Nokea
What is the best lab test to diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)?
- A. platelet count
- B. prothrombin time (PT)
- C. partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- D. D-dimer
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best lab test to diagnose disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is the D-dimer test. In DIC, numerous small clots form throughout the body and are rapidly broken down. D-dimer measures a specific fibrin split product and is the most specific test for DIC. Platelet count (Choice A) is decreased in DIC due to consumption, but it is not specific for diagnosing DIC. Prothrombin time (PT - Choice B) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT - Choice C) are both elevated in DIC because clotting factors have been used up, but they are not specific for DIC as they can be elevated in other conditions as well.
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Metformin (Glucophage) is administered to clients with type II diabetes mellitus. Metformin is an example of:
- A. an antihyperglycemic agent.
- B. a hypoglycemic agent.
- C. an insulin analogue.
- D. a pancreatic alpha cell stimulant
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin is classified as an antihyperglycemic agent because it works by reducing hepatic glucose output and decreasing glucose absorption from the gut, thereby preventing hyperglycemia. Choice B, a hypoglycemic agent, is incorrect as hypoglycemic agents stimulate insulin production, which is not the mechanism of action of metformin. Choice C, an insulin analogue, is incorrect as metformin is not a type of insulin but a distinct medication. Choice D, a pancreatic alpha cell stimulant, is incorrect as metformin does not stimulate any pancreatic cells, but rather acts on the liver and gut to lower blood sugar levels.
What happens if folic acid is administered to treat anemia without determining its underlying cause?
- A. Erythropoiesis is inhibited
- B. Excessive levels of folic acid might accumulate, causing toxicity
- C. The symptoms of pernicious anemia might be masked, delaying treatment
- D. Intrinsic factor is destroyed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When folic acid is given without determining the underlying cause of anemia, the symptoms of pernicious anemia may be masked, potentially delaying the correct treatment. Folic acid alone does not protect against the central nervous system changes seen in pernicious anemia, which are related to Vitamin B12 deficiency. Folic acid and Vitamin B12 are both crucial for cell growth and division. Administering folic acid without knowing the specific type of anemia could lead to a delay in addressing the root cause. Option A is incorrect because folic acid is essential for erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells. Option B is incorrect as excessive folic acid can cause toxicity, but it is not the primary concern in this context. Option D is incorrect because folic acid treatment for anemia does not directly impact intrinsic factor, which is related to Vitamin B12 absorption.
When choosing a needle gauge for an intramuscular injection in a 12-year-old boy, which of the following gauges would you choose?
- A. 27 gauge
- B. 25 gauge
- C. 22 gauge
- D. 20 gauge
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is 22 gauge. A 22-gauge needle is recommended for school-age children, toddlers, and adolescents due to their muscle mass and tolerance. In infants, a smaller gauge (23-25) is preferred as their muscles are less developed and more sensitive. Choice A, 27 gauge, is too thin for an intramuscular injection in a 12-year-old boy. Choice B, 25 gauge, is more suitable for infants than for a 12-year-old. Choice D, 20 gauge, is too thick and not typically used for intramuscular injections in children.
A patient has experienced a severe third-degree burn to the trunk in the last 36 hours. Which phase of burn management is the patient in?
- A. Shock phase
- B. Emergent phase
- C. Healing phase
- D. Wound proliferation phase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shock phase. The shock phase occurs within the first 24-48 hours of burn management. During this phase, the focus is on stabilization, fluid resuscitation, and monitoring for potential complications. Choice B, the Emergent phase, is incorrect as it refers to the initial phase of burn care immediately after the injury. Choice C, the Healing phase, occurs later in the treatment process when the wound starts to repair itself. Choice D, the Wound proliferation phase, is not a recognized phase in burn management.
Paula is a 32-year-old woman seeking evaluation and treatment for major depressive symptoms. A major nursing priority during the assessment process includes which of the following?
- A. meaning of current stressors
- B. possibility of self-harm
- C. motivation to participate in treatment
- D. presence of alcohol or other drug use
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to consider the possibility of self-harm during the assessment process. This is crucial because unless the client is first assessed for self-harm or suicide potential, the necessary degree of vigilance in the client's environment may not be observed. While understanding the meaning of current stressors is important for treatment planning, ensuring the client's safety takes precedence. Motivation to participate in treatment and the presence of alcohol or other drug use are also important aspects to assess but ensuring the client's safety is the top priority in this scenario.