An older male adult comes to a primary care setting, and his reason for seeking health care is to get a prescription for sildenafil (Viagra). Which laboratory report can help to explain why this individual needs sildenafil?
a. Serum potassium 4.5 mEq/L
b. Prothrombin time 13 seconds
c. Alanine transferase (ALT) 50 units/L
d. Glycosylated hemoglobin (Hgb A1c) over 8%
D
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A Incorrect. The potassium level is within normal limits.
B Incorrect. The prothrombin time is within normal limits.
C Incorrect. The ALT is within normal limits.
D Correct. The Hgb A1c is an indicator of serum glucose control over the last 90 days. A Hgb A1c level over 8% indicates this older adult had poor glucose con-trol in that time frame. As a reliable indicator of hyperglycemia, it can indicate the reason this man experiences erectile dysfunction because hyperglycemia is associated with peripheral arterial disease. An erection occurs as the penile shaft becomes engorged with blood. This process can be impaired if the vessels are damaged from hyperglycemia because hyperglycemia damages the lining of blood vessels and leads to progressive occlusion of the damaged vessels. Many of the vessels involved in causing an erection are fine vessels and are among the first vessels occluded in arterial disease.
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Nurse A works with Native American patients at a reservation health care center. She advises a new staff member to be especially observant of these patients and tolerant of their health care requests because Native American patients:
A) May demand special rituals during sickness and at death B) Use services from agencies as a last resort because such assistance conflicts with their belief in the Great Creator C) Link the typical nursing assessment process to evil forces or to punishment D) Show their absence of feeling, caring, or discomfort by appearing calm and controlled
The nurse is providing a class on osteoporosis at the local senior citizens center. Which of the following statements related to osteoporosis is correct?
A) Osteoporosis is a disease of the elderly. B) A non-modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis is a person's level of activity. C) Secondary osteoporosis occurs in women after menopause. D) Slow discontinuation of your corticosteroid therapy will halt the progression of the osteoporosis, but not restore the lost bone mass.
The older adult asks for help selecting foods high in protein. What would be appropriate for the nurse to suggest? (Select all that apply.)
a. Corn b. Beans c. Whole-grain foods d. Cheese e. Nuts
Which statement regarding platelet function in hemostasis is true?
A. Platelets are required for erythrocyte aggregation. B. Platelet aggregation is dependent on adequate amounts of all clotting factors. C. Platelet aggregation helps maintain blood vessel integrity during tissue trauma. D. Platelet aggregation prevents the extension of clot formation beyond the area of injury.