Nursing Elites

1. A student nurse was asked which of the following best describes dementia. Which of the following best describes the condition?

• A. Memory loss as a natural consequence of aging
• B. Difficulty coping with physical and psychological changes
• C. Severe cognitive impairment that occurs rapidly
• D. Loss of cognitive abilities, impairing the ability to perform activities of daily living

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Dementia is characterized by a loss of cognitive abilities that impairs the individual's capacity to perform activities of daily living. Choice A is incorrect because dementia is not simply memory loss related to aging but involves broader cognitive deficits. Choice B is incorrect as it does not capture the comprehensive cognitive decline seen in dementia. Choice C is incorrect as dementia typically progresses gradually rather than rapidly, and it is not solely about severe cognitive impairment but also impacts daily functioning.

2. A male patient receiving androgen therapy is concerned about side effects. What is the most serious adverse effect the nurse should monitor for during this therapy?

• A. Increased risk of cardiovascular events
• B. Increased risk of bone fractures
• C. Increased risk of venous thromboembolism
• D. Increased risk of mood changes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased risk of cardiovascular events. Androgen therapy can significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, especially in older patients. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of cardiovascular issues is crucial during this therapy. Choice B, increased risk of bone fractures, is not typically associated with androgen therapy. Choice C, increased risk of venous thromboembolism, is more commonly linked to estrogen therapy rather than androgen therapy. Choice D, increased risk of mood changes, can occur with androgen therapy but is not as serious or life-threatening as cardiovascular events.

3. Mrs. Mendoza is a 75-year-old client who has dementia of the Alzheimer’s type and confabulates. The nurse understands that this client:

• A. Denies confusion by being jovial.
• B. Pretends to be someone else.
• C. Rationalizes various behaviors.
• D. Fills in memory gaps with fantasy.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Confabulation, a common symptom in dementia, involves filling in memory gaps with fabricated stories rather than intentionally pretending to be someone else (Choice B), denying confusion by being jovial (Choice A), or rationalizing various behaviors (Choice C). Confabulation is not a deliberate act but a memory error that results in the creation of false memories.

4. Why is a beta-blocker prescribed to a client with a history of myocardial infarction?

• A. To reduce myocardial oxygen demand.
• B. To increase cardiac output.
• C. To prevent arrhythmias.
• D. To prevent the development of angina.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary reason for administering a beta-blocker to a client with a history of myocardial infarction is to reduce myocardial oxygen demand. By reducing myocardial oxygen demand, beta-blockers help decrease the workload on the heart, making it easier for the heart to function effectively. This is crucial for clients with a history of myocardial infarction to prevent further damage to the heart. Choice B is incorrect because beta-blockers do not aim to increase cardiac output; instead, they help improve cardiac function by reducing workload. Choice C is incorrect because while beta-blockers can help prevent certain arrhythmias, the primary reason for their use in this case is to reduce myocardial oxygen demand. Choice D is incorrect as preventing angina is not the primary purpose of administering beta-blockers to a client with a history of myocardial infarction.

5. A patient is being treated with finasteride (Proscar) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). What expected outcome should the nurse include in the patient teaching?

• A. The medication will cure BPH after treatment is complete.
• B. The effects of the medication may take several weeks or months to become noticeable.
• C. The medication may cause increased hair growth.
• D. The medication may decrease libido.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Finasteride is used to reduce the size of the prostate gland in patients with BPH, leading to decreased urinary frequency and urgency over several weeks or months. Choice A is incorrect because finasteride does not cure BPH but helps manage symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as increased hair growth is associated with another medication called minoxidil, not finasteride. Choice D is incorrect since finasteride may cause a decrease in libido as a side effect.

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