Nursing Elites

1. What causes atherosclerotic plaques to form in the body?

• A. Poor dietary habits
• B. Administration of statin medication
• C. Interruption of blood flow to the brain
• D. Injury to the endothelium of the coronary arteries

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Atherosclerotic plaques form in the body due to injury to the endothelium of the coronary arteries. When the endothelium is damaged, it triggers an inflammatory response that leads to the accumulation of fats, cholesterol, and other substances, forming plaques. These plaques can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to serious complications like heart attacks or strokes. Poor dietary habits (choice A) can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis by promoting the buildup of plaque-forming substances in the blood, but the direct cause is the injury to the endothelium. Administration of statin medication (choice B) is actually a treatment for high cholesterol and aims to reduce the risk of plaque formation. Interruption of blood flow to the brain (choice C) is more related to conditions like ischemic stroke rather than the primary cause of atherosclerotic plaque formation.

2. A patient with a history of osteoporosis is prescribed raloxifene (Evista). What is the primary therapeutic action of this medication?

• A. It stimulates the formation of new bone.
• B. It decreases bone resorption and increases bone density.
• C. It increases calcium absorption in the intestines.
• D. It increases the excretion of calcium through the kidneys.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It decreases bone resorption and increases bone density.' Raloxifene, as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), works by reducing bone resorption (breakdown) and maintaining or increasing bone density. This mechanism helps in preventing further bone loss and can even increase bone mass. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Raloxifene does not stimulate the formation of new bone (choice A), increase calcium absorption in the intestines (choice C), or increase the excretion of calcium through the kidneys (choice D).

3. Which of the following would the nurse expect to see in a client experiencing hypoventilation?

• A. Increased oxygenation in the alveoli
• B. Increased carbon dioxide in the bloodstream
• C. Decreased hemoglobin in the bloodstream
• D. Decreased carbon dioxide in the alveoli

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In hypoventilation, there is inadequate ventilation leading to decreased removal of carbon dioxide. This results in increased carbon dioxide in the bloodstream. The other choices are incorrect because hypoventilation does not improve oxygenation in the alveoli (Choice A), decrease hemoglobin in the bloodstream (Choice C), or decrease carbon dioxide in the alveoli (Choice D).

4. What condition can be caused by an excessive amount of growth hormone released by the pituitary gland in childhood?

• A. Acromegaly
• B. Gigantism
• C. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
• D. Dwarfism

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Gigantism is the correct answer. It is a condition caused by excessive growth hormone release before the epiphyseal plates close, leading to abnormal growth. Acromegaly (choice A) is caused by excess growth hormone after the epiphyseal plates close, resulting in enlargement of bones and tissues. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (choice C) is characterized by the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone, leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. Dwarfism (choice D) is a condition characterized by significantly below-average height.

5. Which of the following accurately describes the pathophysiology of asthma?

• A. Chronic inflammation of the bronchial lining
• B. Narrowing of the airway due to bronchoconstriction
• C. Damage to alveoli reducing lung elasticity
• D. Overproduction of mucus by the goblet cells

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Narrowing of the airway due to bronchoconstriction." In asthma, there is an inflammatory response that leads to bronchoconstriction, causing the airways to narrow and making it difficult to breathe. Choice A is incorrect as chronic inflammation is a feature of asthma but not the primary pathophysiological mechanism. Choice C is incorrect as damage to alveoli is more characteristic of conditions like emphysema. Choice D is incorrect as overproduction of mucus is a feature of chronic bronchitis, not asthma.

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