The nurse suspects that a patient will be diagnosed as being in a comatose state based upon the Glasgow Coma Scale score. What score does the patient need to have to be identified as comatose?
- A. 7
- B. 9
- C. 11
- D. 13
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A GCS score of 7 or less indicates a comatose state, while a score of 15 indicates full alertness. Scores of 9, 11, and 13 suggest varying degrees of neurological impairment but not coma. Recognizing a comatose state is critical for patient management.
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What is the priority intervention in the emergency department for the patient with a stroke?
- A. Intravenous fluid replacement
- B. Administration of osmotic diuretics to reduce cerebral edema
- C. Initiation of hypothermia to decrease the oxygen needs of the brain
- D. Maintenance of respiratory function with a patent airway and oxygen administration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Maintaining a patent airway and oxygenation is critical in the initial management of stroke
In the care plan for Mr. Thompson, a 78-year-old man with Parkinson's disease, Nurse Edwards is identifying tasks that can be safely delegated to a nursing assistant (NA). Considering the responsibilities and scope of practice for a nursing assistant, which of the following tasks is most appropriate for Nurse Edwards to delegate?
- A. Checking for orthostatic changes in pulse and blood pressure.
- B. Monitoring for improvement in tremor after levodopa (L-dopa) is given.
- C. Adjusting the dosage of levodopa (L-dopa) based on the patient's response.
- D. Monitoring for abnormal involuntary jerky movements of extremities.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Checking for orthostatic changes is within the scope of practice for a nursing assistant and is important for monitoring the side effects of PD medications.
Which type of drug could be used to treat asthma by opening airways wider?
- A. sympatholytic drug
- B. sympathomimetic drug
- C. anticholinergic drug
- D. parasympathomimetic drug
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sympathomimetic drug. Sympathomimetic drugs stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to bronchodilation and opening of airways wider, which is beneficial in treating asthma.
A: Sympatholytic drugs inhibit the sympathetic nervous system and would not be effective in widening airways in asthma treatment.
C: Anticholinergic drugs block the action of acetylcholine, which can cause bronchoconstriction and are not used to widen airways in asthma.
D: Parasympathomimetic drugs stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to bronchoconstriction and are not used to treat asthma by opening airways wider.
Mr. Singer will be taking aspirin and prednisone for his rheumatoid arthritis upon discharge from the hospital. Mr. Singer should be taught to contact his physician immediately if which of the following occurs?
- A. Tarry stools
- B. Ringing in his ears
- C. Warm, swollen joints
- D. Fluid retention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tarry stools indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, a potential side effect of aspirin.
A nerve fiber obeys an all-or-none law insofar as it either fires or does not fire depending on whether the stimulus is above a threshold.
- A. TRUE
- B. FALSE
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: