Which eating disorder involves self-starvation?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding eating disorders is essential for nurses to provide holistic care. The correct answer is D) Anorexia nervosa, which involves self-starvation leading to dangerously low body weight. This disorder is characterized by extreme fear of gaining weight, distorted body image, and restricted food intake. Option A) Binge-eating disorder involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period, but without compensatory behaviors like purging or excessive exercise. Option B) Bulimarexia is a non-existent term, likely a combination of bulimia and anorexia. Option C) Bulimia nervosa involves episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting or using laxatives. Educationally, understanding these distinctions is crucial for nurses to recognize symptoms, provide appropriate care, and refer patients to mental health professionals for comprehensive treatment. Recognizing anorexia nervosa as the disorder involving self-starvation is vital in addressing the physical and psychological complexities of this condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) 7.35 to 7.45, which represents the normal range of plasma pH in the human body. Understanding normal pH values is crucial in pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing as it directly impacts drug efficacy and patient outcomes. Option B) 6.35 to 6.45 is incorrect as this pH range would indicate severe acidosis, which can be life-threatening if not corrected promptly. Option C) 7 to 8 is too broad of a range and includes values outside of the normal physiological pH range for plasma. Option D) 8.35 to 8.45 is indicative of severe alkalosis, which can also have detrimental effects on the body's physiological processes. Educationally, knowing the normal range of plasma pH is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to monitor patient health, assess acid-base balance, and administer medications effectively. Understanding pH values ensures safe patient care and optimal medication outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Hypocalcemia. The parathyroid glands play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. When these glands are removed, as in this case, the client will experience a decrease in parathyroid hormone production, leading to a drop in calcium levels. Hypocalcemia can manifest with symptoms such as muscle spasms, tingling sensations, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Option A) Hypomagnesemia is incorrect because the removal of the parathyroid glands does not directly affect magnesium levels. Magnesium regulation is primarily controlled by the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. Option B) Hyperkalemia is incorrect as the parathyroid glands do not have a direct impact on potassium levels. Potassium regulation is mainly controlled by the kidneys and to a lesser extent by certain hormones such as aldosterone. Option C) Hypernatremia is incorrect because the parathyroid glands do not influence sodium levels. Sodium balance is primarily regulated by the kidneys and hormones like aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone. This question provides valuable educational context by testing the understanding of the role of the parathyroid glands in calcium regulation. It reinforces the importance of recognizing the consequences of altered parathyroid function and the potential development of hypocalcemia in such situations. Understanding these principles is crucial for nurses caring for patients who have undergone procedures involving the parathyroid glands.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology and medical-surgical nursing, understanding the stages of shock is crucial for providing effective patient care. In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Decompensation stage. Explanation: 1. **Correct Answer (C - Decompensation stage):** In this stage of shock, the body's compensatory mechanisms are overwhelmed, leading to a rapid deterioration in the patient's condition. Symptoms like confusion, lethargy, and decreased urine production indicate organ failure and a critical decrease in perfusion. 2. **Incorrect Answers:** - A) Initial stage: In the initial stage of shock, compensatory mechanisms are activated to maintain perfusion to vital organs. Symptoms like tachycardia and vasoconstriction are more common. - B) Compensatory stage: This stage involves the body's attempt to maintain perfusion by increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and shifting blood flow to vital organs. Symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, and cool, clammy skin are typical. - D) Irreversible stage: In this stage, organ damage is severe and irreversible, often leading to multi-organ failure and death. Profound hypotension, bradycardia, and unresponsiveness are common. Educational Context: Understanding the stages of shock is essential for nurses to recognize early signs, intervene promptly, and prevent progression to irreversible organ damage. Pharmacological interventions in shock aim to support hemodynamic stability, improve tissue perfusion, and address underlying causes. Nurses play a vital role in administering medications, monitoring responses, and collaborating with the healthcare team to optimize patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of managing clients with impending or actual shock, the correct answer is option A) Decreased blood pressure. Shock is a life-threatening condition where the body's vital organs do not receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to inadequate perfusion. Decreased blood pressure is a hallmark sign of shock, indicating inadequate tissue perfusion. Nursing management in shock focuses on improving tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Option B) Increased heart rate is a compensatory mechanism in response to decreased blood pressure to maintain cardiac output. While this can be present in shock, it is not the primary focus of nursing management. Option C) Fluid retention is not typically seen in shock. In fact, fluid resuscitation is a key intervention in managing shock to improve circulating volume and perfusion. Option D) Muscle cramps are not a specific sign of shock. In shock, the body prioritizes perfusion to vital organs over peripheral tissues, which can lead to decreased perfusion to muscles, but muscle cramps are not a primary consideration in nursing management of shock. Understanding the signs and symptoms of shock, along with appropriate nursing interventions, is crucial for nurses caring for patients in critical condition. By recognizing the significance of decreased blood pressure in shock, nurses can promptly intervene to optimize patient outcomes and prevent further deterioration.