Nursing Elites

1. Which type of diet should the nurse provide to help a client who has major burns maintain a positive nitrogen balance?

• A. high protein
• B. high carbohydrate
• C. low carbohydrate
• D. low protein

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with major burns are in a hypermetabolic state, leading to increased protein catabolism. Therefore, a high-protein diet is essential to help them maintain a positive nitrogen balance and support wound healing. High carbohydrate diets do not directly contribute to achieving a positive nitrogen balance, making choice B incorrect. Similarly, low carbohydrate diets are not recommended for clients with major burns as carbohydrates provide essential energy needed for healing. Low protein diets are contraindicated for clients with major burns as they require higher protein intake to support tissue repair and prevent further breakdown.

2. Which statement about clinical pathways is inaccurate?

• A. They require daily updates.
• B. They illustrate the expected client response to their diagnosis.
• C. The objective is improvement or discharge from the facility.
• D. They are evidence-based.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that clinical pathways do not necessarily require daily updates. Clinical pathways can be customized to be updated daily, weekly, or at other intervals based on patient needs and facility protocols. Choice A is inaccurate as daily updates are not always mandatory for clinical pathways. Choices B, C, and D are accurate features of clinical pathways: they depict the expected client response to the diagnosis, aim for improvement or discharge, and are grounded in evidence-based practices to ensure optimal care.

3. A health care provider informs a nurse that the husband of an unconscious client with terminal cancer will not grant permission for a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. The health care provider tells the nurse to perform a 'slow code' and let the client 'rest in peace' if she stops breathing. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Telling the health care provider that the client would probably want to die in peace
• B. Telling the health care provider that if the client stops breathing, the health care provider will be called before any other actions are taken
• C. Telling the health care provider that all of the nurses on the unit agree with this plan
• D. Telling the health care provider that 'slow codes' are not acceptable

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse may not violate a family's request regarding the client's treatment plan. A 'slow code' is not acceptable, and the nurse should state this to the health care provider. The definition of a 'slow code' varies among health care facilities and personnel and could be interpreted as not performing resuscitative procedures as quickly as a competent person would. Resuscitative procedures that are performed more slowly than recommended by the American Heart Association are below the standard of care and could therefore serve as the basis for a lawsuit. The other options are inappropriate: Option A is speculative and does not address the issue directly; Option B does not challenge the unethical practice of a 'slow code'; Option C is irrelevant and does not address the ethical concerns raised by the health care provider's request.

4. Which sign might a healthcare professional observe in a client with a high ammonia level?

• A. coma
• B. edema
• C. hypoxia
• D. polyuria

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A high ammonia level can lead to hepatic encephalopathy, which includes symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and can progress to coma. Coma is a severe condition of unconsciousness. Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues, not typically associated with high ammonia levels. Hypoxia is a condition of inadequate oxygen supply to tissues and organs, not directly related to high ammonia levels. Polyuria is excessive urination, which is not a typical sign of high ammonia levels.

5. What type of injury is associated with acute hyphema?

• A. orthopedic
• B. eye
• C. insect sting or snakebite
• D. gynecological trauma

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Acute hyphema is associated with an eye injury, typically resulting from blunt trauma. The presence of blood in the anterior chamber of the eye causes a half-moon appearance or a horizontal line across the globe when the client is upright. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because acute hyphema is not related to orthopedic injuries, insect stings, snakebites, or gynecological trauma.

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