Nursing Elites

1. When are manual hematocrits done?

• A. to monitor anemia
• B. by using a microhematocrit tube.
• C. to measure the percentage of plasma to cells.
• D. All of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Manual hematocrits are performed to monitor anemia, which involves measuring the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. The process involves collecting blood in a microhematocrit tube, then centrifuging it to separate the plasma from the cells. By measuring the ratio of plasma to cells, healthcare providers can assess the patient's hematocrit level. Therefore, all the provided options are correct as they collectively describe the purpose and procedure of manual hematocrits.

2. You have measured the urinary output of your resident at the end of your 8-hour shift. The output is 25 ounces. What should you do next?

• A. Convert the number of ounces into cc.
• B. Convert the number of ounces into cm.
• C. Immediately report this poor output to the nurse.
• D. Know that 25 ounces of urine is too much in 8 hours.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: You should convert the number of ounces into cc because cc is the unit of measurement used to record intake and output accurately. This urinary output falls within normal limits, so there is no need to report it immediately to the nurse. It is essential to report urinary outputs of less than 30 cc per hour to detect potential issues early. Converting ounces into centimeters (cm) is not appropriate in this context as cm is a unit of length, not volume. Knowing that 25 ounces of urine is too much in 8 hours is inaccurate as it depends on various factors like fluid intake and individual differences.

3. A patient with Parkinson's disease is experiencing difficulty swallowing. What potential problem associated with dysphagia has the greatest influence on the plan of care?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Aspiration
• C. Self-care deficit
• D. Inadequate intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a person experiences dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), the greatest concern is aspiration. Aspiration occurs when food or fluids enter the trachea and lungs instead of going down the esophagus. This can lead to serious complications such as choking, airway obstruction, and aspiration pneumonia. Anorexia (Choice A) refers to a loss of appetite, which is not the primary concern with dysphagia. Self-care deficit (Choice C) and inadequate intake (Choice D) are important considerations but do not have as direct an impact on the immediate safety and health risks associated with aspiration in dysphagia.

4. When assessing the pulse of a 6-year-old patient, the nurse notices that the heart rate varies with the respiratory cycle, speeding up at the peak of inspiration and slowing to normal with expiration. What action would the nurse take next?

• A. Notify the physician.
• B. Record this finding as normal.
• C. Check the child's blood pressure and note any variation with respiration.
• D. Document that this child has bradycardia and continue with the assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take next is to record this finding as normal. Sinus dysrhythmia, characterized by heart rate variation with the respiratory cycle, is commonly found in children and young adults. The heart rate speeds up at the peak of inspiration and slows to normal with expiration. This phenomenon is a normal variant and does not require any intervention. There is no need to notify the physician as this finding is within the expected range for this age group. Checking the child's blood pressure for variations with respiration or documenting the child as having bradycardia would not be appropriate in this case, as sinus dysrhythmia is a normal physiological response.

5. A patient has been told to monitor her LH levels. Which of the following potential conditions might the patient be suffering from?

• A. Menorrhagia
• B. Grave's Disease
• C. Menopause
• D. Infertility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Luteinizing hormone (LH) is released by the pituitary gland to stimulate ovulation. One of the common reasons for monitoring LH levels is infertility. In women with infertility, LH levels are monitored to time intercourse accurately to maximize the chances of conception. Menorrhagia (choice A) is characterized by heavy menstrual bleeding and is not directly related to LH levels. Grave's Disease (choice B) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the thyroid gland and is not typically monitored by LH levels. Menopause (choice C) is a natural process marking the end of a woman's reproductive years and is not a condition where LH monitoring for infertility is common.

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