Nursing Elites

1. What procedure examines a portion of the large intestine with an endoscope?

• A. Colposcopy
• B. Sigmoidoscopy
• C. Upper GI
• D. Cardiac catheterization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sigmoidoscopy is the correct answer because it specifically examines the sigmoid colon located in the descending colon using an endoscope inserted through the rectum. This procedure captures video and images of the large intestine's lining, helping in the diagnosis of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer. Colposcopy, on the other hand, is a procedure for examining the cervix and vagina, not the large intestine. Upper GI involves capturing images of the esophagus and stomach, focusing on the upper gastrointestinal tract, not the large intestine. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure that involves threading a thin instrument through the femoral artery to the heart, used for cardiac interventions and not related to examining the large intestine.

2. Intermittent fevers are:

• A. fevers which come and go.
• B. fevers which rise and fall but are always considered above the patient's average temperature.
• C. fevers which fluctuate more than three degrees and never return to normal.
• D. None of the above.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Intermittent fevers are characterized by periods of fever followed by periods of normal body temperature. They alternate between being febrile and afebrile. Continuous fevers show minimal fluctuations over a 24-hour period, while remittent fevers fluctuate significantly but do return to normal body temperature. Choice A is correct as it accurately describes intermittent fevers. Choices B and C are incorrect as they do not fully capture the defining characteristic of intermittent fevers, which involve cyclical episodes of fever and normal temperature. Choice D is incorrect as there is a specific definition for intermittent fevers.

3. The body system that functions to maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and contains the spleen is the:

• A. Lymphatic System
• B. Digestive System
• C. Urinary System
• D. Respiratory System

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Lymphatic System is responsible for maintaining fluid balance and supporting immunity. It contains organs like the spleen, tonsils, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels. The spleen, a part of the lymphatic system, plays a crucial role in filtering blood and storing blood cells. The Digestive System is primarily involved in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, not fluid balance or immunity. The Urinary System is responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating fluid balance, but it does not support immunity or contain the spleen. The Respiratory System is focused on gas exchange and oxygenating the blood, not fluid balance or immunity.

4. The student observes a patient with no breathing problems. Which action by the student indicates a need to review respiratory assessment skills?

• A. The student starts at the apices of the lungs and moves to the bases.
• B. The student compares breath sounds from side to side, avoiding bony areas.
• C. The student places the stethoscope over the posterior chest and listens during expiration.
• D. The student instructs the patient to breathe slowly and a little more deeply than normal through the mouth.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Listening only during inspiration instead of both inspiration and expiration indicates a need for a review of respiratory assessment skills. During chest auscultation, it is essential to listen to at least one cycle of inspiration and expiration at each placement of the stethoscope. Instructing the patient to breathe slowly and a little deeper than normal through the mouth is a correct practice during auscultation. The correct sequence for lung auscultation is from the apices to the bases, comparing breath sounds bilaterally, avoiding bony areas. It is crucial to place the stethoscope over lung tissue rather than bony prominences to accurately assess lung sounds.

5. During a general survey of a patient, which finding is considered normal?

• A. Body mass index (BMI) of 20.
• B. When standing, the patient's base is narrow.
• C. The patient appears older than their stated age.
• D. Arm span (fingertip to fingertip) is greater than the height.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A body mass index (BMI) of 20 is considered normal as the range for a normal BMI is between 19-24. When standing, a patient's base should be wide for stability and proper weight distribution. An older appearance than the stated age may indicate a history of chronic illness or chronic alcoholism. In a general survey, the patient's arm span (fingertip to fingertip) should approximately equal the patient's height. An arm span greater than the height may suggest Marfan syndrome. Therefore, the correct choice is a normal BMI of 20, which falls within the healthy range. Choices B, C, and D all describe abnormal findings that may indicate underlying health conditions or syndromes.

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