Nursing Elites

1. Located in the middle of the brain, what organ is responsible for satiety and hunger?

• A. Medulla Oblongata
• B. Pituitary Gland
• C. Hypothalamus
• D. Parathyroid

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The hypothalamus, located in the middle of the brain, plays a crucial role in regulating hunger and satiety. It contains specific regions that control appetite and feeding behavior. The Medulla Oblongata (Choice A) is responsible for regulating vital functions like heartbeat and breathing, not hunger. The Pituitary Gland (Choice B) is an endocrine gland that secretes hormones but is not primarily involved in hunger regulation. The Parathyroid (Choice D) is responsible for regulating calcium levels in the body and not related to hunger or satiety.

2. Amy is a 68-year-old patient who has rheumatoid arthritis affecting her hands and feet. Which substance has been shown to reduce joint tenderness and improve mobility in some people with this type of arthritis?

• A. Alfalfa Tea
• B. Cod Liver Oil
• C. Lecithin
• D. Fish Oil

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Fish oil has been identified as a substance that can help reduce joint tenderness and improve mobility in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, as it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, while Alfalfa Tea, Cod Liver Oil, and Lecithin have various health benefits, there isn't substantial evidence to suggest that they can improve conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

3. The following are all classes of nutrients except:

• A. protein
• B. fat
• C. carbs
• D. phytochemicals

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Phytochemicals are not considered a class of nutrients. While proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are essential macronutrients providing energy and structural support, phytochemicals are non-nutrient compounds found in plants that offer various health benefits but are not essential for sustaining life like the other three choices. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

4. Each statement is true of vitamin K, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Vitamin K is produced in the gut.
• B. Vitamin K functions as a catalyst for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors.
• C. Vitamin K maintains prothrombin levels.
• D. Vitamin K absorption increases with high levels of vitamin E supplementation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Vitamin K absorption decreases with high levels of vitamin E supplementation because in larger amounts, vitamin E acts as an anticoagulant. Vitamin K is not produced in the gut but can be obtained from food sources or supplements. Vitamin K is essential for the synthesis of blood-clotting factors and is crucial in maintaining prothrombin levels, which is vital for proper blood clotting. The incorrect choice, D, is misleading as high levels of vitamin E supplementation hinder vitamin K absorption due to its anticoagulant properties. Dental hygienists should be aware of the importance of vitamin K in blood clotting, especially when treating patients who are on anticoagulant medications for conditions like stroke prevention.

5. 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.

Similar Questions