Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following actions are individuals with loss of smell NOT inclined to do?

• A. Use more spices in their food
• B. Eat less food
• C. Eat and drink more sweets
• D. Lose weight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Individuals with a loss of smell are typically inclined to eat less because the enjoyment of food is diminished due to the lack of taste. However, they may compensate for this loss by consuming more sweets or using more spices. Therefore, they are less inclined to lose weight because of the increased consumption of sweets and spices, not because they eat less. Choice 'A' is incorrect because individuals with loss of smell often use more spices to enhance the taste of their food. Choice 'B' is incorrect as they may indeed eat less due to the diminished enjoyment of food. Choice 'C' is also incorrect as they tend to eat and drink more sweets to compensate for their loss of taste.

2. A patient has begun taking furosemide to manage heart failure. What food should the nurse recommend that the patient consume frequently while taking this drug?

• A. legumes
• B. cabbage
• C. peanut butter
• D. bananas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to potassium loss; therefore, it is recommended that patients consume potassium-rich foods like bananas to prevent hypokalemia.

3. A client at risk for iron-deficiency anemia is being taught by a nurse about optimizing dietary intake of iron. The nurse should explain that which of the following sources of iron is easiest for the body to absorb?

• A. Spinach
• B. Cantaloupe
• C. Chicken
• D. Lentils

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Chicken.' Chicken contains heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to non-heme iron found in plant-based sources like spinach, cantaloupe, and lentils. Heme iron, as present in chicken, is more bioavailable and is better absorbed by the body, making it an excellent source of iron for individuals at risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Spinach, cantaloupe, and lentils contain non-heme iron, which is not as efficiently absorbed as heme iron.

4. 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.

5. The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is:

• A. Sodium
• B. Potassium
• C. Calcium
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is sodium. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and is the primary cation in extracellular fluids like plasma and interstitial fluid. Potassium is the primary cation within cells, not in extracellular fluids, making it an incorrect choice. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals but are not the principal cations in plasma and interstitial fluid, so they are also incorrect choices.

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