Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
In reviewing a patient’s complete blood count (CBC) results, the nurse notes a "shift to the left." What is the significance of these results?
A. There is an elevated number of immature thrombocytes.
There is an elevated number of immature thrombocytes - Thrombocytes are platelets, and a shift to the left does not refer to these.
B. There is an elevated number of immature neutrophils (bands),
There is an elevated number of immature neutrophils (bands) - A "shift to the left" typically refers to an increase in immature neutrophils, also known as bands, in the blood. This often indicates an acute infection or inflammation as the body is producing and releasing more neutrophils to fight an infection.
C. There is an elevated number of mature neutrophils (segs)
There is an elevated number of mature neutrophils (segs) - An elevated number of mature neutrophils (segmented neutrophils) does not indicate a shift to the left. The term specifically refers to immature forms.
D. There is an elevated number of mature erythrocytes
There is an elevated number of mature erythrocytes - Mature erythrocytes are red blood cells, and a shift to the left does not pertain to red blood cell counts or maturity.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI 410 Med Surg Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. There is an elevated number of immature thrombocytes - Thrombocytes are platelets, and a shift to the left does not refer to these.
B. There is an elevated number of immature neutrophils (bands) - A "shift to the left" typically refers to an increase in immature neutrophils, also known as bands, in the blood. This often indicates an acute infection or inflammation as the body is producing and releasing more neutrophils to fight an infection.
C. There is an elevated number of mature neutrophils (segs) - An elevated number of mature neutrophils (segmented neutrophils) does not indicate a shift to the left. The term specifically refers to immature forms.
D. There is an elevated number of mature erythrocytes - Mature erythrocytes are red blood cells, and a shift to the left does not pertain to red blood cell counts or maturity.
Similar Questions
A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about risk factors for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A. Exposure to radiation
Exposure to radiation - Exposure to high levels of radiation is a known risk factor for developing CML. Historical data, such as from atomic bomb survivors, show a higher incidence of leukemia, including CML, among those exposed to radiation.
B. Family history
Family history - CML is generally not associated with a significant familial risk. It is more commonly linked to acquired genetic mutations rather than inherited predispositions.
C. Another type of cancer
Another type of cancer - Having another type of cancer does not directly increase the risk of developing CML. However, treatments for other cancers, like radiation therapy, might increase risk.
D. Genetic mutation
Genetic mutation - The development of CML is associated with a specific acquired genetic mutation known as the Philadelphia chromosome (translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22), rather than inherited genetic mutations.
Full Explanation
A. Exposure to radiation - Exposure to high levels of radiation is a known risk factor for developing CML. Historical data, such as from atomic bomb survivors, show a higher incidence of leukemia, including CML, among those exposed to radiation.
B. Family history - CML is generally not associated with a significant familial risk. It is more commonly linked to acquired genetic mutations rather than inherited predispositions.
C. Another type of cancer - Having another type of cancer does not directly increase the risk of developing CML. However, treatments for other cancers, like radiation therapy, might increase risk.
D. Genetic mutation - The development of CML is associated with a specific acquired genetic mutation known as the Philadelphia chromosome (translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22), rather than inherited genetic mutations.
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has extensive partial and full-thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest. While planning the client's care, the nurse should identify which of the following risks as the priority for assessment and intervention?
A. Airway obstruction
Airway obstruction - Burns on the head, neck, and chest pose a high risk for airway obstruction due to swelling and potential inhalation injury. Ensuring a patent airway is the priority as it is critical for oxygenation and survival.
B. Paralytic ileus
Paralytic ileus - While possible, a paralytic ileus is not an immediate life-threatening condition compared to airway obstruction.
C. infection
Infection - Infection is a significant concern in burn patients, but it is a secondary priority after securing the airway.
D. Fluid imbalance
Fluid imbalance - Fluid management is crucial in burn care, but securing the airway takes precedence due to the immediate risk to life from airway obstruction.
Full Explanation
A. Airway obstruction - Burns on the head, neck, and chest pose a high risk for airway obstruction due to swelling and potential inhalation injury. Ensuring a patent airway is the priority as it is critical for oxygenation and survival.
B. Paralytic ileus - While possible, a paralytic ileus is not an immediate life-threatening condition compared to airway obstruction.
C. Infection - Infection is a significant concern in burn patients, but it is a secondary priority after securing the airway.
D. Fluid imbalance - Fluid management is crucial in burn care, but securing the airway takes precedence due to the immediate risk to life from airway obstruction.
A nurse is assessing a client who has fluid overload. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.]
A. increased heart rate
Increased heart rate - Tachycardia can occur as the heart compensates for increased blood volume and the need to maintain effective circulation.
B. Increase hematocrit
Increased hematocrit - Hematocrit usually decreases in fluid overload because the increased plasma volume dilutes the red blood cells.
C. increased blood pressure
Increased blood pressure - Excess fluid volume often leads to hypertension as there is more fluid for the heart to pump, increasing vascular resistance.
D. Increased temperature
Increased temperature - Temperature is not directly affected by fluid overload; fever or changes in temperature are more likely related to infection or other inflammatory responses.
E. increased respiratory rate
Increased respiratory rate - Fluid overload can cause pulmonary congestion and decreased oxygenation, leading to increased respiratory effort to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
Full Explanation
A. Increased heart rate - Tachycardia can occur as the heart compensates for increased blood volume and the need to maintain effective circulation.
B. Increased hematocrit - Hematocrit usually decreases in fluid overload because the increased plasma volume dilutes the red blood cells.
C. Increased blood pressure - Excess fluid volume often leads to hypertension as there is more fluid for the heart to pump, increasing vascular resistance.
D. Increased temperature - Temperature is not directly affected by fluid overload; fever or changes in temperature are more likely related to infection or other inflammatory responses.
E. Increased respiratory rate - Fluid overload can cause pulmonary congestion and decreased oxygenation, leading to increased respiratory effort to maintain adequate oxygen levels.