Nursing Elites

1. What is the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function?

• A. The ability to perform complex mathematics
• B. Altered level of consciousness
• C. The lack of cerebrospinal fluid production
• D. Intact cranial nerve functions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Altered level of consciousness. Changes in consciousness are the most sensitive indicator of altered brain function as they can signal underlying neurological issues. Option A, the ability to perform complex mathematics, though it involves brain function, is not as sensitive or direct an indicator as altered consciousness. Option C, the lack of cerebrospinal fluid production, is more related to conditions like hydrocephalus rather than a direct indicator of altered brain function. Option D, intact cranial nerve functions, indicate the normal functioning of peripheral nerves and are not as sensitive to changes in brain function as alterations in consciousness.

2. A patient has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure. Which of the following agents will assist in raising the patient's hemoglobin levels?

• A. Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)
• B. Pentoxifylline (Pentoxil)
• C. Estazolam (ProSom)
• D. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit). Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production and is commonly used to treat anemia in patients with chronic renal failure. By increasing red blood cell production, epoetin alfa helps raise hemoglobin levels in these patients. Pentoxifylline (Choice B) is not indicated for raising hemoglobin levels in chronic renal failure patients; it is a peripheral vasodilator used to improve blood flow. Estazolam (Choice C) is a benzodiazepine used for treating insomnia and has no role in raising hemoglobin levels. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (Choice D) is a cough suppressant and is not used to raise hemoglobin levels in patients with chronic renal failure.

3. What is a potential implication of multiple dark bands on the nails?

• A. They are considered a normal variant.
• B. They can be associated with malignant melanoma.
• C. They are indicative of a nail fungus.
• D. They are associated with aging.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Multiple dark bands on the nails can be a concerning sign of malignant melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can affect the nails. While some nail changes are considered normal variants, dark bands should not be dismissed lightly as they can indicate a serious condition like melanoma. Nail fungus typically presents differently, causing discoloration, thickening, or distortion of the nail without distinct dark bands. Additionally, aging can lead to various nail changes, but dark bands alone are not a common feature of normal aging.

4. When the maternal immune system becomes sensitized against antigens expressed by the fetus, what type of immune reaction occurs?

• A. Autoimmune
• B. Anaphylaxis
• C. Alloimmune
• D. Allergic

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When the maternal immune system becomes sensitized against antigens expressed by the fetus, an alloimmune reaction occurs. In this situation, the mother's immune system recognizes the fetus as foreign due to differences in antigens, leading to an immune response against the fetus. Choice A, 'Autoimmune,' is incorrect because it refers to the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own cells and tissues. Choice B, 'Anaphylaxis,' is not the correct answer as it is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Choice D, 'Allergic,' is also incorrect as it refers to an immune response triggered by allergens, not antigens expressed by the fetus.

5. After sustaining a concussion, a client experiences headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness. What does this indicate?

• A. Increased intracranial pressure
• B. Lower extremity compartment syndrome
• C. Consuming too much food at once
• D. Improved kidney function

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The symptoms of headache, vomiting, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness following a concussion are indicative of increased intracranial pressure. These symptoms are commonly associated with intracranial pressure elevation, which can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Lower extremity compartment syndrome is characterized by severe pain and swelling in the affected limb, not the symptoms mentioned. Consuming too much food at once may lead to digestive issues but does not correlate with the symptoms described. Improved kidney function would not manifest through the symptoms mentioned after a concussion.

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