Culture Vulture
What are some types of complimentary medicine?
Allopathy: Also known as conventional or Western medicine, it uses drugs, surgery, and other interventions to treat symptoms and diseases. It is evidence-based and widely practiced in hospitals and clinics.
Acupressure: A traditional Chinese therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to relieve pain, reduce stress, and promote healing without needles or medication.
Reflexology: A practice based on the idea that certain points on the feet, hands, and ears correspond to organs and systems in the body. Pressure applied to these areas is believed to promote overall health and relaxation.
Other Practices (briefly mentioned):
Acupuncture: Uses thin needles inserted into specific body points to balance energy (Qi).
Homeopathy: A system that uses highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing.
Ayurveda: An ancient Indian practice using diet, herbs, and bodywork to balance the body’s energies (doshas).
What are the symptoms of fluid volume deficit (dehydration)?
dry mucous membranes, decreased skin turgor, low blood pressure, and increased heart rate
Name 3 ways to assess and treat.
Observation – Watch for signs/symptoms; adjust care based on behavior.
Vital Signs Monitoring – Check pulse, respiration, temperature; treat abnormalities (e.g., fever with antipyretics).
Pain Assessment Tools – Use scales (e.g., 0–10); manage with medication or non-drug methods.
What type of isolation precautions are used in addition to Standard Precautions for specific diagnoses to prevent the spread of infections?
A. Droplet Precautions (e.g., influenza, whooping cough)
B. Airborne Precautions (e.g., tuberculosis, measles, chickenpox)
C. Contact Precautions (e.g., Clostridium difficile, MRSA)
D. All of the above
D.
Which of the following are essential components of a comprehensive respiratory system assessment?
A) Inspection of the chest for shape and symmetry, palpation to assess for tenderness and symmetrical chest expansion, and auscultation of lung sounds.
B) Review of the patient's dietary habits, palpation of the abdominal area, and assessment of reflexes.
C) Checking peripheral pulses, evaluating capillary refill, and assessing skin turgor.
D) Measurement of blood pressure, temperature, and weight.
A) Inspection of the chest for shape and symmetry, palpation to assess for tenderness and symmetrical chest expansion, and auscultation of lung sounds
Explanation
A thorough respiratory assessment encompasses several key areas:
What are important considerations for a nurse when caring for a patient from a different culture, and how can factors such as culture shock, assimilation, ethnocentrism, and potential cultural conflicts impact patient care?
A. Always assume the patient will adapt quickly to hospital routines regardless of culture.
B. Recognize and respect cultural differences, be aware of personal biases, and provide culturally competent care to build trust and improve outcomes.
C. Avoid asking about the patient’s cultural beliefs to prevent uncomfortable conversations.
D. Focus only on the medical diagnosis; cultural differences are not relevant to nursing care.
Correct Answer: B
It emphasizes cultural awareness, respectful communication, and culturally competent care, which are essential in nursing practice.
A patient presents to the emergency department with severe dehydration due to prolonged vomiting and diarrhea. The healthcare provider orders an IV fluid for resuscitation. Based on the patient's condition and the principles of fluid movement, which type of IV fluid would the nurse anticipate administering?
a) Hypotonic solution (e.g., 0.45% Normal Saline)
b) Hypertonic solution (e.g., 3% Sodium Chloride)
c) Isotonic solution (e.g., 0.9% Normal Saline)
d) Colloid solution (e.g., Albumin)
C) Isotonic solution (e.g., 0.9% Normal Saline)
Rationale: Isotonic solutions are the fluid of choice for resuscitation in cases of dehydration, hypovolemia, and hemorrhage because they expand the extracellular fluid volume without causing significant fluid shifts into or out of cells. Hypotonic solutions could worsen the dehydration by shifting fluid into the cells, and hypertonic solutions could further dehydrate cells. Colloids are typically reserved for more severe conditions like shock.
Which of the following describes the correct pairing of signs/symptoms and treatment for hypocalcemia (low blood calcium) versus hypercalcemia (high blood calcium)?
A. Hypocalcemia: Tetany and muscle spasms; Treated with intravenous fluids and loop diuretics.
B. Hypercalcemia: Confusion, constipation, and kidney stones; Treated with calcium supplements and vitamin D analogs.
C. Hypocalcemia: Numbness and tingling in extremities and face; Treated with intravenous calcium gluconate and vitamin D supplements.
D. Hypercalcemia: Muscle cramps and brittle nails; Treated with bisphosphonates and increased dietary calcium.
C.
A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client diagnosed with mononucleosis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further instruction?
A. "I should get plenty of rest."
B. "I will drink plenty of fluids."
C. "I can return to playing contact sports next week."
D. "I will take acetaminophen for my fever and sore throat."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with mononucleosis should avoid contact sports for at least 6 weeks due to the risk of splenic rupture.
Which hormone is primarily responsible for increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys during hypovolemic shock?
a) Aldosterone
b) Renin
c) Angiotensin II
d) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
d) Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
How to care for a Non-English speaking patient?
Show clear, respectful communication. Use professional medical interpreters rather than family members to ensure accurate understanding. Provide written materials in the client’s preferred language when possible. Be patient, use simple language, visual aids, and nonverbal communication to enhance understanding. Show cultural sensitivity and make the client feel respected and included in their care decisions.
Which of the following statements is incorrect regarding the care of intravenous (IV) lines?
A. Peripheral IVs are typically inserted by nurses and are used for short-term treatments.
B. Central lines, like PICC lines, can remain in place for weeks or months and require specific care, including maintaining dryness during bathing.
C. Flushing and locking are essential for both peripheral and central lines to prevent occlusion.
D. Central line dressing changes are not a significant factor in preventing infections compared to peripheral IVs.
D. Central line dressing changes are not a significant factor in preventing infections compared to peripheral IVs.
The immediate treatment of DKA and HHNS focuses on restoring fluid volume, correcting electrolyte imbalances, and lowering blood glucose levels. Which of the following is considered a primary treatment modality in the management of DKA and HHNS?
A) Oral hypoglycemic agents
B) Intravenous fluid replacement
C) Bicarbonate therapy for all patients
D) Dialysis
B) Intravenous fluid replacement
Explanation: Intravenous fluid resuscitation is a critical initial step in treating both DKA and HHNS to correct dehydration and improve circulation. Insulin therapy and electrolyte replacement are also important, but fluid replacement takes precedence. Oral hypoglycemic agents are used for long-term management, and dialysis is not a primary treatment for DKA or HHNS. Bicarbonate therapy is only recommended in severe cases of acidosis in DKA.
A positive serum antibody test indicates which of the following?
a) You have a current, active infection.
b) Your body has developed antibodies in response to a past infection or vaccination.
c) You are guaranteed to be immune to future infections.
d) Your body is actively fighting off a new infection.
The correct answer is b) Your body has developed antibodies in response to a past infection or vaccination.
Explanation
Antibody tests, also known as serology tests, look for the presence of antibodies in your blood. Antibodies are proteins produced by your immune system to help fight off infections or in response to a vaccine.
A patient presents with a significantly elevated AST and ALT on their CMP. This could indicate damage to which organ?
AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) are enzymes primarily found in the liver, according to UCSF Health. Elevated levels suggest liver cell damage or inflammation.
Guidelines for teaching a client (when patient is in distress / when patient is stable)
When the client is in distress:
When the client is stable:
A nurse is administering a hypotonic solution to a patient with hypernatremia. Which assessment finding would alert the nurse to a potential complication related to the fluid's movement?
a) Decreased urine output
b) Bounding peripheral pulses
c) Peripheral edema
d) Confusion in an older adult
d) Confusion in an older adult
Rationale: Hypotonic solutions cause water to shift into cells, and if administered excessively, can lead to cellular edema, including cerebral edema. This can manifest as confusion, especially in older adults who may be more susceptible to fluid shifts. Administering hypotonic solutions to patients with an increased risk of intracranial pressure. Other options are signs of fluid volume excess, which is a potential complication of hypotonic solutions, but confusion directly relates to the effect of hypotonicity on cells.
Which of the following interventions is crucial in the initial management of anaphylactic shock?
b) Administering epinephrine
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed furosemide. Which of the following is the MOST important nursing intervention for this patient?
(A) Monitoring blood pressure
(B) Assessing urine output and specific gravity
(C) Checking for edema in the extremities
(D) Measuring daily weight
The correct answer is (B). Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to treat fluid overload, a common complication of CKD. Assessing urine output and specific gravity allows the nurse to monitor the drug's effectiveness and identify potential adverse effects, such as excessive fluid loss. Monitoring blood pressure (A) is important, but assessing urine output is more directly related to the medication's action. Assessing for edema (C) is also important but provides a less precise measure of fluid balance than urine output. Measuring daily weight (D) is a useful assessment but doesn't directly indicate how the diuretic is working
Your patient's CBC shows a Hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL and Hematocrit of 29%. Which of the following conditions is most consistent with these findings?
Low hemoglobin (normal range for females 11.6 to 15 grams/dL, for males 13.2 to 16.6 grams/dL) and hematocrit (normal range for females 35.5% to 44.9%, for males 38.3% to 48.6%) are indicative of anemia. Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia.
What are some culture considerations for Jehovah’s Witness / people of Spanish descent / northern European descent
Jehovah’s Witnesses: This religious group places a strong emphasis on spiritual beliefs, including refusal of blood transfusions, celebrations like birthdays or holidays, and military service. They prioritize modesty, community, and following biblical teachings. In healthcare settings, respecting their beliefs—especially regarding blood products—is essential.
People of Spanish Descent: Often family-oriented, with strong ties to extended relatives. Respect for elders, traditional gender roles, and Catholic religious practices are common. Communication tends to be warm and expressive. Health beliefs may include the use of home remedies or folk healing practices alongside conventional medicine.
Northern European Descent: This group often values independence, privacy, punctuality, and direct communication. They may be less expressive emotionally and prefer a more reserved interaction style. In healthcare, they generally trust medical professionals and modern medicine, with a focus on individual responsibility for health.
What are the symptoms of fluid volume excess?
swelling (edema), weight gain, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and discomfort like cramping, headache, or abdominal bloating. In severe cases, it can lead to heart problems and difficulty breathing.
A patient presents to the emergency room with symptoms of extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, and confusion. Upon examination, their breath has a fruity odor, and laboratory tests reveal very high blood glucose levels (above 600 mg/dL or 33 mmol/L) and moderate to high ketones in their urine. Which of the following conditions is most likely based on this presentation?
A) Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B) Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome (HHNS)
C) Hypoglycemia
D) Pancreatitis
A) Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Explanation: The presence of fruity-smelling breath and moderate to high ketones in the urine, alongside the other symptoms of hyperglycemia and dehydration, are classic signs of DKA. HHNS is characterized by very high blood sugar and dehydration but typically lacks significant ketones.
Here are some common signs and symptoms of infection and inflammation. Choose all that apply:
a) Fever
b) Redness
c) Swelling
d) Pain
e) Fatigue
f) Warmth
g) Chills
h) Loss of Function
i) Pus Formation (especially with bacterial infections)
What are the 5 types of drainages?
Serous – Clear, watery fluid; normal in healing.
Sanguineous – Bright red, bloody drainage; may indicate active bleeding.
Serosanguineous – Pink, watery mix of blood and serous fluid; common in early healing.
Purulent – Thick, yellow/green/brown pus; often a sign of infection.
Foul Purulent – Similar to purulent but with a bad odor; strong indicator of infection.