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Example Questions
Example Question #2 : Symptoms And Tests For Endocrine Conditions
The nurse cares for a patient newly diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Which of the following is a characteristic sign of SLE?
Butterfly rash across bridge of nose and cheeks
Blood in urine
Lesions on extremities
Pain during exposure to cold
Arthritis and joint swelling
Butterfly rash across bridge of nose and cheeks
The most characteristic sign of SLE is a butterfly rash across the bridge of nose and cheeks. The others listed are also signs and symptoms of SLE, but the most well-known sign that is specific to SLE is the butterfly rash. Arthritis and joint swelling, hematuria, lesions on extremities, and pain during exposure to cold (Raynaud’s phenomenon) may be signs of other diseases
Example Question #431 : Conditions And Treatments
The nurse reviews lab results for a patient with hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following changes in lab findings would the nurse expect?
High serum calcium level
Low parathyroid hormone level
Low serum calcium level
Normal vitamin D level
Low vitamin D level
High serum calcium level
The nurse should know the parathyroid glands regulate serum calcium levels; in hyperparathyroidism, serum calcium levels are elevated. Parathyroid hormones are not low in hyperparathyroidism due to the overactivity of the parathyroid glands. Urine calcium may be elevated due to spilling of the high serum calcium level into the urine. Vitamin D levels should be low, as the body will increase vitamin D in the blood to lower the calcium level.
Example Question #434 : Conditions And Treatments
What type of thyroid cancer has the worst prognosis?
Medullary carcinoma
Papillary carcinoma
Follicular carcinoma
Anaplastic carcinoma
Anaplastic carcinoma
The 5 year survival rate for aplastic carcinoma of the thyroid is 7-14%. The 5 year survival rates of papillary, medullary, and follicular thyroid carcinomas are close to 100% for stage I cancers. Survival rates decrease to approximately 50% for stage IV papillary and follicular carcinomas and 28% for stage IV medullary carcinoma.
Example Question #435 : Conditions And Treatments
The home health nurse assesses the home of a elderly diabetic patient with peripheral neuropathy who lives alone. Which of the following observations most concerns the nurse?
The patient uses the bath without testing the temperature of the water.
The patient cuts toenails straight across.
The patient has a full-length mirror to assess feet daily.
The patient wears slippers when walking around the house.
The patient does not exercise when her blood sugar is high.
The patient uses the bath without testing the temperature of the water.
Peripheral neuropathy is a common condition among elderly diabetic patients. Due to the loss of sensation in fingers, arms, legs, and toes, these patients must be aware of their surroundings, use proper foot care, inspect feet daily (with a mirror if the patient is elderly or has decreased joint mobility), wear well-fitting shoes, avoid heating pads on feet, avoid walking barefoot, and cut toenails straight across without rounding corners. It is also important for the patient to avoid exercise when their condition is poorly controlled due to the increased demand for glucose. This patient must be sure to check the temperature of baths before using them, as the potential for burns is high in those with decreased sensation and neuropathy.
Example Question #434 : Conditions And Treatments
The bedside nurse cares for a patient newly diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and educates the patient on new diet modifications. The nurse is concerned when the patient makes which of the following statements?
“I will increase the amount of calories I consume when I am sick.”
“I will avoid soda, junk food, bacon, and butter.”
“A good meal for me to eat would have fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.”
“I will make sure to take my medications for enzyme replacement before or with my meals.”
“I will cut all protein from my diet because I do not absorb proteins well.”
“I will cut all protein from my diet because I do not absorb proteins well.”
Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that mainly affects the lungs, but also alters fat metabolism from a lack of pancreatic enzymes. The disorder is treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement, which is best absorbed when taken before meals or with food. The best diet for cystic fibrosis is low-fat and cholesterol-restricted with good sources of protein, such as fruit, vegetables, lean meats, and cereals. These patients must avoid fatty, marbled meats such as bacon, fatty foods such as avocado, egg yolks, and butter. During illness, patients with cystic fibrosis have higher calorie and protein demands.
Example Question #441 : Conditions And Treatments
The nurse provides education to a patient newly diagnosed with Addison’s disease. The patient wants to learn about lifestyle modifications such as nutrition and diet changes. Which of the following statements by the nurse would be inappropriate?
“Try a low-sodium diet by cutting out additional salts.”
“Have a glass of water for every non-water drink you consume (i.e. soda, coffee, alcohol).”
“You can increase your intake of fiber and whole grains.”
“Make sure to eat enough calories for your height and weight.”
“A diet high in protein is best for you.”
“Try a low-sodium diet by cutting out additional salts.”
Patients with Addison’s disease are more susceptible to becoming dehydrated and may lose salts more quickly than others. Because of this, it is important to make sure these patients have a well-rounded diet with an emphasis on fluids. Protein, whole grains, and fibers are routinely recommended in a healthy, balanced diet, but it is not recommended to have a sodium-restricted diet.
Example Question #1 : Cardiovascular Conditions
Example Question #2 : Cardiovascular Conditions
What is cardiac tamponade?
A potentially life-threatening arrhythmia arising from improper ventricular electrical activity
A loud, systolic mumur heard best over the 5th left intercostal space
Pain in the chest due to ischemia that is worse with exertion and better with rest
Accumulation of fluid in the pericardium that puts pressure on the heart
Accumulation of fluid in the pericardium that puts pressure on the heart
Cardiac tamponade is a condition in which blood, air, pus, or some other type of fluid accumulates in the pericardium, putting pressure on the heart and reducing it's ability to fill during diastole. Cardiac tamponade is not an arrhythmia, a murmur, or any type of ischemia. Signs include pulsus paradoxus (a greater than 10mmHg drop of systolic blood pressure on inspiration) and changes on ECG.
Example Question #3 : Cardiovascular Conditions
A 60-year-old male enters the emergency room complaining of burning pain under his sternum that radiates to his jaw. He has been experiencing this pain for three weeks, periodically, with episodes that occur as often as three times a week. The nurse proceeds in which of the following ways?
Prepares the patient for immediate transfer to the cardiac laboratory
Administers 25 grams of 50% dextrose solution
Administers a dose of ibuprofen
Immediately calls the physician
Asks the patient if he has tried antacids
Asks the patient if he has tried antacids
The patient is describing symptoms of heartburn. While it is important to rule out a cardiac-related cause, the nurse must do more assessment before reaching a conclusion.
Example Question #4 : Cardiovascular Conditions
Which of the following is not a risk factor for hypertension?
Family history
All the choices are risk factors
Race
Gender
All the choices are risk factors
All of the answer choices listed are risk factors for hypertension:
Gender - more common in men
Race - more common in people of African American descent
Family history - more common in patients who have family members with a history of hypertension
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