The nurse notes that a patient has a smooth and shiny tongue surface.
The nurse would attribute these findings to which condition?
The patient has neutropenia.
The patient has polycythemia.
The patient has pernicious anemia.
The patient has elevated estrogen levels.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Neutropenia is a condition characterized by a low number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. Neutropenic patients are at increased risk of infections, but neutropenia does not cause specific changes in the tongue surface. The smooth and shiny tongue surface described in the question is not indicative of neutropenia.
Choice B rationale:
Polycythemia is a condition characterized by an abnormally high concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. It can cause the skin to appear reddish or flushed, but it does not directly cause changes in the tongue surface such as smoothness and shininess.
Choice C rationale:
Pernicious anemia is a type of anemia caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12, which is essential for the formation of red blood cells and the maintenance of the nervous system. One of the characteristic signs of pernicious anemia is glossitis, which is inflammation of the tongue that can make the tongue appear smooth and shiny. This finding aligns with the description provided in the question.
Choice D rationale:
Elevated estrogen levels can cause changes in the skin, such as increased pigmentation or the development of spider veins, but they do not directly cause changes in the tongue surface as described in the question.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Buffers do not excrete weak acids; instead, they help regulate the pH of bodily fluids by preventing drastic changes in acidity or alkalinity.
Choice B rationale:
Buffers do not secrete hydrogen ions. In fact, buffers can either absorb or release hydrogen ions to maintain a stable pH.
Choice C rationale:
To convert strong acids to weak acids is the correct answer. Buffers are substances that can neutralize both acids and bases, helping to maintain a stable pH in a solution. They achieve this by accepting hydrogen ions from strong acids or donating hydrogen ions to strong bases, converting them into weaker acids or bases, respectively.
Choice D rationale:
Buffers do not convert ammonia to ammonium ions. This conversion is a part of the body's acid-base regulation system, but it is not the primary function of buffers.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
0.459% saline is a hypotonic solution with a lower concentration of salt than the normal physiological range (0.9% NaCl) Hypotonic solutions can cause red blood cells to swell and potentially burst due to the osmotic imbalance, making it inappropriate for hypovolemic shock.
Choice B rationale:
0.9% NaCl, also known as normal saline, is an isotonic solution with a salt concentration similar to the body's own fluids. Isotonic solutions are ideal for hypovolemic shock as they help to expand the intravascular volume without causing significant shifts of fluid and electrolytes within the body compartments.
Choice C rationale:
5% dextrose in 0.45% saline is a hypotonic solution with a low salt concentration. While it provides some fluid replacement, it doesn't address the electrolyte imbalance adequately, which is crucial in hypovolemic shock.
Choice D rationale:
Dextran is a plasma volume expander but is not the first-line choice for hypovolemic shock. It might be used in certain situations, but isotonic crystalloids like 0.9% NaCl are preferred for rapid volume expansion and stabilization of the patient.
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