Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The body system that functions to maintain fluid balance, support immunity, and contains the spleen is the:

• A. Lymphatic System
• B. Digestive System
• C. Urinary System
• D. Respiratory System

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Lymphatic System is responsible for maintaining fluid balance and supporting immunity. It contains organs like the spleen, tonsils, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymph vessels. The spleen, a part of the lymphatic system, plays a crucial role in filtering blood and storing blood cells. The Digestive System is primarily involved in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, not fluid balance or immunity. The Urinary System is responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating fluid balance, but it does not support immunity or contain the spleen. The Respiratory System is focused on gas exchange and oxygenating the blood, not fluid balance or immunity.

3. The nurse is preparing to perform a physical assessment. The correct action by the nurse is reflected by which statement?

• A. Performs the examination from both sides of the bed.
• B. Examines tender or painful areas last to help relieve the patient's anxiety.
• C. Follows a flexible examination sequence, considering the patient's age and condition.
• D. Organizes the assessment to ensure that the patient does not change positions too often.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should organize the assessment to minimize the patient's need to change positions frequently, ensuring efficiency and comfort. It is essential to perform the examination from both sides of the bed to facilitate a comprehensive assessment. Examining tender or painful areas last can help reduce patient discomfort and anxiety. The examination sequence should be flexible, taking into account the patient's age, condition, and specific needs. This approach allows for a tailored and patient-centered assessment, optimizing the quality of care provided.

4. Which brain structure serves as the heat-regulating center?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating body temperature, ensuring it stays within a narrow range. Moreover, the hypothalamus controls various essential bodily functions, such as hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the Pituitary Gland primarily produces and releases hormones, the Pons is involved in functions like sleep, respiration, and bladder control, and the Medulla Oblongata controls vital functions like breathing and heart rate, but not body temperature regulation.

5. Which of the following is a disadvantage of using a dry heat application?

• A. Dry heat is more likely to cause burns than moist heat
• B. Dry heat does not penetrate deeply into the tissues
• C. Dry heat causes the skin to dry out more quickly
• D. Dry heat can quickly cause skin breakdown

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is that dry heat causes the skin to dry out more quickly. When comparing dry and moist heat applications, dry heat is less likely to cause burns and skin breakdown. However, one of the disadvantages of dry heat is that it does not penetrate deeply into the tissues and may lead to faster drying out of the skin. This can have negative effects on skin integrity and overall comfort during therapy. Choice A is incorrect because dry heat is less likely to cause burns than moist heat. Choice B is incorrect as dry heat may not penetrate deeply into tissues. Choice D is incorrect as dry heat is less likely to cause skin breakdown compared to moist heat.

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