Nursing Elites

1. Which hormone is responsible for amenorrhea in the pregnant woman?

• A. Progesterone
• B. Estrogen
• C. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• D. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! Progesterone is the hormone responsible for amenorrhea in pregnant women. Progesterone plays a crucial role in maintaining the uterine lining for implantation and supporting early pregnancy. High levels of progesterone during pregnancy suppress the normal menstrual cycle, leading to amenorrhea. Estrogen, FSH, and hCG do not directly cause amenorrhea in pregnant women. Estrogen is involved in the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, FSH is involved in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles, and hCG is produced by the placenta to support the production of progesterone during pregnancy.

2. Which factor in a client’s health history increases their risk for cancer?

• A. Family history and environment
• B. Alcohol and smoking
• C. Alcohol consumption and smoking
• D. Proximity to an electric plant and water source

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Alcohol and smoking.' Both alcohol consumption and smoking are well-known risk factors for various types of cancer. They have a synergistic effect, meaning their combined impact raises the risk significantly. Family history and environment (Choice A) may play a role in certain cancers, but alcohol and smoking are more directly linked to increased cancer risk. Proximity to an electric plant and water source (Choice D) is not typically associated with an increased risk of cancer compared to alcohol and smoking.

3. What is the drug of choice for herpes simplex virus 1, herpes simplex virus 2, and varicella-zoster virus?

• A. HIV.
• B. HSV 1, HSV 2, and VZV.
• C. CMV
• D. Influenza A viruses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acyclovir (Zovirax) is the drug of choice for herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) infections. It works by inhibiting viral DNA replication. Acyclovir is excreted unchanged in the urine, so caution is needed in renal impairment. Choice A, HIV, is incorrect as acyclovir is not the drug of choice for HIV. Choice C, CMV, is incorrect as acyclovir is not the preferred treatment for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections. Choice D, Influenza A viruses, is incorrect as acyclovir is not used to treat influenza viruses.

4. A patient's nurse taking a history notes complaints of SOB and weakness in the lower extremities. The patient has a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Which of the following may be occurring?

• A. The patient may be developing CHF
• B. The patient may be having a MI
• C. The patient may be developing COPD
• D. The patient may be having an onset of PVD

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of shortness of breath (SOB) and weakness in the lower extremities, along with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension, are suggestive of a myocardial infarction (MI). It is important to note that MI can present with a variety of symptoms, including those affecting the respiratory system and muscle weakness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the patient's symptoms are more indicative of a myocardial infarction rather than congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

5. A one-month-old infant in the neonatal intensive care unit is dying. The parents request that the nurse administer an opioid analgesic to their infant, who is crying weakly. The infant's heart rate is 68 beats per minute, and the respiratory rate is 18 breaths per minute. The infant is on room air, and the oxygen saturation is 92%. The nurse's response is based on which of the following principles?

• A. Providing analgesia during the last days and hours is an ethically appropriate nursing action.
• B. Withholding the opioid analgesia during the last days and hours is an ethical duty because administering it would represent assisted suicide.
• C. Administering analgesia during the last days and hours is the parents' ethical decision.
• D. Withholding the opioid analgesia is clinically appropriate because it will hasten the infant's death.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: All patients, regardless of age, have the right to die with dignity and be free from pain. In this case, the parents' request for an opioid analgesic to relieve the child's distress aligns with the principles of palliative care and ensuring comfort. Assisted suicide involves a conscious decision by the individual, which is not applicable to a 1-month-old infant. Both the nurse and the parents have an ethical duty to ensure the infant's comfort and well-being. Withholding opioid analgesia solely to hasten death is not appropriate, as providing pain relief is a crucial aspect of end-of-life care. Opioids can be administered to dying patients at any age to alleviate suffering without the intention of hastening death. Therefore, providing analgesia during the last days and hours is an ethically appropriate nursing action. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the decision to administer analgesia in this scenario is based on the best interest and comfort of the infant, not concerns about assisted suicide or hastening death. The ethical consideration is to provide compassionate care and alleviate suffering.

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