Which of the following findings would indicate a change in a patient's mental status?
- A. Sudden onset of confusion or disorientation.
- B. Steady gait and normal speech.
- C. Clear and coherent communication.
- D. Stable vital signs and regular breathing.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A sudden onset of confusion or disorientation is a key indicator of a change in mental status. Steady gait, clear communication, and stable vital signs are normal findings.
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A dendrite conducts nerve impulses ________ the cell body.
- A. away from
- B. toward
- C. both toward and away from
- D. around, bypassing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dendrites are specialized structures that receive nerve impulses from other neurons and conduct them toward the cell body. They are branched extensions that increase the surface area for receiving signals. The electrical signals generated by neurotransmitters binding to receptors on dendrites travel toward the cell body, where they are integrated to determine whether the neuron will fire an action potential. This directional flow is essential for neural communication.
Following discharge teaching, the nurse realizes that additional instruction is needed when the patient says what?
- A. It is important for me to avoid exposure to people with upper respiratory infections.
- B. When I begin to feel better
- C. I should stop taking the prednisone to prevent side effects.
- D. I plan to use vitamin supplements and a high-protein diet to help manage my condition.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prednisone should not be stopped abruptly due to the risk of adrenal insufficiency
A few weeks after the injury, the nurse notices that Joe seems to be pulling his legs away from her during the bath. Which of the following statements provides the best explanation of the patient's leg movement?
- A. He is embarrassed about having to be bathed
- B. Muscle spasms are beginning to occur
- C. Paralysis is diminishing due to reduction in edema
- D. He is adjusting negatively to his disability
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Muscle spasms are common in spinal cord injury recovery.
Laboratory findings that the nurse would expect to be present in the patient with RA include
- A. polycythemia.
- B. increased immunoglobulin G (IgG).
- C. decreased white blood cell (WBC) count.
- D. anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: ACPA is specific to RA.
A patient with severe joint immobility is receiving physical and exercise therapy. To evaluate the effect of the treatment, the nurse may assess joint range of motion with what equipment?
- A. Ergometer
- B. Myometer
- C. Goniometer
- D. Arthrometer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A goniometer measures joint angles.
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