Nursing Elites

1. An increase in capillary blood pressure would tend to:

• A. increase interstitial fluid volume.
• B. increase plasma volume.
• C. decrease interstitial fluid volume.
• D. increase plasma volume and decrease interstitial fluid volume.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: An increase in capillary blood pressure leads to a higher force pushing fluid out of the capillaries into the interstitial space, thereby increasing interstitial fluid volume. Choice B is incorrect because capillary blood pressure affects the movement of fluid into the interstitial space, not into the plasma. Choice C is incorrect as an increase in capillary blood pressure would not decrease interstitial fluid volume. Choice D is incorrect as it combines contradictory effects when capillary blood pressure increases.

2. You are performing an admission assessment on an older adult patient newly admitted for end-stage liver disease. What principle should guide your assessment of the patient's skin turgor?

• A. Overhydration is common among healthy older adults.
• B. Dehydration causes the skin to appear spongy.
• C. Inelastic skin turgor is a normal part of aging.
• D. Skin turgor cannot be assessed in patients over 70.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inelastic skin is a normal change of aging. However, this does not mean that skin turgor cannot be assessed in older patients. Dehydration, not overhydration, causes inelastic skin with tenting. Overhydration, not dehydration, causes the skin to appear edematous and spongy. Choice A is incorrect because overhydration is not common among healthy older adults. Choice B is incorrect because dehydration leads to inelastic skin, not sponginess. Choice D is incorrect as skin turgor assessment can be done in patients of any age, including those over 70.

3. A client at risk for mild hypernatremia is being taught by a nurse. Which statement should the nurse include in this client's teaching?

• A. Weigh yourself every morning and every night
• B. Check your radial pulse twice a day
• C. Read food labels to determine sodium content
• D. Bake or grill the meat rather than frying it

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Read food labels to determine sodium content.' This is important for a client at risk for mild hypernatremia because monitoring sodium intake is crucial in managing this condition. Choice A is not directly related to managing hypernatremia. Choice B focuses on pulse monitoring, which is not specific to managing sodium levels. Choice D addresses cooking methods, which can be beneficial but is not as directly related to sodium intake monitoring as reading food labels.

4. Which organ has the greatest effect on fluid output?

• A. Kidneys
• B. Lungs
• C. Skin
• D. Intestines

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the kidneys. The kidneys are primarily responsible for regulating fluid balance by filtering blood and adjusting the volume and concentration of urine. The lungs primarily regulate gas exchange, not fluid balance. The skin plays a role in temperature regulation and protection but is not the primary organ for fluid output. The intestines are mainly involved in the absorption of nutrients and water, rather than fluid output.

5. The nurse is caring for a postthyroidectomy patient at risk for hypocalcemia. What action should the nurse take when assessing for hypocalcemia?

• A. Monitor laboratory values daily for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone.
• B. Observe for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain.
• C. Evaluate the quality of the patient's voice postoperatively, noting any drastic changes.
• D. Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes are signs of hyperirritability of the nervous system due to hypocalcemia. The other options describe complications the nurse should also be observing for; however, tetany and neurologic alterations are primary indications of hypocalcemia. Monitoring for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (choice A) is not relevant in assessing for hypocalcemia. Observing for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain (choice B) are more related to airway compromise. Evaluating the quality of the patient's voice postoperatively (choice C) is important but not a primary sign of hypocalcemia.

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