1.
1. A nurse is administering IV furosemide to a patient admitted with congestive heart failure. After the infusion, which of the following symptoms is NOT expected?
Correct Answer
C. C. Decreased pain.
Explanation
When administering IV furosemide to a patient with congestive heart failure, the expected symptoms include increased urinary output, decreased edema, and decreased blood pressure. Furosemide is a diuretic that helps the body eliminate excess fluid and reduce swelling. However, it does not have any direct effect on pain relief. Therefore, it is not expected to cause a decrease in pain.
2.
2. There are a number of risk factors associated with coronary artery disease. Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor?
Correct Answer
A. Obesity
Explanation
Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease. This means that individuals have control over this risk factor and can take steps to reduce their risk. Obesity is associated with various health issues, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diabetes, all of which are risk factors for coronary artery disease. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, individuals can reduce their weight and lower their risk of developing coronary artery disease.
3.
3. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) is considered for treatment of a patient who arrives in the emergency department following onset of symptoms of myocardial infarction. Which of the following is a contraindication for treatment with t-PA?
Correct Answer
B. B. History of cerebral hemorrhage.
Explanation
A history of cerebral hemorrhage is a contraindication for treatment with t-PA because t-PA is a thrombolytic agent that works by dissolving blood clots. If a patient has a history of cerebral hemorrhage, it means they have had bleeding in the brain before, and using a thrombolytic agent like t-PA could increase the risk of another hemorrhage. Therefore, it is not safe to administer t-PA to patients with a history of cerebral hemorrhage.
4.
4. Following myocardial infarction, a hospitalized patient is encouraged to practice frequent leg exercises and ambulate in the hallway as directed by his physician. Which of the following choices reflects the purpose of exercise for this patient?
Correct Answer
C. C. Prevents DVT (deep vein thrombosis).
Explanation
Following a myocardial infarction (heart attack), patients are at an increased risk for developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. Leg exercises and ambulation help to promote blood flow and prevent blood clots from forming in the legs, reducing the risk of DVT. This is why the patient is encouraged to practice frequent leg exercises and ambulate in the hallway.
5.
5. A patient arrives in the emergency department with symptoms of myocardial infarction, progressing to cardiogenic shock. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect the patient to exhibit with cardiogenic shock?
Correct Answer
D. Confusion
Explanation
Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This leads to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs, including the brain. Confusion is a common symptom of cardiogenic shock because the brain is not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. Hypertension and bounding pulse are not expected symptoms because the heart is not able to effectively pump blood. Bradycardia is also unlikely because the heart is usually working harder to compensate for the decreased cardiac output.
6.
6. A patient with a history of congestive heart failure arrives at the clinic complaining of dyspnea. Which of the following actions is the first the nurse should perform?
Correct Answer
D. D. Check blood pressure.
Explanation
The nurse should first check the patient's blood pressure because it is important to assess the patient's hemodynamic status. In a patient with congestive heart failure, dyspnea can be a sign of worsening cardiac function and fluid overload, which can lead to elevated blood pressure. Checking the blood pressure can help determine if the patient is experiencing hypertensive crisis or if there are other urgent cardiovascular concerns that need to be addressed. This initial assessment will guide further interventions and treatment for the patient.
7.
7. A clinic patient has recently been prescribed nitroglycerin for treatment of angina. He calls the nurse complaining of frequent headaches. Which of the following responses to the patient is correct?
Correct Answer
C. C. "Headaches are a frequent side effect of nitroglycerine because it causes vasodilation."
Explanation
Nitroglycerin is a medication commonly prescribed for angina, a condition characterized by chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin works by causing vasodilation, which means it widens the blood vessels and increases blood flow. However, this vasodilation can also cause headaches as a side effect. Therefore, it is correct to inform the patient that headaches are a frequent side effect of nitroglycerin due to its vasodilatory effects.
8.
8. A patient received surgery and chemotherapy for colon cancer, completing therapy 3 months previously, and she is now in remission. At a follow-up appointment, she complains of fatigue following activity and difficulty with concentration at her weekly bridge games. Which of the following explanations could account for her symptoms?
Correct Answer
A. A. The symptoms may be the result of anemia caused by chemotherapy.
Explanation
The patient's symptoms of fatigue following activity and difficulty with concentration can be explained by anemia caused by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can lead to a decrease in red blood cells, causing anemia. Anemia can result in reduced oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to fatigue and difficulty with concentration. Therefore, it is a plausible explanation for the patient's symptoms.
9.
9. A clinic patient has a hemoglobin concentration of 10.8 g/dL and reports sticking to a strict vegetarian diet. Which of the follow nutritional advice is appropriate?
Correct Answer
B. B. The patient should add meat to her diet; a vegetarian diet is not advised.
10.
10. A hospitalized patient is receiving packed red blood cells (PRBCs) for treatment of severe anemia. Which of the following is the most accurate statement?
Correct Answer
D. D. A nurse should remain in the room during the first 15 minutes of infusion.
Explanation
The correct answer is D. A nurse should remain in the room during the first 15 minutes of infusion. This is the most accurate statement because during the initial 15 minutes of the PRBC infusion, the patient is at the highest risk for an adverse reaction. By having a nurse present in the room, any signs or symptoms of a transfusion reaction can be quickly detected and appropriate interventions can be initiated. This ensures the safety and well-being of the patient during the critical period of the infusion.
11.
11. A patient who has received chemotherapy for cancer treatment is given an injection of Epoetin. Which of the following should reflect the findings in a complete blood count (CBC) drawn several days later?
Correct Answer
B. B. An increase in hematocrit.
Explanation
After receiving chemotherapy, a patient may experience a decrease in red blood cell production, leading to a decrease in hematocrit levels. Epoetin is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells, so if it is administered to the patient, it should lead to an increase in hematocrit levels when a complete blood count (CBC) is drawn several days later. Therefore, the correct answer is B. An increase in hematocrit.
12.
12. A patient is admitted to the hospital with suspected polycythemia vera. Which of the following symptoms is consistent with the diagnosis?
Correct Answer
B. B. Increased clotting time.
Explanation
B, C and D are correct
13.
13. A nurse is caring for a patient with a platelet count of 20,000/microliter. Which of the following is an important intervention?
Correct Answer
A. A. Observe for evidence of spontaneous bleeding.
Explanation
A platelet count of 20,000/microliter indicates severe thrombocytopenia, which means there is a low number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting, so a low platelet count increases the risk of spontaneous bleeding. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to observe for any evidence of spontaneous bleeding in the patient. This could include signs such as petechiae (small red or purple spots on the skin), easy bruising, or prolonged bleeding from cuts or injuries.
14.
14. A nurse in the emergency department assesses a patient who has been taking long-term corticosteroids to treat renal disease. Which of the following is a typical side effect of corticosteroid treatment? Note: More than one answer may be correct.
Correct Answer
A. A. Hypertension.
Explanation
A, B and D are correct
15.
15. A nurse is caring for patients in the oncology unit. Which of the following is the most important nursing action when caring for a neutropenic patient?
Correct Answer
B. B. Change gloves immediately after use.
Explanation
The most important nursing action when caring for a neutropenic patient is to change gloves immediately after use. Neutropenic patients have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections. Changing gloves after each use helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and pathogens that could potentially cause infections. This action is crucial in maintaining the patient's health and preventing complications.
16.
16. A patient is undergoing the induction stage of treatment for leukemia. The nurse teaches family members about infectious precautions. Which of the following statements by family members indicates that the family needs more education?
Correct Answer
C. C. We will bring in fresh flowers to brighten the room.
Explanation
During the induction stage of treatment for leukemia, the patient's immune system is compromised, making them more susceptible to infections. Bringing in fresh flowers can introduce bacteria and other potential sources of infection into the room, which can be harmful to the patient. Therefore, the family needs more education about the importance of avoiding potential sources of infection.
17.
17. A nurse is caring for a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Which of the following is the most likely age range of the patient?
Correct Answer
A. A. 3-10 years.
Explanation
The most likely age range for a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is 3-10 years. ALL is the most common type of cancer in children, with the peak incidence occurring between the ages of 2 and 5 years. While ALL can occur in adults, it is much more common in children. Therefore, the most likely age range for a patient with ALL is 3-10 years.
18.
18. A patient is admitted to the oncology unit for diagnosis of suspected Hodgkin's disease. Which of the following symptoms is typical of Hodgkin's disease?
Correct Answer
B. B. Night sweats and fatigue.
Explanation
Night sweats and fatigue are typical symptoms of Hodgkin's disease. Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma that affects the lymphatic system. Night sweats, particularly drenching sweats that require changing clothes or bedding, are a common symptom of Hodgkin's disease. Fatigue is also a common symptom, often described as a constant lack of energy or extreme tiredness. These symptoms can be caused by the body's immune response to the disease and the release of chemicals called cytokines. Painful cervical lymph nodes, nausea and vomiting, and weight gain are not typically associated with Hodgkin's disease.
19.
19. The Hodgkin's disease patient described in the question above undergoes a lymph node biopsy for definitive diagnosis. If the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease were correct, which of the following cells would the pathologist expect to find?
Correct Answer
A. A. Reed-Sternberg cells.
Explanation
The correct answer is A. Reed-Sternberg cells. Reed-Sternberg cells are large, abnormal cells that are characteristic of Hodgkin's disease. They are found in the lymph nodes of individuals with Hodgkin's disease and are an important diagnostic feature for this condition. Lymphoblastic cells are associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, Gaucher's cells are associated with Gaucher's disease, and Rieder's cells are not associated with any specific disease. Therefore, the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells would support the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease.
20.
20. A patient is about to undergo bone marrow aspiration and biopsy and expresses fear and anxiety about the procedure. Which of the following is the most effective nursing response?
Correct Answer
C. C. Stay with the patient and focus on slow, deep breathing for relaxation.
Explanation
The most effective nursing response in this situation is to stay with the patient and focus on slow, deep breathing for relaxation. This response acknowledges the patient's fear and anxiety and provides support by staying with them. By focusing on slow, deep breathing, the nurse can help the patient relax and reduce their anxiety during the procedure. This response shows empathy and provides a practical technique to help the patient cope with their fear and anxiety.