Nursing Elites

1. Carmen discovers that the DASH diet contains more fiber and ____ compared to that of the typical American diet.

• A. vitamin C
• B. iron
• C. potassium
• D. sodium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'potassium.' The DASH diet is rich in potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, making it more effective than the typical American diet, which is often low in this essential mineral. Choice A, 'vitamin C,' is incorrect as the comparison is about fiber and another nutrient, not vitamin C. Choice B, 'iron,' is incorrect as the discussion is about fiber and a mineral that helps lower blood pressure, not iron. Choice D, 'sodium,' is incorrect as the DASH diet actually focuses on reducing sodium intake for better blood pressure control, so it wouldn't be a nutrient found in higher amounts compared to the typical American diet.

2. Which statement indicates understanding of a low-fiber diet?

• A. I can cut up carrots and celery sticks for my lunch.
• B. I will eat a bran muffin for my mid-morning snack.
• C. I will have oatmeal with skim milk for my breakfast.
• D. I should choose canned peaches for my fruit serving.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because canned peaches are low in fiber compared to the other options provided. Option A contains high-fiber vegetables (carrots and celery), option B includes a bran muffin which is fiber-rich, and option C involves oatmeal which is also a good source of fiber. Therefore, choosing canned peaches aligns with a low-fiber diet.

3. Medication for treating high blood cholesterol levels should not be used for most people unless:

• A. The patient has at least three major risk factors for coronary heart disease
• B. The patient has been experiencing symptoms of coronary heart disease for at least three months
• C. The patient's medical insurance covers prescription drugs
• D. Treatment with Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) alone is unsuccessful after three months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is choice D because medication for high cholesterol is typically not considered unless Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC), which include diet and exercise, have not proven effective after a three-month period. This approach ensures that lifestyle modifications are given a fair chance to lower cholesterol levels before resorting to medication. Choice A is incorrect because the number of risk factors for coronary heart disease does not dictate when to begin medication; it is about the effectiveness of lifestyle changes. Choice B is incorrect as the duration of coronary heart disease symptoms does not determine when to start medication; the focus is on the response to TLC. Choice C is incorrect because the coverage of prescription drugs by the patient's insurance does not influence the medical decision to use medication for high cholesterol; it is based on medical necessity and effectiveness of prior interventions.

4. Which nutrient is critical for wound healing and immune function?

• A. Vitamin B12
• B. Vitamin C
• C. Vitamin D
• D. Vitamin K

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and immune function.

5. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

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