which statement correctly explains the etiology of down syndrome

HESI LPN

Medical Surgical HESI

1. Which statement correctly explains the etiology of Down syndrome?

A. There is an extra chromosome on the 21st pair.
B. There is a missing chromosome on the 21st pair.
C. There are two pairs of the 21st chromosome.
D. The 21st chromosome pair is missing.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'There is an extra chromosome on the 21st pair.' Down syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21, known as trisomy 21. This additional genetic material leads to the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Down syndrome is not due to a missing chromosome or having two pairs of the 21st chromosome; it results from the presence of an extra chromosome on the 21st pair.

2. Laboratory findings indicate that a client’s serum potassium level is 2.5 mEq/L. What action should the nurse take?

A. Administer potassium supplements orally.
B. Increase the client's dietary potassium intake.
C. Inform the healthcare provider of the need for potassium replacement.
D. Monitor the client's ECG continuously.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A serum potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low, indicating severe hypokalemia. In this situation, it is essential for the nurse to inform the healthcare provider promptly about the need for potassium replacement. Administering potassium supplements orally or increasing dietary potassium intake is not appropriate in cases of critically low potassium levels as immediate and precise replacement is necessary. Monitoring the client's ECG continuously is important in severe cases of hypokalemia, but the priority action should be to inform the healthcare provider for further management and treatment.

3. The nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client with heart failure. Which instruction should be included to prevent fluid overload?

A. Weigh yourself daily and report a gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours
B. Increase fluid intake to stay hydrated
C. Consume a high-sodium diet to retain fluids
D. Engage in vigorous exercise daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Weigh yourself daily and report a gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours.' Daily weight monitoring is crucial for detecting fluid retention early in clients with heart failure. Reporting a gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours can indicate fluid overload, prompting timely intervention. Choice B is incorrect because increasing fluid intake can exacerbate fluid overload in clients with heart failure. Choice C is incorrect as a high-sodium diet can worsen fluid retention. Choice D is incorrect as vigorous exercise can strain the heart and worsen heart failure symptoms.

4. The nurse is assessing a client who has herpes zoster. Which question will allow the nurse to gather further information about this condition?

A. Has everyone at home already had varicella?
B. Have the antifungal creams been effective?
C. Do your family members share combs and brushes?
D. Do you have any dry patches on your feet and hands?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Has everyone at home already had varicella?' Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. By knowing if others at home had varicella (chickenpox), the nurse can assess the risk of transmission and provide appropriate guidance. Choice B is incorrect because antifungal creams are not effective for herpes zoster, which is a viral infection. Choice C is irrelevant to herpes zoster as it pertains to sharing personal items that may transmit head lice or certain skin infections. Choice D is also unrelated as it focuses on dry patches, not typical manifestations of herpes zoster which presents as a painful rash.

5. What are early signs of varicella disease?

A. High fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
B. General malaise
C. Increased appetite
D. Crusty sores

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct early sign of varicella disease is general malaise. During the prodromal period, patients may experience low-grade fever, malaise, and anorexia. Increased appetite and crusty sores are not typically early signs of varicella. The appearance of lesions occurs later in the course of the disease.