Nursing Elites

1. During the first 24 hours after the thermal injury, you should assess Sergio for:

• A. hypokalemia and hypernatremia
• B. hypokalemia and hyponatremia
• C. hyperkalemia and hyponatremia
• D. hyperkalemia and hypernatremia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the initial phase after a thermal injury, the major concern is the release of potassium due to cell damage, leading to hyperkalemia. Hypernatremia is not typically a primary concern in the immediate post-injury phase. Hyponatremia is less likely to occur initially after a burn injury. Therefore, the correct assessment for Sergio during the first 24 hours after the thermal injury would be hyperkalemia and hypernatremia.

2. Individuals who use antiretroviral drugs frequently develop insulin resistance and _____.

• A. hypertension
• B. hypothyroidism
• C. hyperlipidemia
• D. fluid retention

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: hyperlipidemia. Antiretroviral drugs can often lead to elevated lipid levels (hyperlipidemia), which is a common side effect of this therapy. This increase in lipids can contribute to cardiovascular risk. Hypertension (choice A) is not typically associated with antiretroviral drug use. Hypothyroidism (choice B) and fluid retention (choice D) are also not commonly linked to antiretroviral therapy.

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. What is the most likely demonstration of cardiac cachexia?

• A. Decreased physical activity
• B. Weight loss and tissue wasting
• C. Poor urine output and tissue edema
• D. Cardiac arrhythmia and wet lung sounds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cardiac cachexia is a condition characterized by severe weight loss and tissue wasting. This typically occurs in patients suffering from heart failure due to an increased energy expenditure and reduced appetite, which is why choice B is the correct answer. The other choices are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the symptoms of cardiac cachexia. Decreased physical activity (choice A) can be a result of many conditions, not specifically cardiac cachexia. Poor urine output and tissue edema (choice C) are more indicative of kidney problems rather than cardiac cachexia. Finally, cardiac arrhythmia and wet lung sounds (choice D) are symptoms related to other cardiac conditions, not specifically to cardiac cachexia.

5. In monitoring the patient in PACU, the nurse correctly identifies that checking the patient's vital signs is done every:

• A. 1 hour
• B. 5 minutes
• C. 15 minutes
• D. 30 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Vital signs monitoring in the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) is typically done every hour to closely monitor the patient's condition during the immediate postoperative period. This frequency allows the nurse to promptly identify any changes in the patient's vital signs and intervene as necessary. Choice B (5 minutes) is too frequent for routine vital signs monitoring in the PACU and may not allow for a comprehensive assessment of the patient's stability. Choice C (15 minutes) and Choice D (30 minutes) are also not in line with the standard practice of vital signs monitoring in the PACU, which is typically hourly.

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