Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following hormones do the kidneys secrete to increase red blood cell production?

• A. Erythropoietin
• B. Insulin and glycogen
• C. Testosterone
• D. Thyroid stimulating hormone

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Erythropoietin. The kidneys produce erythropoietin to stimulate the production of red blood cells. Insulin and glycogen are not hormones secreted by the kidneys; insulin is produced by the pancreas, and glycogen is a stored form of glucose. Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced by the testes in males and to a lesser extent in females. Thyroid stimulating hormone is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid function, not red blood cell production.

2. When educating a client about to undergo a pacemaker insertion, the nurse explains the normal phases of cardiac muscle tissue. During the repolarization phase, the nurse will stress that membranes must be repolarized before they can be re-excited. Within the cell, the nurse understands that:

• A. Potassium channels open while sodium channels close, causing repolarization to the resting state.
• B. The influx of calcium is the primary stimulus for the repolarization of cardiac tissue.
• C. Only the electrical activity within the heart will determine when repolarization occurs.
• D. The cell membranes need to stay calm, resulting in muscle tissue becoming refractory.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the repolarization phase of cardiac muscle tissue, potassium channels open while sodium channels close. This process is crucial for the cardiac muscle to return to its resting state after depolarization. Potassium moving out of the cell and sodium staying out helps reset the membrane potential and prepare the cell for the next depolarization phase. The influx of calcium is not the primary stimulus for repolarization in cardiac tissue; it is mainly involved in the depolarization phase. While electrical activity within the heart influences repolarization, the specific ion movements described in choice A are what physiologically drive repolarization. Cell membranes need to be in an active state during repolarization, not calm, to facilitate the necessary ion movements for muscle tissue to properly function.

3. When the body produces antibodies against its own tissue, the condition is called

• A. Alloimmunity
• B. Opsonization
• C. Autoimmunity
• D. Hypersensitivity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, autoimmunity. Autoimmunity refers to the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. Alloimmunity (choice A) is the immune response to tissues of another individual of the same species. Opsonization (choice B) is the process where pathogens are marked for destruction by immune cells. Hypersensitivity (choice D) refers to excessive or inappropriate immune responses.

4. The early stages of atheroma development are characterized by:

• A. macrophages full of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL; i.e., foam cells) in the intima
• B. accumulation of lipids in the intima (i.e., fatty streak)
• C. accumulation of proteins such as collagen and elastin (i.e., fibrous cap)
• D. development of calcium and a necrotic lipid core

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In the early stages of atheroma development, macrophages accumulate oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and transform into foam cells, leading to the formation of fatty streaks in the intima of blood vessels. This process is a hallmark of the initial stages of atherosclerosis. Choice B is incorrect as it describes the accumulation of lipids in the intima, which is a later event following foam cell formation. Choice C is also incorrect as it refers to the accumulation of proteins forming the fibrous cap, which occurs at a later stage to stabilize the atheroma. Choice D is incorrect as it describes the development of calcium and a necrotic lipid core, typically seen in advanced atherosclerosis rather than the early stages.

5. A client with cystic fibrosis is admitted with a pulmonary exacerbation. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer a high-calorie, high-protein diet.
• B. Initiate airway clearance techniques.
• C. Encourage the client to maintain an active lifestyle.
• D. Monitor for signs of respiratory distress.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis, the priority intervention is to initiate airway clearance techniques. These techniques help clear mucus from the airways, improving ventilation and reducing the risk of respiratory complications. Administering a high-calorie, high-protein diet is beneficial for overall nutrition but is not the priority during an exacerbation. Encouraging an active lifestyle is important for long-term health but does not address the immediate need for managing exacerbations. Monitoring for signs of respiratory distress is important, but initiating airway clearance techniques takes precedence in the management of pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis.

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