Nursing Elites

1. What lab value should be prioritized for a patient with HIV?

• A. CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm3
• B. Serum albumin levels
• C. White blood cell count
• D. Hemoglobin levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A CD4 T-cell count below 180 cells/mm3 should be prioritized for a patient with HIV. This value is crucial as it indicates severe immunocompromise in HIV-infected individuals. Monitoring CD4 T-cell count helps assess the status of the immune system and guides treatment decisions. Serum albumin levels (choice B) may reflect the patient's nutritional status and overall health but are not as specific to HIV disease progression. White blood cell count (choice C) and hemoglobin levels (choice D) can be affected by various factors and are not as directly linked to HIV management as the CD4 T-cell count in this context.

2. What symptoms are associated with a thrombotic stroke?

• A. Gradual loss of function on one side of the body
• B. Sudden loss of consciousness
• C. Loss of motor function with nausea
• D. Severe headache and vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A thrombotic stroke presents with a gradual loss of function on one side of the body due to a clot blocking blood flow to the brain. This gradual onset distinguishes it from a hemorrhagic stroke with sudden symptoms like loss of consciousness (Choice B), and from other conditions like migraine, which may present with severe headache and vomiting (Choice D). Nausea (Choice C) is not typically a primary symptom associated with a thrombotic stroke.

3. What dietary recommendations should a patient with GERD follow?

• A. Avoid mint and spicy foods
• B. Consume liquids between meals
• C. Eat three large meals per day
• D. Drink milk as a snack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with GERD should follow dietary recommendations to manage their symptoms effectively. Choice A, 'Avoid mint and spicy foods,' is the correct answer. Mint and spicy foods can trigger acid reflux and worsen GERD symptoms. Choice B, 'Consume liquids between meals,' is not the best recommendation as consuming liquids during meals can worsen GERD symptoms by increasing stomach pressure. Choice C, 'Eat three large meals per day,' is incorrect as large meals can exacerbate GERD symptoms; instead, smaller, more frequent meals are recommended. Choice D, 'Drink milk as a snack,' is not ideal as full-fat dairy products like milk can trigger acid reflux in some individuals. Therefore, the best recommendation for a patient with GERD is to avoid mint and spicy foods.

4. A patient is admitted with an air leak in a chest tube system. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Tighten the connections of the chest tube system
• B. Continue monitoring the patient
• C. Replace the chest tube system
• D. Clamp the chest tube

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a patient with an air leak in the chest tube system, the nurse should tighten the connections of the chest tube system. This action can help resolve the air leak by ensuring there are no loose connections or leaks in the system. Continuing to monitor the patient (Choice B) is important, but addressing the air leak is a priority. Replacing the chest tube system (Choice C) may not be necessary if tightening the connections resolves the issue. Clamping the chest tube (Choice D) is not appropriate as it can lead to tension pneumothorax.

5. A patient with GERD is receiving dietary teaching from a nurse. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Avoid mint and pepper
• B. Increase fluid intake before meals
• C. Eat three large meals per day
• D. Avoid drinking water with meals

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a patient with GERD is to avoid foods like mint and pepper, as these can help reduce gastric acid secretion and alleviate symptoms. Mint and pepper are known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased reflux. Increasing fluid intake before meals (choice B) may worsen GERD symptoms by distending the stomach. Eating three large meals per day (choice C) can also aggravate GERD because large meals can lead to increased gastric pressure and reflux. Avoiding drinking water with meals (choice D) is generally recommended for GERD; however, the most crucial advice in this case is to avoid mint and pepper for better symptom management.

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