Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a client for an endocrine dysfunction, which question should the nurse ask?

• A. “Have you noticed any pain in your legs when walking?”
• B. “Have you had any unexplained weight loss?”
• C. “Have you noticed any change in your bowel movements?”
• D. “Have you experienced any joint pain or discomfort?”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: “Have you had any unexplained weight loss?” Unexplained weight loss can be a common symptom of various endocrine disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and diabetes. This weight loss is often despite an adequate or increased appetite. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to be directly associated with endocrine dysfunction. Pain in the legs when walking could be related to musculoskeletal issues, changes in bowel movements may suggest gastrointestinal concerns, and joint pain is more commonly linked to rheumatologic conditions rather than primary endocrine disorders.

2. Which of the following is a process of heat loss that involves the transfer of heat from one surface to another?

• A. Radiation
• B. Conduction
• C. Convection
• D. Evaporation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Conduction is the process of heat transfer that occurs between objects or substances that are in direct contact with each other. In this process, heat is transferred from a hotter surface to a cooler surface through direct contact. This type of heat transfer does not involve the movement of the substances themselves, only the transfer of thermal energy. Radiation (Choice A) is the transfer of heat through electromagnetic waves, while convection (Choice C) is the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids. Evaporation (Choice D) is a cooling process that involves the phase change of a liquid into a gas.

3. When does short-bowel syndrome usually occur?

• A. The longitudinal muscles of the intestine contract
• B. More than 50% of the small intestine is surgically removed
• C. More than 50% of the large intestine is surgically removed
• D. Transit time is decreased due to infection or drugs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Short-bowel syndrome typically occurs when more than 50% of the small intestine is surgically removed. This condition leads to malabsorption issues due to the reduced length of the intestine for absorption. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because short-bowel syndrome specifically relates to the insufficient length of the small intestine, not the contraction of longitudinal muscles, surgical removal of the large intestine, or decreased transit time due to infection or drugs.

4. The hypertonicity of the muscles in an infant with cerebral palsy causes scissoring of the legs. The nurse teaches the mother that the preferred way to carry the infant is in a sitting position:

• A. Astride one of her hips
• B. Strapped in an infant seat
• C. Wrapped tightly in a blanket
• D. Under the arm using a football hold

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to carry an infant with cerebral palsy experiencing muscle hypertonicity and scissoring of the legs is astride one of the mother's hips. This position helps keep the infant's legs apart, reducing muscle tightness. Strapping the infant in an infant seat, wrapping tightly in a blanket, or using the football hold under the arm does not address the specific needs related to muscle hypertonicity and scissoring of the legs in cerebral palsy.

5. Which electrolyte imbalance is a potential side effect of diuretics?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Hypomagnesemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hypokalemia. Diuretics commonly cause hypokalemia due to increased urinary excretion of potassium. Hyperkalemia (Choice A) is the opposite, characterized by high potassium levels and is not typically associated with diuretics. Hypercalcemia (Choice B) is an elevated calcium level, which is not a common side effect of diuretics. Hypomagnesemia (Choice C) is low magnesium levels, which can be a side effect of diuretics, but the most common electrolyte imbalance associated with diuretics is hypokalemia.

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