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 condition is most closely associated with a high rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease?

• A. Pregnancy
• B. Anorexia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Diabetes mellitus

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pregnancy is the correct answer as it is most closely associated with a high rate of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). During pregnancy, the growing fetus exerts pressure on the stomach, leading to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing GERD. This physiological change is a common occurrence in pregnant individuals. Conversely, anorexia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus are not typically linked to a high rate of GERD. While these conditions have their own effects on the body, they do not directly contribute to the mechanisms that cause GERD, unlike the physical changes associated with pregnancy. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.

3. Vitamin deficiencies, especially the B-complex vitamins, seldom occur in isolation. Folate, a B-complex vitamin, is the exception because it functions separately from other vitamins.

• A. Both statements are true.
• B. Both statements are false.
• C. The first statement is true; the second is false.
• D. The first statement is false; the second is true.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The first statement is true; the second is false. If a deficiency of one vitamin is suspected, symptoms of other vitamin B deficiencies also may be present. Folate deficiencies usually occur with other nutrient deficiencies. Specifically, folate functions in conjunction with vitamins B12 and C in maintaining normal levels of mature red blood cells.

4. An elderly man is hospitalized with a diagnosis of malnutrition three months following his wife's death. What risk factor for malnutrition does this scenario illustrate?

• A. A history of chronic illness
• B. Depression or social isolation
• C. Age
• D. Impaired mobility

Correct answer: B

Rationale: This scenario illustrates depression or social isolation as a risk factor for malnutrition. After the death of his wife, the elderly man may have experienced depression or social isolation, which can lead to decreased food intake and poor nutritional status. Although age, chronic illness, and impaired mobility can also contribute to malnutrition, they are not the primary factors described in this scenario. The history of chronic illness (Choice A) and impaired mobility (Choice D) were not mentioned in the scenario, and while age (Choice C) is a factor, it's not the main factor depicted in this case.

5. What stimulates bile secretion from the liver to the small intestine?

• A. Pepsin
• B. Salivary Amylase
• C. CCK
• D. Secretin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is the hormone that stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder into the small intestine, aiding in fat digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, not involved in bile secretion. Salivary Amylase is an enzyme in saliva that initiates starch digestion in the mouth, not related to bile secretion. Secretin is a hormone that regulates the release of gastric juice in the stomach and triggers the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid in the small intestine, but it does not stimulate bile secretion.

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