Nursing Elites

1. What is the main force that pushes fluid in blood capillaries?

• A. Blood pressure.
• B. Sodium in the blood plasma.
• C. Sodium in the interstitial fluid.
• D. Protein in the blood plasma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, blood pressure. Blood pressure is the primary force that pushes fluid out of the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. This pressure difference is essential for the exchange of nutrients, gases, and waste products between the blood and tissues. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the primary force responsible for pushing fluid in blood capillaries.

2. You are performing an admission assessment on an older adult patient newly admitted for end-stage liver disease. What principle should guide your assessment of the patient's skin turgor?

• A. Overhydration is common among healthy older adults.
• B. Dehydration causes the skin to appear spongy.
• C. Inelastic skin turgor is a normal part of aging.
• D. Skin turgor cannot be assessed in patients over 70.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inelastic skin is a normal change of aging. However, this does not mean that skin turgor cannot be assessed in older patients. Dehydration, not overhydration, causes inelastic skin with tenting. Overhydration, not dehydration, causes the skin to appear edematous and spongy. Choice A is incorrect because overhydration is not common among healthy older adults. Choice B is incorrect because dehydration leads to inelastic skin, not sponginess. Choice D is incorrect as skin turgor assessment can be done in patients of any age, including those over 70.

3. A nurse is taking care of a 65-year-old female patient in a medical-surgical unit who is in renal failure; during the assessment, the patient complains of tingling in her lips and fingers. When the nurse takes her blood pressure, she has a spasm in her wrist and hand. The nurse suspects:

• A. Hypophosphatemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hypermagnesemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The patient's symptoms of tingling in the lips and fingers along with the wrist and hand spasm are indicative of tetany, a characteristic manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia can present with sensations of tingling in the extremities and around the mouth. The spasm in the wrist and hand when taking blood pressure could be due to slight ischemia of the ulnar nerve, further supporting the suspicion of hypocalcemia in this patient. Hypophosphatemia, hypermagnesemia, and hyperkalemia do not typically present with these specific symptoms and manifestations.

4. You are working on a burns unit, and one of your acutely ill patients is exhibiting signs and symptoms of third spacing. Based on this change in status, you should expect the patient to exhibit signs and symptoms of what imbalance?

• A. Metabolic alkalosis
• B. Hypermagnesemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypovolemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Third spacing refers to the loss of fluid from the intravascular space into the interstitial or third space, leading to a decrease in circulating blood volume. This condition results in hypovolemia, which is characterized by decreased blood volume. Metabolic alkalosis, hypermagnesemia, and hypercalcemia are not directly associated with third spacing. Metabolic alkalosis is an acid-base imbalance, hypermagnesemia is an excess of magnesium in the blood, and hypercalcemia is an excess of calcium in the blood, none of which are the primary concerns in cases of third spacing.

5. The healthcare professional working in the PACU is aware that which of the following procedures may contribute to extracellular losses?

• A. Removal of an ingrown toenail
• B. Tooth extraction
• C. Abdominal surgery
• D. Cataract surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Fluid loss from the extracellular compartment can be caused by abdominal surgery as it involves opening the abdominal cavity, potentially leading to significant fluid losses. Choices A, B, and D do not typically result in substantial extracellular losses compared to abdominal surgery.

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