Nursing Elites

1. In a patient with acromegaly, which assessment finding will the nurse expect to find?

• A. Sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints
• B. Growth retardation and a delayed onset of puberty
• C. Overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet
• D. Increased height and weight and delayed sexual development

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Acromegaly is a condition characterized by excessive secretion of growth hormone in adulthood after normal body growth completion. This hormonal excess leads to overgrowth of bones in the face, head, hands, and feet; however, there is no significant change in height. Stating sternal deformity and hyperextensible joints is incorrect as they are characteristic findings of Marfan syndrome. Growth retardation and delayed onset of puberty are not typical of acromegaly but are seen in hypopituitary dwarfism. Increased height, weight, and delayed sexual development are features of gigantism, not acromegaly. Therefore, the correct assessment finding in a patient with acromegaly would be overgrowth of bone in the face, head, hands, and feet.

2. Efforts by healthcare facilities to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include an awareness of which of the following?

• A. The CDC requires all states to report HAI rates from each hospital.
• B. Ensure that the restraints are tied to the side rails.
• C. The gastrointestinal tract is a common site for HAIs.
• D. Joint Commission considers death or serious injury from HAIs a sentinel event.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Efforts to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) involve being aware that the Joint Commission considers death or serious injury resulting from HAIs a sentinel event, which must be reported. While more than 20 states require reporting of HAI rates to the CDC, it is not a nationwide CDC requirement. The gastrointestinal tract is not a specific common site for HAIs; rather, bacteria are the primary cause. Ensuring restraints are properly secured is important for patient safety but not directly related to reducing HAIs.

3. What is the first aid for frostbite?

• A. Running cold water over the affected area. Warm or hot water will shock the area and cause more tissue damage.
• B. Run warm water over the area to rapidly rewarm the affected area.
• C. Run hot water over the area to warm the area as quickly as possible.
• D. Cover the area with a blanket, using a heating pad if the blanket isn't warm enough.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: First aid for frostbite involves running cold water over the affected area. It is important to avoid warm or hot water as it can shock the area and cause further tissue damage. Warm water should not be used to rapidly rewarm the affected area. Similarly, hot water should also be avoided as it can warm the area too quickly and potentially cause harm. Covering the area with a blanket and using a heating pad may not be effective and can even lead to more damage. Seeking medical assistance is crucial if the tissue appears necrotic to prevent further complications.

4. The nurse is examining a 2-year-old child and asks, "May I listen to your heart now?"? Which critique of the nurse's technique is most accurate?

• A. Asking questions may enhance the child's autonomy.
• B. Asking the child for permission helps develop a sense of trust.
• C. This question is an inappropriate statement because children at this age like to have choices.
• D. Children at this age like to say, "No."? The examiner should not offer a choice when no choice is available.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Children at the age of 2 often like to assert their independence by saying "No."? In situations where there is actually no choice available, offering a false choice can lead to a lack of trust. It is important not to offer a choice when there isn't one, as doing so may undermine trust. While asking for permission can enhance autonomy and trust, offering a limited option like, "Shall I listen to your heart next or your tummy?"? may be a better approach. Therefore, the correct critique of the nurse's technique in this scenario is that children at this age tend to say "No,"? so the examiner should avoid offering a choice when there isn't a real alternative.

5. Madge is a 91-year-old nursing home resident with a history of dementia and atrial fibrillation who has been admitted to the hospital for treatment of pneumonia. As you are performing her bed bath, you note bruising around her breasts and genital area. What potential issue should be of major concern in Madge's situation?

• A. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• B. Embolic stroke
• C. Sexual abuse
• D. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bruising around the breasts and genitals should trigger concern for sexual abuse. Elder abuse is a growing problem in America, and nurses are uniquely positioned to recognize and intervene on behalf of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), major types of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial or material exploitation, and self-neglect. In this scenario, given Madge's age, history of dementia, and the presence of unexplained bruising in sensitive areas, sexual abuse must be considered as a major concern. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a platelet disorder that presents with excessive bruising and bleeding, but it is less likely in this case as the bruising pattern is suggestive of a different cause. Embolic stroke is a neurological condition that typically presents with sudden onset neurological deficits and is not related to the observed bruising. Nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) is a common issue in elderly residents but would not manifest as bruising in specific areas like the breasts and genitals.

Similar Questions