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. High blood pressure is defined as systolic and diastolic measurements greater than or equal to:

• A. 140 mm Hg and 90 mm Hg, respectively
• B. 150 mm Hg and 80 mm Hg, respectively
• C. 160 mm Hg and 110 mm Hg, respectively
• D. 180 mm Hg and 120 mm Hg, respectively

Correct answer: A

Rationale: High blood pressure, or hypertension, is typically defined as having a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher and/or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B is incorrect because it suggests a higher systolic measurement than the standard definition. Choice C is incorrect as it provides an even higher systolic measurement and a much higher diastolic measurement. Choice D is also incorrect as it suggests extremely elevated blood pressure values, well above the typical definition of hypertension.

3. During an initial visit with an older adult client living alone and having difficulty preparing meals, what should the home health nurse do first?

• A. Discuss nutritional requirements with the client.
• B. Refer the client to a senior citizen center.
• C. Arrange for a home-delivered meal program.
• D. Perform a nutrition screening.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing a nutrition screening is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take first. This allows the nurse to assess the client's current nutritional status and identify any specific needs. Discussing nutritional requirements with the client (Choice A) may be important but should come after the initial assessment. Referring the client to a senior citizen center (Choice B) or arranging for a home-delivered meal program (Choice C) are actions that may be considered later based on the findings of the nutrition screening.

4. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of acute pancreatitis cases are caused by gallstones or _____.

• A. infection
• B. alcohol abuse
• C. diabetes
• D. obesity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alcohol abuse is indeed a major cause of acute pancreatitis, along with gallstones, accounting for the majority of cases. While infections, diabetes, and obesity can also contribute to pancreatitis, they are not as prevalent as alcohol abuse and gallstones in causing acute pancreatitis.

5. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

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