Nursing Elites

1. Cariogenic foods and beverages, which are fermentable carbohydrates that can be metabolized by oral bacteria, reduce salivary pH to what critical level?

• A. 5
• B. 5.5
• C. 6
• D. 6.5

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cariogenic foods and beverages lower the pH level in the mouth to below 5.5. This is a critical threshold, as it is the point at which enamel begins to demineralize, increasing the risk of dental caries. Therefore, options 'A', 'C', and 'D' are incorrect. Although a pH level of 5, as suggested by option 'A', would indeed lead to demineralization, it's not the threshold value. The pH levels suggested by options 'C' and 'D' (6 and 6.5, respectively) are higher than the critical value of 5.5, which means they would not initiate enamel demineralization and the subsequent risk of dental caries.

2. What nutrition-related side effect is most likely to occur after head and neck surgery for cancer treatment?

• A. Aspiration
• B. Acid reflux
• C. Dumping syndrome
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most likely nutrition-related side effect after head and neck surgery for cancer treatment is aspiration. This is due to changes in swallowing mechanics, which can cause food or liquids to be inhaled into the lungs. While acid reflux, dumping syndrome, and diarrhea are potential side effects related to nutrition, they are not as directly connected to head and neck surgery. Acid reflux is more often related to issues with the lower esophageal sphincter, dumping syndrome is typically a complication of gastric surgery, and diarrhea can have various causes, including certain medications or gastrointestinal illnesses.

3. The RR nurse should monitor for the most common postoperative complication of:

• A. hemorrhage
• B. endotracheal tube perforation
• C. osopharyngeal edema
• D. epiglottis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Understanding the underlying pathology and therapeutic techniques ensures that nursing care is not only reactive but also preventative, reducing the risk of complications.

4. How many calories does one pound of fat equal?

• A. 1500 calories
• B. 2500 calories
• C. 3500 calories
• D. 5000 calories

Correct answer: C

Rationale: One pound of body fat is equivalent to approximately 3500 calories. This is a generally accepted caloric value used in nutrition and weight management. It's important to note that this is an estimation and individual variations may occur. Choice A (1500 calories), Choice B (2500 calories), and Choice D (5000 calories) are incorrect because they do not match the generally accepted caloric value of 3500 calories for one pound of body fat.

5. A nurse is caring for four clients. The nurse should plan to administer total parenteral nutrition for which of the following clients?

• A. A client who is postoperative following a laminectomy and is receiving IV PCA
• B. A client who has dysphagia and does not recognize his family
• C. A client who has COPD and is going home with oxygen
• D. A client who has colon cancer and will undergo a hemicolectomy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is essential for clients undergoing significant surgical procedures like a hemicolectomy to ensure they receive adequate nutrition when oral intake is not possible. Choices A, B, and C do not typically require TPN. Choice A is managing postoperative pain with IV PCA, choice B is likely to need alternative feeding methods due to dysphagia, and choice C is going home with oxygen for COPD management, which does not directly relate to the need for TPN.

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