How many ounces are in 1 cup?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the United States customary system of measurement, 1 cup is a standardized unit of volume equal to 8 fluid ounces. This conversion is fundamental in cooking, baking, and liquid measurements, making it essential for students to memorize. The correct answer (A: 8) reflects this standard conversion, which is widely used in recipes, nutritional information, and everyday kitchen measurements. This equivalence is derived from the US customary system’s definition, where cups and fluid ounces are interrelated units for measuring volume. The incorrect choices (B: 80, C: 800, D: 8000) are orders of magnitude larger than the correct answer and do not correspond to any standard measurement system. These values would imply absurdly large quantities—far exceeding typical cooking or liquid measurements. For example, 80 ounces would equate to 10 cups, which is significantly larger than a single cup. Meanwhile, 800 and 8000 ounces would translate to 100 and 1000 cups, respectively, which are unrealistic for any practical application in measuring a single cup. These options likely stem from misplacing decimal points or misunderstanding the relationship between cups and ounces. Additionally, understanding the context of measurements helps clarify why the other choices are incorrect. A cup is a practical unit for everyday use, whereas 800 or 8000 ounces would be more relevant in industrial or large-scale contexts, not household measurements. The correct answer (A) aligns with universally accepted culinary standards, while the incorrect options misrepresent the scale of the conversion, leading to confusion if used in real-world scenarios. Mastery of this basic conversion ensures accuracy in following recipes, calculating serving sizes, and understanding nutritional labels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Buccal medication is administered by placing it between the client's cheeks and gums. This route allows for the medication to be absorbed through the mucous membranes in the mouth, providing a rapid onset of action compared to oral ingestion. Placing the medication under the tongue (sublingual) allows for absorption through the sublingual mucosa, not the buccal mucosa. Placing medication on the skin or the conjunctiva is not appropriate for buccal administration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct position for administering a cleansing enema is the Sims left lateral position. This position is preferred as it helps to facilitate the procedure by allowing gravity to assist in the flow of the enema solution. The individual lies on their left side with the right knee flexed towards the chest, which helps to promote retention of the enema solution and its distribution throughout the colon.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When addressing a client's difficulty swallowing capsules, the nurse must consider medication safety, absorption, and client comfort. The correct approach is to check the availability of a liquid preparation (Option C), as this is the safest and most effective alternative. Liquid medications are specifically formulated for easy swallowing and ensure accurate dosing without altering the drug's pharmacokinetics. Many medications come in liquid forms, suspensions, or orally disintegrating tablets, which are ideal for clients with dysphagia. This option avoids the risks associated with tampering with the capsule's integrity, such as altered absorption or irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Option A, dissolving the capsule in water, is incorrect because not all capsules are designed to be dissolved. Some medications are encapsulated to protect them from stomach acid, control release rates, or prevent irritation of the esophageal or gastric lining. Dissolving them may lead to rapid absorption, reduced efficacy, or local irritation. For example, enteric-coated or extended-release capsules must remain intact to function as intended. Option B, breaking the capsule and mixing the contents with applesauce, is inappropriate unless specifically permitted by the pharmacist or drug manufacturer. Many capsules contain powders or granules that are bitter, unstable in food, or require precise dosing. Mixing with food can result in incomplete ingestion, altered absorption, or even toxicity if the drug is not meant to be taken this way. Additionally, some medications (e.g., cytotoxic drugs) pose a safety risk if handled outside their original form. Option D, crushing the capsule and placing it under the tongue, is dangerous and incorrect. Most medications are not formulated for sublingual administration, which bypasses the digestive system and liver metabolism, potentially leading to erratic absorption or adverse effects. Crushing can also compromise the drug's stability or cause mucosal irritation. Only drugs specifically designed for sublingual use (e.g., nitroglycerin) should be administered this way. In summary, the nurse must prioritize methods that preserve the medication's intended action while accommodating the client's needs. Liquid formulations are the gold standard for dysphagia management unless contraindicated, whereas modifying capsules without proper guidance risks therapeutic failure or harm. Always consult the pharmacist or prescribing information before altering medication administration routes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Insulin is a peptide hormone that requires precise and controlled delivery to maintain blood glucose levels effectively. The **subcutaneous (C)** route is the standard for most insulin administration because the fatty tissue under the skin provides a slow, consistent absorption rate, which mimics the physiological release of insulin from the pancreas. This route ensures a predictable onset, peak, and duration of action, which is critical for managing diabetes. Subcutaneous injections are also practical for self-administration, with minimal risk of rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. **Intramuscular (A)** injections are inappropriate for routine insulin administration because muscles have a richer blood supply than subcutaneous tissue, leading to faster and less predictable absorption. This could result in hypoglycemia due to rapid insulin uptake. While intramuscular injections may be used in emergencies (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis), they are not standard for daily management. **Intradermal (B)** injections are not used for insulin because the dermis lacks sufficient vascularization and fat to ensure consistent absorption. This route is typically reserved for diagnostic tests (e.g., tuberculosis skin tests) or vaccines, where small amounts of fluid are needed and slow absorption is acceptable. Insulin requires reliable absorption kinetics, which intradermal injections cannot provide. **Intravenous (D)** administration delivers insulin directly into the bloodstream, causing an immediate and sharp drop in blood glucose. This is only appropriate in critical care settings (e.g., severe hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis) where rapid action is necessary. However, for routine use, intravenous delivery is impractical, dangerous (risk of severe hypoglycemia), and requires continuous monitoring, making subcutaneous the definitive choice for daily insulin therapy. The subcutaneous route’s balance of safety, efficacy, and ease of use solidifies its role as the standard for insulin administration, while the other routes are either too erratic, impractical, or reserved for specialized scenarios.