Nursing Elites

1. An oncology nurse is providing care for an adult patient who is currently immunocompromised. The nurse is aware of the physiology involved in hematopoiesis and immune function, including the salient role of cytokines. What is the primary role of cytokines in maintaining homeostasis?

• A. Cytokines perform phagocytosis in response to bacterial and protozoal infections.
• B. Cytokines perform a regulatory role in the development of diverse blood cells.
• C. Cytokines play a significant role in the formation of all blood cells.
• D. Cytokines are produced in response to the presence of antibodies.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary role of cytokines in maintaining homeostasis is to perform a regulatory function in the development of diverse blood cells. Cytokines act as signaling molecules that regulate the immune response and hematopoiesis. Choice A is incorrect because cytokines do not perform phagocytosis; they regulate immune responses. Choice C is incorrect because while cytokines are involved in the formation of some blood cells, they are not considered the basic 'building blocks' of all blood cells. Choice D is incorrect because cytokines are not formed in response to antibodies, but rather play a role in the immune response to various stimuli.

2. A client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is admitted to the hospital. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer muscle relaxants as prescribed.
• B. Assist the client with activities of daily living (ADLs).
• C. Provide nutritional support to prevent aspiration.
• D. Encourage the client to participate in physical therapy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with ALS is to provide nutritional support to prevent aspiration. ALS causes muscle weakness, including the muscles used for swallowing, increasing the risk of aspiration. Providing proper nutrition and support can help prevent this complication. Administering muscle relaxants (Choice A) may not be suitable for ALS as it can further weaken muscles. While assisting with ADLs (Choice B) and encouraging physical therapy (Choice D) are important aspects of care, the priority for a client with ALS is to prevent complications related to swallowing and nutrition.

3. The unique clinical presentation of a 3-month-old infant in the emergency department leads the care team to suspect botulism. Which assessment question posed to the parents is likely to be most useful in the differential diagnosis?

• A. Has your child received all recommended vaccinations?
• B. Has your child been feeding poorly or showing signs of constipation?
• C. Has your child been exposed to any sick individuals?
• D. Has your child been displaying signs of respiratory distress?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Poor feeding and constipation are common early symptoms of infant botulism, which is caused by a neurotoxin that impairs muscle function. Option A is unrelated to the presentation of botulism. Option C does not directly relate to the symptoms of botulism. Option D is more indicative of respiratory issues rather than the constellation of symptoms seen in botulism.

4. What important point should the nurse emphasize about taking oral contraceptives consistently?

• A. Oral contraceptives must be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels and ensure effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.
• B. Oral contraceptives should be taken in the morning to avoid side effects at night.
• C. Oral contraceptives should be taken with food to enhance absorption.
• D. Oral contraceptives can be skipped occasionally without significant consequences.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. It is crucial for patients taking oral contraceptives to take them at the same time each day to maintain consistent hormone levels, which is essential for their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. Choice B is incorrect as the timing of the medication is more about consistency than avoiding side effects at night. Choice C is incorrect as oral contraceptives do not necessarily need to be taken with food for absorption. Choice D is incorrect because skipping oral contraceptives occasionally can significantly reduce their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

5. A student is feeling inside her backpack to find her mobile phone. There are a number of other items in the bag other than the phone. The nurse knows that which term best describes one's ability to sense the shape and size of an object in the absence of visualization?

• A. Stereognosis
• B. Graphesthesia
• C. Proprioception
• D. Kinesthesia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Stereognosis is the correct answer. It refers to the ability to recognize objects by touch, specifically determining their shape and size without relying on visual cues. Graphesthesia, on the other hand, is the ability to recognize symbols or numbers traced on the skin. Proprioception involves the awareness of body position and movement. Kinesthesia relates to the perception of body movement.

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