Nursing Elites

1. What physiologic role does calcium play in the body?

• A. Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation
• B. Calcium homeostasis, structural integrity of heart muscle
• C. No known metabolic function, caries-preventing properties
• D. ATP energy release; metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins; regulates acid-base balance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation.' Calcium plays a crucial role in various physiological functions such as blood clotting, transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction and relaxation, membrane permeability, and activation of certain enzymes. Choice B is incorrect because while calcium is involved in calcium homeostasis, it is not the only role it plays in the body. Choice C is incorrect as calcium indeed has several known metabolic functions, and it is not solely for preventing caries. Choice D is also incorrect as the functions mentioned are primarily carried out by other nutrients and not specifically by calcium.

2. Which of the following are examples of mechanical digestion? Select all that apply.

• A. Heat
• B. Segmentation
• C. Option B and D
• D. Peristalsis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Mechanical digestion involves physical movements that break down food in the digestive tract. Segmentation (choice B) and peristalsis (choice D), which are both movements of the muscles in the digestive tract, are examples of this type of digestion. Heat (choice A), on the other hand, is related to chemical digestion, not mechanical digestion. Therefore, choice C (Option B and D) is the correct answer as it includes both examples of mechanical digestion provided in the choices. Choices A and D are incorrect because heat (choice A) is not a mechanical digestion process, and peristalsis (choice D) is a movement that helps propel food along the digestive tract but is not directly involved in breaking down food physically.

3. Which statement about essential nutrients should the nurse include?

• A. Fat-containing foods can help to decrease triglyceride levels.
• B. Animal sources of protein contain 20 essential amino acids.
• C. Carbohydrates are the primary source of fuel for muscles and the brain.
• D. High-fiber foods are a good source of energy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because carbohydrates are indeed the primary source of fuel for muscles and the brain. Choice A is incorrect because while certain fats are essential, they do not help decrease triglyceride levels. Choice B is incorrect because animal sources of protein do not contain all 20 essential amino acids. Choice D is incorrect because although high-fiber foods are important for digestion and overall health, they are not a direct source of energy.

4. What best describes a task of the registered dietitian?

• A. administering total parenteral nutrition
• B. administering formula through feeding tubes
• C. prescribing diet orders
• D. conducting nutrition assessments

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, conducting nutrition assessments. Registered dietitians are responsible for assessing an individual's nutritional status, dietary intake, and health needs. This assessment forms the basis for developing personalized nutrition care plans. Choices A and B involve the administration of specialized nutrition support, which is typically done by healthcare providers with specific training in those areas. Choice C, prescribing diet orders, may fall outside the scope of practice for a dietitian as they focus more on assessment, education, and counseling related to nutrition rather than prescribing medical treatments.

5. Which of the following actions would be of highest priority with regards to the external shunt?

• A. Avoid taking blood pressure or blood sample from the arm with the shunt
• B. Instruct the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt
• C. Heparinize the shunt daily
• D. Change the dressing of the shunt daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heparinizing the shunt daily (choice C) is the highest priority action as it prevents the formation of blood clots that can occlude the shunt, leading to potential complications such as thrombosis. Avoiding taking blood pressure or blood samples from the arm with the shunt (choice A) is also important, but secondary to heparinizing the shunt. Similarly, instructing the patient not to exercise the arm with the shunt (choice B) can help prevent unnecessary strain on the shunt, but it is not as critical as preventing clot formation. Changing the dressing of the shunt daily (choice D) is a standard nursing care practice to prevent infection, but again, it is not as critical as ensuring the shunt remains patent through daily heparinization.

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