Nursing Elites

1. Which laboratory data indicate the client’s pancreatitis is improving?

• A. The amylase and lipase serum levels are decreased
• B. The white blood cell count (WBC) is decreased
• C. The conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin levels are decreased
• D. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) serum level is decreased

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Amylase and lipase are enzymes specifically related to pancreatitis. A decrease in their serum levels indicates improvement in pancreatitis. White blood cell count (WBC), choices C and D, are not direct markers for pancreatitis improvement. Bilirubin levels, choice C, are more related to liver function rather than pancreatitis. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, choice D, is a marker for kidney function, not pancreatitis.

2. Which referral would be most appropriate for the client diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome?

• A. The physical therapist
• B. The thoracic surgeon
• C. The occupational therapist
• D. The social worker

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the occupational therapist. An occupational therapist specializes in helping clients with conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome by providing exercises, adaptations, and strategies to improve function and reduce symptoms. Choice A, the physical therapist, may also be involved in treatment, but occupational therapists focus more on functional activities for daily living affected by the condition. Choices B and D are not the most appropriate referrals for thoracic outlet syndrome as they do not directly address the functional limitations associated with this condition.

3. The nurse prepares to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a newborn with a diagnosis of heart failure and notes that the apical rate is 140 beats per minute. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Hold the medication
• B. Administer the digoxin
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Recheck the apical rate in 1 hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the digoxin. An apical rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for a newborn. Digoxin is commonly prescribed for heart failure in newborns to help improve cardiac function. Holding the medication or notifying the healthcare provider is not necessary as the heart rate is normal for a newborn. Rechecking the apical rate in 1 hour is not needed since the heart rate is within the expected range.

4. In patients with heart failure, which type of diet is most recommended?

• A. High-sodium
• B. Low-sodium
• C. High-fat
• D. Low-carbohydrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In patients with heart failure, a low-sodium diet is most recommended. This type of diet helps manage fluid retention by reducing the amount of sodium in the body. Excess sodium can lead to fluid accumulation, putting additional strain on the heart. High-sodium diets can exacerbate symptoms of heart failure by causing fluid retention and increasing blood pressure. High-fat and low-carbohydrate diets are not specifically recommended for heart failure patients and may not address the underlying issues related to fluid balance and heart function.

5. Who is the first individual in the combat health support chain to make medically substantiated decisions based on military occupational specialty-specific medical training?

• A. Physician
• B. Physician assistant
• C. Combat medic
• D. Combat lifesaver

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Physician assistant.' Physician assistants are trained to make medically substantiated decisions based on their specific medical training within the combat health support chain. Choice A, 'Physician,' is incorrect as they may be involved but are not typically the first in line for such decisions as physician assistants. Choice C, 'Combat medic,' is incorrect as they usually provide immediate medical care but may not be the first to make medically substantiated decisions. Choice D, 'Combat lifesaver,' is incorrect as they are trained to provide basic life-saving interventions but may not have the specialized medical training to make complex medical decisions.

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