Nursing Elites

1. One of the most common factors that compromise the vitamin D status of older adults, particularly those living in assisted living communities is _____.

• A. decreased intake of fruits and vegetables
• B. lack of physical activity
• C. malabsorption due to atrophic gastritis
• D. lack of exposure to sunlight

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: lack of exposure to sunlight.' Older adults, especially those in assisted living communities, are at risk of vitamin D deficiency due to spending most of their time indoors, which reduces their exposure to sunlight. Sunlight is essential for the body to produce vitamin D. Choices A, B, and C are less likely to be major factors in compromising vitamin D status. While a decreased intake of fruits and vegetables and lack of physical activity can impact overall health, they are not as directly related to vitamin D status. Malabsorption due to atrophic gastritis may affect the absorption of certain nutrients, but vitamin D synthesis primarily depends on sunlight exposure.

2. 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.

3. Which metabolic disease is characterized by poor healing, severe forms of periodontal disease, necrosis, xerostomia, and candidiasis?

• A. Hypopituitarism
• B. Diabetes mellitus
• C. Hyperthyroidism
• D. Renal disease

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Diabetes mellitus is the correct answer. It is associated with poor wound healing, severe periodontal disease, tissue necrosis, dry mouth (xerostomia), and an increased susceptibility to oral infections like candidiasis. Hypopituitarism, hyperthyroidism, and renal disease are not typically linked to the specific oral manifestations described in the question.

4. During the first 24 hours after the thermal injury, you should assess Sergio for:

• A. hypokalemia and hypernatremia
• B. hypokalemia and hyponatremia
• C. hyperkalemia and hyponatremia
• D. hyperkalemia and hypernatremia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During the initial phase after a thermal injury, the major concern is the release of potassium due to cell damage, leading to hyperkalemia. Hypernatremia is not typically a primary concern in the immediate post-injury phase. Hyponatremia is less likely to occur initially after a burn injury. Therefore, the correct assessment for Sergio during the first 24 hours after the thermal injury would be hyperkalemia and hypernatremia.

5. In monitoring the patient in PACU, the nurse correctly identifies that checking the patient's vital signs is done every:

• A. 1 hour
• B. 5 minutes
• C. 15 minutes
• D. 30 minutes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A - Vital signs monitoring in the PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) is typically done every hour to closely monitor the patient's condition during the immediate postoperative period. This frequency allows the nurse to promptly identify any changes in the patient's vital signs and intervene as necessary. Choice B (5 minutes) is too frequent for routine vital signs monitoring in the PACU and may not allow for a comprehensive assessment of the patient's stability. Choice C (15 minutes) and Choice D (30 minutes) are also not in line with the standard practice of vital signs monitoring in the PACU, which is typically hourly.

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