Nokea
In determining the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or creatinine clearance, a 24-hour urine is obtained. If a reliable 24-hour urine collection is not possible,
- A. it is not possible to determine the GFR.
- B. the BUN may be used to determine renal function.
- C. an elevated BUN/creatinine ratio can be used.
- D. a standardized formula may be used to calculate GFR.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because when a reliable 24-hour urine collection is not possible, a standardized formula can be used to estimate GFR. The Cockcroft-Gault equation or the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation are commonly used formulas to estimate GFR based on serum creatinine levels, age, gender, and race. These formulas provide a reasonable estimation of kidney function in the absence of a 24-hour urine collection.
Choice A is incorrect because there are alternative methods available to estimate GFR. Choice B is incorrect because BUN alone is not sufficient to accurately determine renal function. Choice C is incorrect because an elevated BUN/creatinine ratio is not a direct measure of GFR and may be influenced by factors other than kidney function, such as hydration status or liver function.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who has an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) following a massive heart attack. When assessing the patient, the nurse notices blood backing up into the IABP catheter. In which order should the nurse take the following actions?
- A. Ensure that the IABP console has been turned off.
- B. Assess the patient's vital signs and orientation.
- C. Notify the healthcare provider of the IABP malfunction.
- D. Obtain supplies for insertion of a new IABP catheter.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Ensuring the IABP console is turned off is crucial to prevent further complications and stop potential harm to the patient.
2. By turning off the IABP console, the nurse can halt the pumping action, allowing assessment of the situation without interference.
3. This action takes priority over other steps as it addresses the immediate issue of blood backing up into the IABP catheter.
4. Once the console is turned off, the nurse can proceed with assessing the patient's vital signs, notifying the healthcare provider, and obtaining supplies if needed.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
- Option B: Assessing vital signs and orientation is important, but addressing the malfunction of the IABP takes precedence to prevent harm.
- Option C: Notifying the healthcare provider is necessary, but first, the immediate issue of blood backing up into the catheter must be addressed.
- Option D: Obtaining supplies for a new catheter is premature without first addressing
A critically ill patient is not expected to survive this admission. The family asks the nurse how the patient is doing. When answering this question, what should the nurse include?
- A. Emphasize that the patient is young and strong and may still survive.
- B. Refer the family to the physician for all details and answers.
- C. Give specific information such as descending trends in parameters.
- D. Ask if the family has determined which funeral home will be called.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because providing specific information such as descending trends in parameters helps the family understand the patient's condition objectively. This allows them to prepare emotionally and make informed decisions. Option A is incorrect because false hope should not be given. Option B is not the best approach as the nurse should still provide some information to the family. Option D is inappropriate and insensitive as it focuses on funeral arrangements rather than addressing the family's concerns about the patient's condition.
An unresponsive 79-year-old is admitted to the emergency department (ED) during a summer heat wave. The patient’s core temperature is 105.4°F (40.8°C), blood pressure (BP) 88/50, and pulse 112. The nurse initially will plan to:
- A. Apply wet sheets and a fan to the patient.
- B. Provide O2 at 6 L/min with a nasal cannula.
- C. Start lactated Ringer's solution at 1000 mL/hr.
- D. Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) rectal suppository.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Apply wet sheets and a fan to the patient. This is the initial treatment for hyperthermia to aid in lowering the body temperature. Wet sheets help in evaporative cooling, while a fan enhances heat loss through convection. This approach is crucial in managing heat-related illnesses quickly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the urgent need to reduce the patient's elevated core temperature. Providing O2, IV fluids, or acetaminophen can be considered later in the management, but the priority is to rapidly lower the body temperature in a hyperthermic patient to prevent further complications.
Renin plays a role in blood pressure regulation by
- A. activating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade.
- B. suppressing angiotensin production.
- C. decreasing sodium reabsorption.
- D. inhibiting aldosterone release.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because renin activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade, which ultimately leads to vasoconstriction, increased blood pressure, and aldosterone release to increase sodium and water reabsorption. Renin does not suppress angiotensin production (B), decrease sodium reabsorption (C), or inhibit aldosterone release (D), as these actions would counteract its role in blood pressure regulation.
A nurse is caring for an elderly man recently admitted to the ICU following a stroke. She assesses his cognitive function using a new cognitive assessment test she learned about in a recent article in a nursing journal. She then brings a cup of water and a straw to the patient because she observes that his lips are dry. Later, she has the patient sit in a wheelchair and takes him to have some blood tests performed. He objects at first, saying that he can walk on his own, but the nurse explains that it is hospital policy to use the wheelchair. That evening, she recognizes signs of an imminent stroke in the patient and immediately pages the physician. Which action taken by the nurse is the best example of evidence-based practice?
- A. Giving the patient a cup of water
- B. Transferring the patient in a wheelchair
- C. Recognizing signs of imminent stroke and paging the physician
- D. Using the cognitive assessment test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Recognizing signs of an imminent stroke and paging the physician. This action exemplifies evidence-based practice as it involves timely identification of a critical medical condition based on clinical assessment and prompt communication with the physician for further intervention. This aligns with the principles of evidence-based practice, which emphasize the integration of best available evidence with clinical expertise and patient values.
The other choices are incorrect:
A: Giving the patient a cup of water - While providing hydration is important for patient care, it does not demonstrate evidence-based practice in this scenario.
B: Transferring the patient in a wheelchair - Although using a wheelchair may be hospital policy, it does not directly relate to evidence-based practice in this context.
D: Using the cognitive assessment test - While assessing cognitive function is essential, it does not directly address the immediate medical needs of the patient as recognizing signs of an imminent stroke does.