Nursing Elites

1. Elderly patients are more prone to dehydration than younger people because the elderly ___________.

• A. drink more coffee and tea
• B. have more stomach mucus production
• C. have more saliva
• D. have less sense of thirst

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elderly patients are prone to dehydration because they have a lower and diminished sense of thirst. This reduced sensation of thirst makes them less likely to drink an adequate amount of fluids, leading to dehydration. While it is true that elderly individuals may also have changes such as decreased stomach mucus production and saliva production, these factors do not directly contribute to dehydration. Drinking more coffee and tea, as mentioned in choice A, is not a consistent behavior among all elderly individuals and is not a primary reason for their increased risk of dehydration.

2. You are on the unit and overhear another nurse talking on the phone to a patient's friend who wants to see her patient who is comatose and on a ventilator. Since you cared for that patient yesterday, you know that the patient's significant other, who is also the designated healthcare surrogate (HCS) and has power of attorney (POA), has expressly stated that he wants this person on the list for restricted visitors. The nurse whispers that she'll call him to visit as soon as the significant other has gone home. What should your first response be?

• A. Inform the significant other
• B. Report the nurse to the nurse manager
• C. Speak with the nurse directly in private
• D. Call the visitor and tell him he can't visit

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Speaking with the nurse directly and privately is the most constructive manner in which to handle this situation and advocate for the significant other's wishes. Doing so will open communication with a peer and build the relationship, instead of alienating the other nurse by taking action that does not involve her and will cast her in a negative light with others. It is essential to express your concerns regarding honoring the significant other's requests and rights regarding the limitation of visitors. Option A is incorrect because the significant other is not the one trying to visit, and it is more appropriate to address the nurse directly first. Option B is not the best initial response as it may escalate the situation without giving the nurse a chance to correct the issue. Option D is incorrect as it does not address the issue at its source and may create further conflict without resolving the underlying problem.

3. A nurse is asked to perform a task that she believes is outside her scope of practice. What is the appropriate response to this issue?

• A. Contact the state board of nursing licensure to report the offense
• B. Review the state scope of practice standards for nurses
• C. Ask another nurse to perform the task to learn the procedure
• D. Contact the house supervisor to make the decision on whether the nurse should perform the task

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When faced with a task that a nurse believes may be beyond their scope of practice, it is essential to refer to the state's specific scope of practice standards for nurses. This step is crucial as these standards can vary between states, providing clarity on what tasks are permissible. By reviewing these standards, the nurse can determine if the task falls within their scope of practice. Contacting the state board of nursing licensure to report the offense (Choice A) is premature and should only be considered if there is a serious violation after reviewing the scope of practice. Asking another nurse to perform the task (Choice C) does not address the issue of clarifying the scope of practice. Contacting the house supervisor (Choice D) may be necessary if the nurse cannot determine the appropriateness of the task based on the scope of practice standards.

4. You are caring for a group of elderly clients, many of whom are affected by multiple chronic disorders and are also, at times, affected by some acute disorders that require medical and nursing attention. As you are caring for these clients, some will need a new medication regimen for an acute disorder. You should consider the fact that the elderly population is at risk for more side effects, adverse drug reactions, and toxicity due to the elderly having a(n):

• A. Increased creatinine clearance.
• B. Impaired immune system.
• C. Decreased hepatic metabolism.
• D. Increased bodily fat

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Decreased hepatic metabolism.' The elderly population is at risk for more side effects, adverse drug reactions, and toxicity due to a decrease in hepatic metabolism. This is caused by changes in hepatic functioning in the elderly, including decreased hepatic blood flow and functioning. Choice A, 'Increased creatinine clearance,' is incorrect as aging typically results in decreased, not increased, creatinine clearance. Choice B, 'Impaired immune system,' is not directly related to the increased risk of adverse drug reactions in the elderly. Choice D, 'Increased bodily fat,' is not a primary factor contributing to the increased risk of medication-related issues in the elderly population.

5. Mrs. O is seen for follow-up after an episode of acute pancreatitis. Her physician orders a serum amylase level and the result is 200 U/L. Which of the following is a potential cause of this result?

• A. The client is pregnant
• B. The client has hypertension
• C. The client is in renal failure
• D. The client has pancreatitis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated serum amylase level after pancreatitis may indicate another attack of the condition. It is common to order serum amylase as part of routine follow-up after pancreatitis. Elevated levels can also be seen in related gastrointestinal conditions like cholecystitis or an intestinal blockage. Therefore, in this case, the most likely cause of the elevated serum amylase level is a recurrence or ongoing pancreatitis. The other options, including pregnancy, hypertension, and renal failure, are not typically associated with an elevated serum amylase level in the context of follow-up after acute pancreatitis.

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