Nursing Elites

1. What are some of the earliest signs and symptoms of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy?

• A. Clumsiness, difficulty running, climbing, and riding a bicycle
• B. Pain and inflammation in the bones
• C. Deformity of the foot
• D. Infection in the joint leading to arthritis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clumsiness, difficulty running, climbing, and riding a bicycle are some of the earliest signs and symptoms of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the typical early signs and symptoms of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Pain and inflammation in the bones (choice B) are more indicative of conditions like osteomyelitis; deformity of the foot (choice C) is characteristic of talipes or clubfoot; and infection in the joint leading to arthritis (choice D) is more aligned with septic joint or supportive arthritis.

2. You are caring for a patient who has no cognitive functioning but only basic human functions such as opening the eyes and the sleep-wake cycle. What level of consciousness does this patient have?

• A. Obtunded
• B. A persistent vegetative state
• C. Locked-in syndrome
• D. Brain death

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A persistent vegetative state is characterized by the absence of cognitive functioning while basic human functions like the sleep-wake cycle are retained. In this state, the patient shows reflex movements and basic responses to stimuli but lacks awareness or higher mental functions. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because: A) Obtunded refers to a decreased level of consciousness, not the absence of cognitive functioning. C) Locked-in syndrome is a condition where the patient is aware and awake but cannot move or communicate due to complete paralysis of nearly all voluntary muscles except for vertical eye movements and blinking. D) Brain death is the irreversible cessation of all brain activity, including the brainstem, leading to the loss of all functions of the brain.

3. A charge nurse is making staff assignments on a medical-surgical unit. Which of the following tasks should the nurse plan to delegate to an assistive personnel?

• A. Measuring oxygen saturation for a client who has dyspnea
• B. Inserting a rectal suppository for a client who is vomiting
• C. Performing nasal hygiene for a client who has an NG tube
• D. Pouching a client's ostomy bag for a new colostomy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pouching a new colostomy is a task that can be safely and appropriately delegated to an assistive personnel as it falls within their scope of practice. Measuring oxygen saturation (Choice A) requires a higher level of training and assessment, making it unsuitable for delegation. Inserting a rectal suppository (Choice B) and performing nasal hygiene (Choice C) involve invasive procedures that are typically performed by licensed nursing staff due to the associated risks and complexities, making them inappropriate for delegation to assistive personnel.

4. Although there is projected to be a small surplus of nurses by 2030, some states will continue to see nursing shortages. Which of the following is the best explanation for this situation?

• A. Healthcare legislation that impacts nursing salaries in some states
• B. Workforce availability
• C. Aging of the baby boomers, resulting in a younger nursing workforce
• D. Population declines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best explanation for the continued nursing shortages in some states despite an overall projected surplus by 2030 is workforce availability. This factor directly impacts the number of nurses available in certain regions. Choice A about healthcare legislation affecting nursing salaries does not directly address the availability of nurses. Choice C is incorrect as the aging of the baby boomers would typically imply an older nursing workforce instead of a younger one. Choice D regarding population declines does not necessarily relate to the availability of nurses in specific states.

5. What percentage of term newborns have a congenital heart disease due to environmental risk factors such as maternal alcoholism or drug ingestion?

• A. 2% to 4%
• B. 10% to 20%
• C. 5% to 10%
• D. 7% to 9%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 2% to 4%. According to research, 2% to 4% of term newborns have congenital heart disease due to environmental risk factors such as maternal alcoholism or drug ingestion. Choices B, C, and D provide percentages that are higher than the actual prevalence of congenital heart disease in newborns caused by environmental factors, making them incorrect.

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