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. The best position for any procedure that involves vaginal and cervical examination is

• A. Dorsal recumbent
• B. Side lying
• C. Supine
• D. Lithotomy

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The lithotomy position is the most suitable position for procedures involving vaginal and cervical examination because it provides the best access to the vaginal and cervical regions. In this position, the patient lies on their back with their legs flexed and feet placed in stirrups, allowing for optimal visualization and access to the area. This position facilitates proper examination, diagnosis, and treatment when working in the gynecological field. The other options (dorsal recumbent, side lying, and supine) do not provide the same level of access and visualization as the lithotomy position, making them less ideal for vaginal and cervical examinations.

3. What causes hepatic encephalopathy?

• A. Buildup of ammonia in the body
• B. Buildup of urea in the body
• C. Fatty infiltration of the liver
• D. Jaundice

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by the buildup of ammonia in the body, not urea. Ammonia accumulates due to liver dysfunction, leading to neurological symptoms. Fatty infiltration of the liver may lead to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but it is not the direct cause of hepatic encephalopathy. Jaundice is a symptom of liver dysfunction but is not the primary cause of hepatic encephalopathy.

4. The nurse on the medical/surgical unit cares for a client with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The nursing assessment of the client’s neurological status should include which of the following? (Select all that apply)

• A. Obtain the pulses in all four extremities
• B. Ask the client to grasp and squeeze two fingers on each of the nurse’s hands
• C. Determine the client’s orientation to person, place, and time
• D. B, C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D' because assessing grasp strength (choice B) and orientation to person, place, and time (choice C) are crucial components of a neurological assessment following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). Pulse assessment in all four extremities (choice A) is not directly related to a neurological assessment and is more pertinent to vascular status. Therefore, choices A and D are incorrect in this context.

5. What condition should a patient on long-term steroid therapy be monitored for?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypothyroidism
• C. Hypertension
• D. Osteoporosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct! Patients on long-term steroid therapy should be monitored for osteoporosis. Prolonged use of steroids can lead to decreased bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Hyperglycemia is more commonly associated with steroid-induced diabetes rather than long-term steroid use. Hypothyroidism is not a typical complication of long-term steroid therapy. While steroids can contribute to hypertension, osteoporosis is a more prominent concern in this scenario.

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