Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Which of the following statements is false?

• A. People with a vitamin K deficiency experience increased clotting time
• B. The major function of vitamin E is promoting vision
• C. Vitamin D functions as a hormone
• D. Rich sources of beta-carotene include carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The statement that the major function of vitamin E is promoting vision is incorrect. Vitamin E primarily acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Its role is not primarily related to vision, which is a major function of vitamin A. On the other hand, the other options are true. Vitamin K deficiency does indeed lead to increased clotting time, vitamin D functions as a hormone, and carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash are rich sources of beta-carotene.

3. To prevent injury and strain on the muscles, the nurse should observe proper body mechanics. Among the following, which is a principle of proper body mechanics?

• A. Broaden the space between the feet
• B. Push instead of pull
• C. Move the object away from the body when lifting
• D. Bend at the waist, not on the knees

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nursing interventions should be grounded in a deep understanding of the physiological processes involved, ensuring that care provided is both effective and efficient.

4. Which of the following interventions should be considered the highest priority when caring for June, who has hemiparesis secondary to a stroke?

• A. Position June in an upright lateral position
• B. Perform range of motion exercises
• C. Apply antiembolic stockings
• D. Use hand rolls or pillows for support

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Apply antiembolic stockings'. In the case of a patient who has experienced a stroke and is suffering from hemiparesis, the highest priority intervention is to prevent further complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening. Antiembolic stockings are used to increase venous blood flow velocity and reduce the risk of DVT. Choice 'A', positioning June in an upright lateral position, while important for overall care, is not the highest priority. Choice 'B', performing range of motion exercises, is an important part of recovery but not the immediate priority. Choice 'D', using hand rolls or pillows for support, is also a valuable intervention but does not address the most pressing risk of further complications.

5. Health practitioners evaluate disease progression in HIV-infected patients by measuring the concentrations of helper T cells and circulating virus, called _____.

• A. cross resistance
• B. the immune response
• C. acquired resistance
• D. the viral load

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The viral load is the measure of the amount of circulating virus in the blood and is used to evaluate the progression of HIV infection.

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