Nursing Elites

1. Which type of lipoprotein is associated with decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis?

• A. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
• B. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
• C. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
• D. Intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. LDL (choice B) is considered 'bad' cholesterol as it can deposit cholesterol in the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. VLDL (choice C) and IDL (choice D) are also associated with increased risk of atherosclerosis rather than decreasing it.

2. A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the treatment?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• B. Serum creatinine
• C. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
• D. Serum potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hemoglobin and hematocrit. Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates red blood cell production, so monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit levels is essential to assess its effectiveness. These values reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and can indicate if the treatment is improving anemia related to chronic kidney disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine are indicators of kidney function, while serum potassium levels are monitored due to electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in kidney disease, but they do not directly reflect the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.

3. A middle-aged man who has a 35-year smoking history presents to the emergency department confused and short of breath. Before starting oxygen, these baseline arterial blood gases (ABGs) are obtained: pH=7.25, pCO2=50 mmHg, HCO3=30 mEq/L. These findings indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing which acid-base imbalance?

• A. Metabolic acidosis.
• B. Respiratory acidosis.
• C. Metabolic alkalosis.
• D. Respiratory alkalosis.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The ABG results show a low pH (acidosis) and increased pCO2, indicating respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the lungs cannot remove enough CO2, leading to its accumulation in the blood. This often occurs in conditions like COPD and is consistent with the patient's smoking history. Metabolic acidosis (choice A) is characterized by low pH and low HCO3 levels. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is marked by high pH and high HCO3 levels. Respiratory alkalosis (choice D) presents with high pH and low pCO2.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with myasthenia gravis. Which symptom is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Diplopia (double vision)
• B. Difficulty swallowing
• C. Weakness in the legs
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with myasthenia gravis, difficulty swallowing is the most crucial symptom to report to the healthcare provider. This is because it can lead to aspiration, a severe complication in these clients. Diplopia (double vision) and weakness in the legs are common symptoms of myasthenia gravis but are not as immediately dangerous as difficulty swallowing. Fatigue is also a common symptom in myasthenia gravis but does not pose the same risk of aspiration as difficulty swallowing.

5. The client with chronic venous insufficiency is being taught about self-care measures. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Avoid wearing compression stockings
• B. Elevate legs above heart level when resting
• C. Apply heat packs to improve circulation
• D. Limit walking to prevent leg pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with chronic venous insufficiency is to elevate their legs above heart level when resting. This position helps reduce venous pressure and edema, improving circulation. Avoiding compression stockings (choice A) is incorrect as they are beneficial in managing chronic venous insufficiency. Applying heat packs (choice C) is not recommended as heat can worsen edema. Limiting walking (choice D) is not advisable as regular, gentle exercise like walking can actually help improve circulation in patients with chronic venous insufficiency.

Similar Questions