Nursing Elites

1. An infant has just returned from surgery for placement of a gastrostomy tube as an initial treatment for tracheoesophageal fistula. The mother asks, 'When can the tube be used for feeding?' The nurse's best response would be which of these comments?

• A. "Feedings can begin in 5 to 7 days."
• B. "The use of the feeding tube can begin immediately."
• C. "The stomach contents and air must be drained first."
• D. "The incision healing must be complete before feeding."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The stomach contents and air must be drained first.' Before starting feedings through a gastrostomy tube, it is essential to drain the stomach contents and air. This process helps prevent complications and ensures the proper functioning of the tube after placement. Choice A is incorrect because initiating feedings within 5 to 7 days may lead to complications if the stomach is not adequately prepared. Choice B is incorrect as feeding should not begin immediately to allow for proper preparation of the tube and the stomach. Choice D is incorrect because although incision healing is important, draining the stomach contents and air is a more immediate concern to prevent complications.

2. The nurse is assessing a 12-year-old who has Hemophilia A. Which finding would the nurse anticipate?

• A. An excess of red blood cells
• B. An excess of white blood cells
• C. A deficiency of clotting factor VIII
• D. A deficiency of clotting factors VIII and IX

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: A deficiency of clotting factor VIII. Hemophilia A is characterized by a lack of clotting factor VIII, which is crucial for blood clotting. This deficiency results in prolonged bleeding. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. There is no association between Hemophilia A and an excess of red blood cells (Choice A) or an excess of white blood cells (Choice B). Additionally, Hemophilia A specifically involves a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, not both factors VIII and IX (Choice D).

3. Which level of care serves as a referral center for primary health facilities?

• A. Secondary level health care
• B. Primary health care
• C. Tertiary level care
• D. Intermediate level care

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Secondary level health care is the correct answer as it serves as a referral center for primary health facilities. Primary health care refers to basic health services provided in the community setting. Tertiary level care involves specialized services like hospitals with advanced medical equipment and expertise. Intermediate level care is not a standard term in the hierarchy of health care services.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is receiving insulin glargine (Lantus). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar levels in diabetes. The nurse should monitor the client for hypoglycemia, which is a potential side effect of insulin therapy. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, leading to symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is an elevated potassium level, not typically associated with insulin glargine. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, which is not a common side effect of insulin glargine. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is an elevated calcium level and is not related to the use of insulin glargine.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is receiving levothyroxine (Synthroid). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hypotension
• C. Weight gain
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Levothyroxine, used to treat hypothyroidism, can lead to increased metabolism, causing tachycardia as a side effect. Monitoring for tachycardia is essential to ensure the client's safety. Choices B, Hypotension, and C, Weight gain, are incorrect as levothyroxine is not typically associated with causing hypotension or weight gain. Choice D, Bradycardia, is also incorrect as levothyroxine-induced bradycardia is not a common side effect.

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