A refractory period is___________.
- A. a brief time when a neuron is unable to conduct an impulse
- B. the period during which potassium and sodium ions are completely stable
- C. the same as the resting potential
- D. the short time the myelin sheath provides insulation from another impulse
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The refractory period is a brief time following an action potential during which a neuron is unable to fire another impulse. This period ensures that action potentials propagate in one direction and allows the neuron to reset its ion gradients. The refractory period is divided into the absolute refractory period, when no new action potentials can be generated, and the relative refractory period, when a stronger-than-usual stimulus is required to generate an action potential.
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To determine the extent of Mr. Smith's head injury, what baseline nursing assessment is most important?
- A. Respiratory status
- B. Motor strength
- C. Urinary output
- D. Gastrointestinal function
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Respiratory status is crucial in assessing head injuries due to potential brainstem involvement.
Which of the following is a sign of urinary retention in older adults with neurologic deficit?
- A. Amnesia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hypertension
- D. A behavior change
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Behavior changes, such as confusion, can indicate urinary retention.
Thyroid hormone:
- A. increases the absorption of carbohydrate from the intestine
- B. exerts a negative feedback action on TSH production
- C. increases the concentration of 2,3-DPG within the red blood cells
- D. all above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Thyroid hormones enhance carbohydrate absorption, exert negative feedback on TSH production, and increase 2,3-DPG levels in red blood cells, which facilitates oxygen release to tissues.
A nurse counseling a patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) should understand that the assessment of highest priority is:
- A. risk for self-harm
- B. cognitive functioning
- C. identification of drug abuse
- D. readiness to reestablish identity or memory
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: risk for self-harm. In patients with DID, the primary concern is ensuring their safety due to the high risk of self-harm or suicide. Assessing this risk is crucial for immediate intervention to prevent harm. Choice B, cognitive functioning, may be important but is secondary to ensuring patient safety. Choice C, identification of drug abuse, is relevant but not as urgent as addressing the risk for self-harm. Choice D, readiness to reestablish identity or memory, is important but not as critical as ensuring the patient's safety. Therefore, assessing the risk for self-harm takes precedence in the care of a patient with DID.
The patient with gout will have periodic exacerbations of painful joint inflammation. Acute episodes are treated with
- A. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and colchicine.
- B. Allopurinol and aspirin.
- C. Antibiotics and acetaminophen.
- D. Bisphosphonates and calcium.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NSAIDs and colchicine are used for acute gout attacks, whereas allopurinol is used for long-term management.