing the bag when it is one-third to one-fourth full are appropriate actions. Therefore, the statement indicating the need for more education is the one suggesting a specific time interval for bag replacement after irrigation.

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