Nursing Elites

1. Specific gravity in urinalysis:

• A. compares the concentration of urine to that of distilled water
• B. is useless when the patient is dehydrated
• C. can only be measured using a refractometer
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Specific gravity in urinalysis measures the concentration of solutes in urine compared to that of distilled water. This comparison helps in assessing the kidney's ability to concentrate urine properly. It is a valuable test even in dehydrated patients as it provides insights into renal function. Specific gravity can be measured using various methods, including a refractometer or reagent strips. Normal specific gravity readings of human urine typically range from 1.005 to 1.030. Choice A is correct as it accurately describes the purpose of specific gravity in urinalysis. Choices B and C are incorrect as specific gravity remains relevant in dehydrated patients and can be measured using different techniques, not solely a refractometer.

2. During an assessment, a nurse asks a patient, "If you had fever and vomiting for 3 days, what would you do?"? Which aspect of the mental status examination is the nurse assessing?

• A. Behavior
• B. Cognition
• C. Affect and mood
• D. Perceptual disturbances

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse is assessing cognition in this scenario. Cognition involves evaluating a patient's judgment and decision-making abilities. By asking the patient what they would do in a specific situation, the nurse aims to determine the patient's cognitive function. A correct response indicating intact cognition would involve a decision like 'Call my doctor.' If the patient suggests inappropriate actions like 'I would stop eating' or 'I would just wait and see what happened,' it would suggest impaired judgment. The other options, behavior, affect and mood, and perceptual disturbances, refer to different aspects of the mental status examination and are not directly assessed through this question.

3. The nurse is reviewing percussion techniques with a new graduate nurse. Which action performed by the graduate nurse while percussing requires the nurse to intervene?

• A. Percussing twice over each area
• B. Striking with the fingertip, not the finger pad
• C. Using the wrist to make the strikes, not the arm
• D. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to percuss twice over each area, not once. This technique helps ensure a more accurate assessment. Striking with the fingertip instead of the finger pad is correct because the tip of the finger produces clearer sounds. Using the wrist to make the strikes instead of the arm is appropriate as it allows for more controlled and precise percussion. Quickly lifting the striking finger after each stroke is also correct to prevent damping off vibrations. Therefore, percussing once over each area (Choice A) is incorrect as it does not follow the standard percussion technique.

4. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for reducing the risk of infection during the post-operative period?

• A. Flush the central line with heparin at least every four hours
• B. Administer narcotic analgesics as needed
• C. Remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory
• D. Order a high-protein diet for the client

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate action to reduce the risk of infection during the post-operative period is to remove the urinary catheter as soon as the client is ambulatory. Urinary catheters can serve as a source of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection in the bladder or urethra. By removing the catheter promptly once the client is mobile, the risk of infection can be minimized. Option A, flushing the central line with heparin, is not directly related to reducing urinary tract infections. Option B, administering narcotic analgesics as needed, is important for pain management but does not directly address infection prevention. Option D, ordering a high-protein diet, may be beneficial for wound healing but does not specifically target infection risk reduction in the post-operative period.

5. A leukemia patient has a relative who wants to donate blood for transfusion. Which of the following donor medical conditions would prevent this?

• A. A history of hepatitis C five years previously
• B. Cholecystitis requiring cholecystectomy one year previously
• C. Asymptomatic diverticulosis
• D. Crohn's disease in remission

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A history of hepatitis C five years previously would prevent a donor from donating blood for transfusion. Hepatitis C is a viral infection transmitted through bodily fluids, such as blood, causing inflammation of the liver. Patients with hepatitis C may not donate blood for transfusion due to the high risk of infection in the recipient. Cholecystitis requiring cholecystectomy one year previously, asymptomatic diverticulosis, and Crohn's disease in remission are not contraindications for blood donation as they do not pose a risk of transmitting infections to the recipient.

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