Nursing Elites

1. A patient who is undergoing treatment for cytomegalovirus received his first dose of IV ganciclovir 3 days ago. When reviewing this patient's most recent blood work, what abnormality should the nurse most likely attribute to the use of this drug?

• A. Hemoglobin 17 g/dL (high normal)
• B. INR 3.8 (high)
• C. Platelet count 118,000/mm3 (low)
• D. Leukocytes 11,900/mm3 (high)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Platelet count 118,000/mm3 (low). Ganciclovir, used to treat cytomegalovirus, is known to cause bone marrow suppression, leading to decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia). This condition can increase the risk of bleeding. Choices A, B, and D are not typically associated with ganciclovir therapy. High hemoglobin levels (choice A) are not commonly seen with ganciclovir treatment. INR elevation (choice B) is associated with coagulation abnormalities, which are not a typical side effect of ganciclovir. Elevated leukocyte count (choice D) is not a common consequence of ganciclovir use.

2. Which symptoms are typical of asthma?

• A. Chest pain; cough
• B. Diarrhea; wheezing
• C. Wheezing; dyspnea
• D. Tachypnea; constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Wheezing and dyspnea are typical symptoms of asthma. Wheezing refers to a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, and dyspnea is shortness of breath. These symptoms are classic signs of airway obstruction and inflammation seen in asthma. Choice A is incorrect as chest pain is not a typical symptom of asthma, though coughing can occur. Choice B is incorrect as diarrhea is not associated with asthma, while wheezing is a common symptom. Choice D is incorrect as tachypnea (rapid breathing) can occur in asthma, but constipation is not a typical symptom.

3. When the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, the condition is called

• A. Alloimmunity
• B. Opsonization
• C. Autoimmunity
• D. Hypersensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, autoimmunity. Autoimmunity refers to the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Alloimmunity (choice A) is the immune response to tissues of another individual of the same species. Opsonization (choice B) is the process where pathogens are marked for destruction by immune cells. Hypersensitivity (choice D) refers to excessive or inappropriate immune responses.

4. A nurse is administering testosterone to a patient with hypogonadism. What outcome indicates that the treatment is having the desired effect?

• A. Increased libido
• B. Increased muscle mass
• C. Improved secondary sexual characteristics
• D. Decreased sperm count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Improved secondary sexual characteristics.' Testosterone therapy in patients with hypogonadism typically leads to improved secondary sexual characteristics, which include increased muscle mass and libido. While increased libido (choice A) and increased muscle mass (choice B) are effects of testosterone therapy, they are more specific outcomes related to secondary sexual characteristics. Decreased sperm count (choice D) would not be an expected outcome of testosterone therapy for hypogonadism, as testosterone is essential for sperm production.

5. What best describes sepsis?

• A. An overwhelming allergic reaction
• B. Severe inflammatory response to a pathogen's endotoxins
• C. Unknown causes resulting in hypertension
• D. Poor nursing and health care provider interventions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sepsis is a severe inflammatory response to a pathogen's endotoxins, leading to widespread infection and organ dysfunction. Choice A is incorrect as sepsis is not primarily an allergic reaction. Choice C is incorrect as sepsis is not characterized by unknown causes resulting in hypertension. Choice D is incorrect as sepsis is a medical condition and not solely caused by poor nursing or healthcare provider interventions.

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