What drives respiration in a patient with advanced chronic respiratory failure?
- A. Hypoxemia
- B. Hypocapnia
- C. Hypercapnia
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In patients with advanced chronic respiratory failure, such as those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the respiratory drive shifts from being primarily stimulated by high levels of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) to being driven by low oxygen levels (hypoxemia). This shift is due to the body's adaptation to chronic respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia. As a result, hypoxemia becomes the primary stimulus for respiration in these patients. Hypocapnia, a low level of carbon dioxide, is not a common driver of respiration in patients with advanced chronic respiratory failure. Therefore, the correct answer is hypoxemia.
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When assessing a patient suspected to have Hepatitis, a nurse notes the patient's eyes are yellow-tinged. Which of the following diagnostic results would further assist in confirming this diagnosis?
- A. Decreased serum Bilirubin
- B. Elevated serum ALT levels
- C. Low RBC and Hemoglobin with increased WBCs
- D. Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevated serum ALT levels would further confirm the diagnosis of Hepatitis. ALT is a liver enzyme, and hepatitis is a liver disease. Elevated liver enzymes, such as ALT, often indicate liver damage. Choice A, 'Decreased serum Bilirubin,' is incorrect as elevated bilirubin levels are typically seen in hepatitis due to impaired bilirubin metabolism. Choices C and D are unrelated to confirming a diagnosis of hepatitis as they describe findings not specific to liver function or hepatitis. Low RBC and Hemoglobin with increased WBCs (Choice C) suggest a different condition like anemia or infection, not specific to liver disease. Increased Blood Urea Nitrogen level (Choice D) is more indicative of kidney function rather than liver function, thus not helpful in confirming hepatitis.
A 3-year-old child was brought to the pediatric clinic after the sudden onset of findings that include irritability, thick muffled voice, croaking on inspiration, being hot to the touch, sitting leaning forward, tongue protruding, drooling, and suprasternal retractions. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Prepare the child for an X-ray of the upper airways
- B. Examine the child's throat
- C. Collect a sputum specimen
- D. Notify the healthcare provider of the child's status
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct initial action is to notify the healthcare provider of the child's status. The presenting symptoms described, such as irritability, thick muffled voice, croaking on inspiration, being hot to the touch, sitting leaning forward, tongue protruding, drooling, and suprasternal retractions, are indicative of epiglottitis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such cases. While preparing for an X-ray or examining the throat may be necessary, the priority is to ensure prompt evaluation and intervention by the healthcare provider. Collecting a sputum specimen is not relevant in this situation and would cause unnecessary delay. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize communication with the healthcare provider to expedite appropriate management and treatment.
Which fact about diabetes is true?
- A. Only children get type 1 diabetes.
- B. Only adults get type 2 diabetes.
- C. Children and adults can have type 1 diabetes.
- D. Both A and B
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is that children and adults can have type 1 diabetes. Although type 1 diabetes is sometimes known as 'childhood diabetes,' it can affect individuals of any age. Type 1 diabetes is not limited to children. While type 2 diabetes is often associated with adults, children can also develop it, especially due to factors like obesity. Choices A and B are incorrect because diabetes is not exclusive to either children or adults; both types of diabetes can affect individuals across different age groups.
The nurse is caring for a newborn infant after surgical intervention for imperforate anus. The nurse should place the infant in which position in the postoperative period?
- A. Supine with no head elevation
- B. Side-lying with the legs flexed
- C. Side-lying with the legs extended
- D. Supine with the head elevated 30 degrees
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: After surgical intervention for imperforate anus, the infant should be placed in a side-lying position with the legs flexed. This position helps reduce edema and pressure on the surgical site, preventing strain and promoting comfort. Placing the infant supine with no head elevation (Choice A) doesn't offer adequate support and may increase pressure on the area. Side-lying with the legs extended (Choice C) doesn't help reduce edema and pressure effectively. Placing the infant supine with the head elevated 30 degrees (Choice D) isn't recommended as it may not provide adequate support and comfort needed for recovery.
You have accompanied the physician into the family waiting room to tell a young husband that his wife has not survived the car accident she was in. The husband is crying and distraught. What is the most appropriate approach to supporting this family member?
- A. Ask if he would like to donate his wife's organs
- B. Sit quietly with him
- C. Ask about funeral arrangements
- D. Consult social services
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most caring and supportive approach in a time of extreme distress is usually to sit quietly with the distressed individual until they have had the opportunity to absorb the news and gather themselves. Providing a supportive presence is often the most valuable tool a caregiver can use when circumstances bring overwhelming emotional pain to those they are caring for. Asking about organ donation at this moment may come off as insensitive and should not be a priority. Inquiring about funeral arrangements and consulting social services can be addressed later, once the husband has had time to process the initial shock and emotions.
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