Nokea
A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of cancer that has metastasized. What laboratory value would the nurse expect to be elevated in this patient?
- A. Bilirubin
- B. Potassium
- C. Alkaline phosphatase
- D. Creatinine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Alkaline phosphatase is elevated during early fracture healing and in diseases with increased osteoblastic activity (e.g., metastatic bone tumors). Elevated bilirubin, potassium, and creatinine would not be expected in a patient with metastatic bone tumors.
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The nurse is assessing a patient for dietary factors that may influence her risk for osteoporosis. What nutrients should the nurse question the patient about her intake of?
- A. Calcium
- B. Simple carbohydrates
- C. Vitamin D
- D. Protein
- E. Soluble fiber
Correct Answer: A,C
Rationale: A patient's risk for osteoporosis is strongly influenced by vitamin D and calcium intake. Carbohydrate, protein, and fiber intake do not have direct effect on the development of osteoporosis.
When assessing a patient's peripheral nerve function, the nurse uses an instrument to prick the fat pad at the top of the patient's small finger. This action will assess which of the following nerves?
- A. Radial
- B. Ulnar
- C. Median
- D. Tibial
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The ulnar nerve is assessed for sensation by pricking the fat pad at the top of the small finger. The radial, median, and tibial nerves are not assessed in this manner.
A patient has been experiencing an unexplained decline in knee function and has consequently been scheduled for arthrography. The nurse should teach the patient about what process?
- A. Injection of a contrast agent into the knee joint prior to ROM exercises
- B. Aspiration of synovial fluid for serologic testing
- C. Injection of corticosteroids into the patient's knee joint to facilitate ROM
- D. Replacement of the patient's synovial fluid with a synthetic substitute
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During arthrography, a radiopaque contrast agent or air is injected into the joint cavity to visualize the joint structures such as the ligaments, cartilage, tendons, and joint capsule. The joint is put through its range of motion to distribute the contrast agent while a series of x-rays are obtained. Synovial fluid is not aspirated or replaced and corticosteroids are not administered.
A nurse on the orthopedic unit is assessing a patient's peroneal nerve. The nurse will perform this assessment by doing which of the following actions?
- A. Pricking the skin between the great and second toe
- B. Stroking the skin on the sole of the patient's foot
- C. Pinching the skin between the thumb and index finger
- D. Stroking the distal fat pad of the small finger
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse will evaluate the sensation of the peroneal nerve by pricking the skin centered between the great and second toe. None of the other listed actions elicits the function of one of the peripheral nerves.
A nurse is providing care for a patient whose pattern of laboratory testing reveals longstanding hypocalcemia. What other laboratory result is most consistent with this finding?
- A. An elevated parathyroid hormone level
- B. An increased calcitonin level
- C. An elevated potassium level
- D. A decreased vitamin D level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the response to low calcium levels in the blood, increased levels of parathyroid hormone prompt the mobilization of calcium and the demineralization of bone. Increased calcitonin levels would exacerbate hypocalcemia. Vitamin D levels do not increase in response to low calcium levels. Potassium levels would likely be unaffected.