Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary purpose of a platelet count?

• A. Assessing clot formation potential
• B. Assessing bleeding risk
• C. Detecting antigen-antibody response
• D. Identifying cardiac enzymes presence

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A platelet count is primarily used to assess the risk of bleeding. Platelets play a crucial role in blood clotting, so a low platelet count can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Monitoring platelet levels helps healthcare providers evaluate a patient's ability to form clots and manage bleeding.

2. What is the most common cause of dementia among elderly persons?

• A. Parkinson’s disease
• B. Multiple sclerosis
• C. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
• D. Alzheimer’s disease

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among elderly persons. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. While Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis are serious conditions, they are not typically associated with dementia in the same way Alzheimer’s disease is. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

3. A healthcare provider reaches to answer the telephone on a busy pediatric unit, momentarily turning away from a 3-month-old infant she has been weighing. The infant falls off the scale, suffering a skull fracture. The healthcare provider could be charged with:

• A. Defamation
• B. Assault
• C. Battery
• D. Malpractice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The scenario described involves a breach of duty by the healthcare provider to properly supervise the infant, resulting in harm. This failure to meet the standard of care falls under the category of malpractice, which refers to professional negligence or misconduct. Malpractice specifically applies to situations where a healthcare provider's actions or omissions deviate from the accepted standard of care, causing harm to a patient. In this case, the nurse's lack of supervision leading to the infant falling off the scale and sustaining a skull fracture would be considered malpractice.

4. Which of the following statements is incorrect about a patient with dysphagia?

• A. The patient will find pureed or soft foods, such as custards, easier to swallow than water
• B. Fowler’s or semi Fowler’s position reduces the risk of aspiration during swallowing
• C. The patient should always feed himself
• D. The nurse should perform oral hygiene before assisting with feeding

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The incorrect statement is that 'The patient should always feed himself.' Patients with dysphagia may require assistance with feeding due to difficulty in swallowing safely. It is essential to provide appropriate support and supervision during meal times to prevent complications such as aspiration or inadequate nutrition intake.

5. A client has left homonymous hemianopsia. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Teach the client to scan the right to see objects on the right side of their body.
• B. Place the bedside table on the right side of the bed.
• C. Orient the client to the food on their plate using the clock method.
• D. Place the wheelchair on the client's left side.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with left homonymous hemianopsia, there is a loss of vision on the right side of both eyes. Placing the bedside table on the right side of the bed ensures that essential items are within the client's field of vision, minimizing the risk of injury or accidents. Teaching the client to scan to the right and orienting them using the clock method may be helpful strategies, but placing the bedside table on the right side of the bed is a more direct and immediate intervention to enhance the client's safety and independence.

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