Nursing Process Test Questions

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: General to specific assessment. This type of assessment approach involves starting with a broad overview of the patient's condition and then narrowing down to specific details. In this scenario, the nurse begins by examining the surgical dressing, which is a specific aspect of the patient's condition, after which they can proceed to gather more detailed information about the drainage, wound healing, and any associated symptoms. This approach allows the nurse to systematically assess the patient's postoperative status and identify any potential issues. A: Gordon�s Functional Health Patterns is a comprehensive framework for organizing patient data, but it does not specifically address the sequence of assessment in this scenario. B: Activity-exercise pattern assessment focuses on the patient's activity level and exercise habits, which is not the primary concern in this situation. D: Problem-oriented assessment involves identifying and addressing specific health problems, but it does not capture the systematic progression from general to specific assessment as seen in this scenario.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step 1: Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestine with the help of intrinsic factor produced by parietal cells in the stomach. Step 2: Intrinsic factor binds to vitamin B12, forming a complex that is then absorbed in the ileum. Step 3: If intrinsic factor is lacking (as seen in pernicious anemia), vitamin B12 absorption is impaired, leading to megaloblastic anemia. Step 4: Administering cyanocobalamin bypasses the need for intrinsic factor. Step 5: Thus, intrinsic factor influences Vitamin B12 absorption. Other choices (B, C, D) do not play a direct role in Vitamin B12 absorption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Muscle weakness. Metolazone is a diuretic that can lead to low potassium levels, causing muscle weakness. Instructing the patient to report muscle weakness is crucial to prevent any potential serious complications. Numb hands, gastrointestinal distress, and nightmares are not commonly associated with metolazone and do not pose as immediate risks as muscle weakness does. It is essential to prioritize the most critical side effect to ensure the patient's safety and well-being.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Leucovorin. Leucovorin is administered with methotrexate to protect normal cells from methotrexate toxicity by acting as a "rescue" agent. Methotrexate inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, leading to decreased levels of tetrahydrofolate needed for DNA synthesis. Leucovorin bypasses this step by directly providing the reduced form of folic acid, thus preventing toxicity in normal cells. Probenecid (choice A) is not used to protect normal cells during methotrexate therapy. Cytarabine (choice B) and Thioguanine (choice C) are not rescue agents for methotrexate toxicity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because pupil size is not typically a part of a routine neurological examination. A: Eye movements are assessed to evaluate cranial nerve functions. B: Reflexes help determine the integrity of the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system. C: Nuchal rigidity is important to assess for signs of meningitis or other neurological conditions. In contrast, pupil size is more relevant in ophthalmological examinations or when assessing response to specific medications affecting the pupil size.