Chapter 2: Overview of Health Concepts for Medical-Surgical Nursing Flashcards
Acid-base balance occurs when the pH level of the blood is between:
a. 7.3 and 7.5
b. 7.35 and 7.45
c. 7.4 and 7.5
d. 7.25 and 7.35
ANS: B
Acid-base balance is the maintenance of arterial blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45 through hydrogen ion production and elimination
The nurse would expect a patient with respiratory acidosis to have an excessive amount of
a. Hydrogen ions.
b. Bicarbonate.
c. Oxygen.
d. Phosphate.
ANS: A
Respiratory acidosis occurs when the arterial blood pH level falls below 7.35 and is caused by either too many hydrogen ions in the body (respiratory acidosis). Excessive oxygen and phosphate are not characteristics of respiratory acidosis.
The best way for an individual to maintain acid-base balance is to
a. avoid or quit smoking
b. exercise regularly
c. eat healthy and well-balanced meals.
d. all of the above.
ANS: D
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the best way to maintain acid-base balance. For example, most cases of COPD can be prevented by avoiding or quitting smoking, while regular exercise and a healthy diet can decrease the incidence of type-2 diabetes.
The process to control cellular growth, replication, and differentiation to maintain homeostasis is called: a. cellular regulation. b. cellular impairment. c. cellular reproduction. d. cellular tumor.
ANS: A
Cellular regulation is the term used to describe both the positive and negative aspects of cellular function.
A defining characteristic of malignant (cancerous) cells is: a. they cannot spread to other tissues or organs. b. they can invade healthy cells, tissues, and organs.
c. they are not usually a health risk.
d. none of the above
ANS: B Malignant (cancerous) cells have no comparison to the original cells from which they are derived, and they have the ability to invade healthy cells, tissues, and other organs through tumor formation and invasion. On the other hand, Benign cells do not have the ability to spread to other tissues or organs.
NTH, Mr.. Test bank
Specialized cells that circulate in the body to promote clotting are called:
a. anticoagulants
b. proteins
c. emboli
d. platelets
ANS: D
Clotting is a complex, multi-step process through which blood forms a protein-based clot to prevent excessive bleeding. Platelets (thrombocytes) are the specialized cells that circulate in the blood and are activated when an injury occurs. Once activated, these cells become sticky, causing them to clump together to form a temporary, localized, solid plug.
An increase in platelet stickiness can lead to:
a. hypercoagulability
b. thrombocytopenia
c. embolus
d. atrial fibrillation
ANS: A
Hypercoagulability refers to an increase in clotting ability caused by an excess of platelets or excessive plately stickiness, which can impair blood flow. The opposite end of the spectrum involves an inability to form adequate clots, which often occurs when there is an inadequate number of circulating platelets or a reduction in platelet stickiness.
Signs and symptoms of ______ thrombosis include localized redness, swelling, and warmth:
a. arterial
b. venous
c. partial
d. atrial
ANS B.
Venous thrombosis is a clot formation in either superficial or deep veins, usually in the leg, and can be observed locally
A serious condition which is not locally observable and is typically manifested by decreased blood flow to a distal extremity is known as __________ thrombosis.
a. arterial
b. venous
c. partial
d. atrial
ANS: A Arterial thrombosis is manifested by decreased blood flow (perfusion) to a distal extremity or internal organ. For example, the distal leg can become pale and cool in the case of a femoral arterial clot due to blockage of blood to the leg. This is an emergent condition and requires immediate intervention.
A high-level thinking process that allows an individual to make decisions and judgments is known as:
a. amnesia
b. personality
c. reasoning
d. memory
ANS: C Reasoning is the high-level cognitive thinking process that helps individuals make decisions and judgments. Personality is the way an individual feels and behaves, while Memory is the ability of an individual to retain and recall information. Amnesia refers to a loss of memory caused by brain trauma, congenital disorders, or acute health problems.
A form of inadequate cognition in older adults which is manifested by an acute, fluctuating confusional state is known as:
a. dementia
b. delerium
c. amnesia
d. depression
ANS: B
Delirium is the form of acute, fluctuation confusion which last from a few hours to less than 1 month and that may be treatable. Dementia is a chronic state of confusion that that may last from a few months to many years and that may be reversible. Amnesia refers to a loss of memory caused by brain trauma, congenital disorders, or acute health problems.
The most common causes of decreased comfort for a patient are pain and ________.
a. light-headedness
b. nausea
c. emotional stress
d. depression
ANS: C
Pain and emotional stress are the two leading causes of discomfort for a patient. For example, patients who are having surgery are often anxious and feel stressed about the procedure. This emotional stress may negatively impact the outcome of surgery.
The inability to pass stool is known as ______.
a. constipation
b. obstipation
c. diarrhea
d. incontinence
ANS: B
Obstipation is the inability to pass stool during bowel elimination. Constipation refers to the condition where stool can be hard, dry, and difficult to pass through the rectum.
