Nursing Elites

1. The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is:

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The principal cation in plasma and interstitial fluid is sodium. Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance and is the primary cation in extracellular fluids like plasma and interstitial fluid. Potassium is the primary cation within cells, not in extracellular fluids, making it an incorrect choice. Calcium and magnesium are essential minerals but are not the principal cations in plasma and interstitial fluid, so they are also incorrect choices.

2. What is tocopherol?

• A. Vitamin B1
• B. Vitamin B2
• C. Vitamin B3
• D. Vitamin E

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tocopherol is another name for Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative damage. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as tocopherol is specifically related to Vitamin E and not Vitamin B1, B2, or B3.

3. Low levels of physical activity are more commonly associated with which type of cancer?

• A. Esophageal cancer
• B. Pancreatic cancer
• C. Lung cancer
• D. Colon cancer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Low physical activity is most strongly associated with an increased risk of colon cancer. Regular exercise helps regulate bowel movements and reduce inflammation, which are factors that can contribute to the development of colon cancer. Esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and lung cancer are not as directly linked to low levels of physical activity.

4. A nurse is providing teaching about formula feeding to the parents of an infant. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Formula that remains in the bottle should not be used for one more feeding.
• B. Formula should be changed to whole milk when the infant is 12 months old.
• C. If the infant is gaining weight too rapidly, do not dilute the formula.
• D. If the infant turns away after taking most of the feeding, stop the feeding.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: If the infant turns away after taking most of the feeding, it indicates they are full, and continuing to feed may lead to overfeeding. Choice A is incorrect because it is not safe to use formula that remains in the bottle for another feeding due to the risk of bacterial contamination. Choice B is incorrect as whole milk should be introduced after the infant is 12 months old, not 9 months old. Choice C is incorrect as diluting formula can compromise the infant's nutrition and should not be done without healthcare provider guidance.

5. A nurse is caring for four clients. The nurse should plan to administer total parenteral nutrition for which of the following clients?

• A. A client who is postoperative following a laminectomy and is receiving IV PCA
• B. A client who has dysphagia and does not recognize his family
• C. A client who has COPD and is going home with oxygen
• D. A client who has colon cancer and will undergo a hemicolectomy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is essential for clients undergoing significant surgical procedures like a hemicolectomy to ensure they receive adequate nutrition when oral intake is not possible. Choices A, B, and C do not typically require TPN. Choice A is managing postoperative pain with IV PCA, choice B is likely to need alternative feeding methods due to dysphagia, and choice C is going home with oxygen for COPD management, which does not directly relate to the need for TPN.

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