Nursing Elites

1. Mrs. Seva also tells the nurse that she is often constipated. Because she is aging, what physical changes predispose her to constipation?

• A. inhibition of the parasympathetic reflex
• B. weakness of sphincter muscles of anus
• C. loss of tone of the smooth muscles of the colon
• D. decreased ability to absorb fluids in the lower intestines

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Effective nursing care involves comprehensive assessments that address all aspects of a patient's condition, ensuring that interventions are appropriately targeted and outcomes are optimized.

2. Each of the following accurately describes aspects of the dietary reference intakes (DRIs) published by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) except one. Which one is the exception?

• A. The DRIs replace the older recommended daily allowances
• B. Current DRIs attempt to estimate required nutrients to improve long-term health
• C. DRIs specifically address individuals whose requirements are affected by a disease state
• D. The DRIs attempt to establish maximum safe levels of tolerance for nutrients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. DRIs are intended for the general population and do not specifically address disease states, which are managed with different clinical guidelines. Choice A is correct as DRIs have replaced the older recommended daily allowances. Choice B is correct as current DRIs aim to estimate the required nutrients for long-term health. Choice D is correct as DRIs also attempt to establish maximum safe levels of tolerance for nutrients.

3. Cariogenic foods and beverages, which are fermentable carbohydrates that can be metabolized by oral bacteria, reduce salivary pH to what critical level?

• A. 5
• B. 5.5
• C. 6
• D. 6.5

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cariogenic foods and beverages lower the pH level in the mouth to below 5.5. This is a critical threshold, as it is the point at which enamel begins to demineralize, increasing the risk of dental caries. Therefore, options 'A', 'C', and 'D' are incorrect. Although a pH level of 5, as suggested by option 'A', would indeed lead to demineralization, it's not the threshold value. The pH levels suggested by options 'C' and 'D' (6 and 6.5, respectively) are higher than the critical value of 5.5, which means they would not initiate enamel demineralization and the subsequent risk of dental caries.

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. Men generally have a higher RDA than women, except during pregnancy and lactation when women’s nutritional needs increase significantly.

• A. TRUE
• B. FALSE
• C.
• D.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement is TRUE. Men typically require a higher Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) than women due to physiological differences. However, during pregnancy and lactation, women's nutritional needs increase significantly to support the growth and development of the baby. Therefore, during these stages, women may require a higher RDA compared to men. This exception is crucial to consider when evaluating nutritional requirements based on gender.

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