Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A patient with renal insufficiency should limit the intake of which of the following nutrients?

• A. Phosphorus
• B. Potassium
• C. Sodium
• D. Calcium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In patients with renal insufficiency, impaired kidney function can lead to difficulty in excreting phosphorus. High phosphorus levels can result in further complications such as bone and heart problems. Therefore, limiting the intake of phosphorus is crucial. Potassium and sodium restrictions may also be necessary in renal insufficiency, but the primary concern related to nutrients is phosphorus in this scenario. Calcium, while important for bone health, does not typically need to be restricted in renal insufficiency unless there is a specific medical reason to do so.

3. A nurse is teaching a group of clients who are at risk for heart disease about decreasing saturated fats in their diet. Which of the following fats should the nurse recommend the clients use when cooking?

• A. Palm oil
• B. Peanut oil
• C. Canola oil
• D. Stick margarine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Canola oil is lower in saturated fats compared to palm oil, peanut oil, and stick margarine, making it a healthier option for clients at risk for heart disease. Palm oil is high in saturated fats, peanut oil has a moderate amount of saturated fats, and stick margarine is also high in saturated fats and trans fats, which are not heart-healthy choices.

4. A nurse is providing teaching to a group of adult athletes about preventing the effects of dehydration on the body. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Impaired motor control
• B. Drop in body temperature during exercise
• C. Increase in appetite
• D. Decreased resting heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Dehydration can lead to impaired motor control due to electrolyte imbalances affecting muscle function. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Dehydration typically causes an increase in body temperature during exercise, not a drop. Dehydration is more likely to suppress appetite, leading to a decrease rather than an increase in appetite. Also, dehydration often results in an increased heart rate rather than a decreased resting heart rate.

5. Approximately 70 to 80 percent of acute pancreatitis cases are caused by gallstones or _____.

• A. infection
• B. alcohol abuse
• C. diabetes
• D. obesity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Alcohol abuse is indeed a major cause of acute pancreatitis, along with gallstones, accounting for the majority of cases. While infections, diabetes, and obesity can also contribute to pancreatitis, they are not as prevalent as alcohol abuse and gallstones in causing acute pancreatitis.

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