Nursing Elites

1. Select all that apply. Characteristics of the 2 main types of essential fatty acids discussed in class include:

• A. they must be supplied by the diet
• B. they can be produced by a process called dehydrogenation
• C. they are anti-inflammatory
• D. they are all polyunsaturated fatty acids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'they must be supplied by the diet.' Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through the diet. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids, playing vital roles in inflammation and cell membrane structure. Choice B is incorrect because essential fatty acids cannot be produced by dehydrogenation, a process of removing hydrogen. Choice C is incorrect as not all essential fatty acids are anti-inflammatory; some have pro-inflammatory roles. Choice D is incorrect because not all essential fatty acids are polyunsaturated; omega-9, for example, is a monounsaturated essential fatty acid.

2. Which mineral is important for the synthesis of thyroid hormones?

• A. Iron
• B. Zinc
• C. Iodine
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Iodine is the correct answer. It is crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid cannot produce adequate amounts of hormones, leading to potential issues like hypothyroidism. Iron (Choice A), Zinc (Choice B), and Magnesium (Choice D) do not play a direct role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones, making them incorrect choices for this question.

3. A nurse is initiating continuous enteral feedings for a client who has a new gastrostomy tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Measure the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours.
• B. Obtain the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours.
• C. Keep the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings.
• D. Flush the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Flushing the client’s tube with 30 mL of water every 4 hours is essential to maintain tube patency and prevent blockages. This action helps ensure the continuous flow of enteral feedings without obstruction. Measuring the client’s gastric residual every 12 hours (Choice A) is important but not the priority when initiating enteral feedings. Obtaining the client’s electrolyte levels every 4 hours (Choice B) is unnecessary and not directly related to tube feeding initiation. Keeping the client’s head elevated at 15° during feedings (Choice C) is a good practice to prevent aspiration, but tube flushing is more crucial to prevent tube occlusion.

4. A patient who reports stomach ulcers should avoid all the following foods, except one. Which is the exception?

• A. Proteins
• B. Caffeine
• C. Calcium
• D. Wheat

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Patients with stomach ulcers are advised to avoid foods that can increase stomach acid levels, such as caffeine, proteins, and calcium. Wheat, on the other hand, is generally well-tolerated by individuals with ulcers as it does not stimulate gastric secretions. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Choice A (Proteins), B (Caffeine), and C (Calcium) are not recommended for patients with stomach ulcers due to their potential to exacerbate symptoms.

5. 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.

Similar Questions