What is a likely effect on a patient whose lab results reveal hypoalbuminemia?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Hypoalbuminemia, which refers to low albumin levels in the blood, is often associated with edema. Albumin helps maintain oncotic pressure, which keeps fluid within blood vessels. When albumin levels are low, this pressure decreases, leading to fluid leakage from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues, resulting in edema. The other choices are less likely effects of hypoalbuminemia. Hypoalbuminemia doesn't directly cause infections (Choice A), rickets (Choice B) caused by vitamin D deficiency, or hypertension (Choice C) associated with factors like high sodium intake, obesity, and genetic predisposition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria (excess protein in urine), hypoalbuminemia (low serum albumin), edema (swelling due to fluid buildup), and hyperlipidemia (elevated blood lipids). These symptoms occur as a result of damage to the kidneys' filtering units. Acute kidney injury, rejection of a kidney transplant, and renal colic do not present with the same combination of symptoms as nephrotic syndrome. Acute kidney injury typically presents with a sudden decrease in kidney function, resulting in a build-up of waste products in the blood. Rejection of a kidney transplant may present with fever, pain at the transplant site, and changes in urine output. Renal colic usually presents with intense pain in the lower back or side, related to kidney stones.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In patients with acute kidney injury, oliguria (reduced urine output) often results in sodium retention and hyperkalemia (elevated levels of potassium). This is due to the kidneys' decreased capacity to excrete these substances. Choice A is incorrect because hypophosphatemia and overgrowth of bone tissue are not direct consequences of oliguria in acute kidney injury. Choice B is incorrect because an increase in blood potassium levels is not caused by excessive excretion of parathyroid hormone but rather by decreased excretion of potassium. Choice D is incorrect because edema is not caused by increased urine production but rather by fluid overload due to decreased urine output.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Engorgement occurs when the breasts become overly full, leading to discomfort and sometimes difficulty with latching. It can be relieved by feeding or expressing milk. Mastitis, choice A, is characterized by breast inflammation usually caused by an infection. Letdown, choice C, refers to the release of milk from the breast. Galactorrhea, choice D, is the spontaneous flow of milk from the breast unassociated with childbirth or nursing.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The best way to ensure adequate nutrition for a stroke patient who frequently chokes and coughs when eating and has difficulty feeding herself is to provide tube feedings. Tube feedings are a safe and effective method to deliver nutrition directly to the stomach or intestines, bypassing the swallowing mechanism, reducing the risk of aspiration. Having an aide feed her each meal (choice A) may not address the underlying issue of swallowing difficulty and aspiration risk. Asking a family member to be present at each meal (choice B) does not provide a definitive solution to the patient's nutritional needs. Placing the patient on total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (choice D) is a more invasive and typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate enteral feedings or have non-functional gastrointestinal tracts.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Proteins play a diverse range of physiological roles in the body, such as providing resistance to disease, regulating fluid balance, and repairing tissues. However, they are not the primary source of energy for the body. Carbohydrates and fats typically fulfill this role. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer, as it is not a function that proteins perform. Conversely, choices A, B, and C are all physiological functions of proteins, making them incorrect responses to this particular question.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The DASH Eating Plan is designed to lower blood pressure and is most effective when daily sodium intake is limited to 1500 milligrams or less. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer. Choices A (1000 milligrams), B (2500 milligrams), and C (3000 milligrams) are incorrect because they either fall below or exceed the recommended daily sodium intake for the DASH Eating Plan.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Before sharing information with a patient, it is essential to ask for their permission. This action respects the patient's autonomy and encourages their participation in the learning process. Asking for permission establishes a foundation of trust and partnership between the healthcare provider and the patient. Providing background knowledge (Choice A) is important, but it should come after receiving consent to share information. Removing personal protective equipment (Choice C) is not related to the communication process. Reminding the patient that you are the authority (Choice D) is inappropriate as it can undermine the patient's autonomy and hinder effective communication in a patient-centered care approach.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The statement that the major function of vitamin E is promoting vision is incorrect. Vitamin E primarily acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Its role is not primarily related to vision, which is a major function of vitamin A. On the other hand, the other options are true. Vitamin K deficiency does indeed lead to increased clotting time, vitamin D functions as a hormone, and carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash are rich sources of beta-carotene.