Nursing Elites

1. Each of the following accurately describes aspects of the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) published by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) except one. Which one is the exception?

• A. The DRIs replace the older recommended daily allowances
• B. Current DRIs attempt to estimate required nutrients to improve long-term health
• C. DRIs specifically address individuals whose requirements are affected by a disease state
• D. The DRIs attempt to establish maximum safe levels of tolerance for nutrients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. DRIs are intended for the general population and do not specifically address disease states, which are managed with different clinical guidelines. Choice A is correct as DRIs have replaced the older recommended daily allowances. Choice B is correct as current DRIs aim to estimate the required nutrients for long-term health. Choice D is correct as DRIs also attempt to establish maximum safe levels of tolerance for nutrients.

2. Which substance would most likely need to be restricted in patients with heart failure who use diuretics to help reduce fluid retention?

• A. potassium
• B. magnesium
• C. sodium
• D. chloride

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Sodium restriction is crucial in heart failure management to prevent fluid retention, which can worsen symptoms of heart failure.

3. The nurse is working with a patient who recently had a stroke. The patient frequently chokes and coughs when eating and is having difficulty feeding herself. What is the best way to ensure adequate nutrition?

• A. to have an aide feed her at each meal
• B. to ask a family member to assist during meals
• C. to provide tube feedings for the patient
• D. to initiate TPN for the patient

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best way to ensure adequate nutrition for a stroke patient who frequently chokes and coughs when eating and has difficulty feeding herself is to provide tube feedings. Tube feedings are a safe and effective method to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines, bypassing the swallowing mechanism, reducing the risk of aspiration. Having an aide feed her each meal (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of swallowing difficulty and aspiration risk. Asking a family member to be present at each meal (choice B) does not provide a definitive solution to the patient's nutritional needs. Placing the patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (choice D) is a more invasive and typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feedings or have non-functional gastrointestinal tracts.

4. Among people who are ill, significant weight loss may be masked by?

• A. dehydration
• B. a large tumor
• C. drug therapy
• D. fluid retention

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fluid retention can mask weight loss in ill individuals as the retained fluid adds to body weight, making it difficult to detect true fat or muscle loss. Dehydration (Choice A) would actually lead to weight loss rather than masking it. While a large tumor (Choice B) could contribute to weight loss, it would not mask the weight loss itself. Drug therapy (Choice C) may cause side effects, including weight changes, but it is unlikely to mask significant weight loss in the same way that fluid retention does.

5. Angie is a disoriented client who frequently falls from the bed. As her nurse, which of the following is the best nursing intervention to prevent future falls?

• A. Tell Angie not to get up from bed unassisted
• B. Put the call bell within her reach
• C. Put bedside commode at the bedside to prevent Angie from getting up
• D. Put the bed in the lowest position ever

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nursing interventions should be grounded in a deep understanding of the physiological processes involved, ensuring that care provided is both effective and efficient.

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