NCLEX 01

1. Maternal-Child Nursing, The question/task is below, Briefly discuss cocaine/crack and pregnancy. Scroll down for the answer  Answer:
   
   Cocaine and/or crack have a systemic effect on the nervous system which blocks the use of dopamine and norepinephrine. The result of a lack of dopamine and norepinephrine is noted with vasoconstriction, causing elevated blood pressure (hypertension), and elevated heart rate (tachycardia). Vasoconstriction is a narrowing of any artery or vessel. The umbilical cord that supplies nutrients and oxygen to the fetus via the blood is made of arteries and vessels that are a direct route from mother to fetus. A natural constriction of the umbilical cord takes place with ingestion of crack/cocaine resulting in a decreased supply of blood to the fetus. A decreased blood supply decreases the amount of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus causing growth and mental retardation. Women who continue to abuse crack/cocaine during pregnancy have an increased risk for abruptio placenta, abortion in the first trimester, growth limitations, premature, and non-living births. Babies who are born to mothers who ingest crack/cocaine have a tendency to have lower APGAR scores, neurological problems, irritability, increased startle reflexes, altered emotions (labile-easily altered), mental retardation, and an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). 
   
   
2.  Nursing Communication Skills.
   
   The question/task is below:
   Discuss attributes of active listening, and how it pertains to nursing.
   Scroll down for the answer:
   
   Answer:
   
   Attributes of active listeners include conveying warmth and respect, and offering acceptance of the client. The nurse must acknowledge all behavior of the client and realize it has meaning. The nurse must set boundaries and abide by them when taking part in a conversation. Do not lead the client in a direction; allow ample time for expression making head gestures, and using body language. The nurse should ask questions related to the topic of discussion, maintain eye contact with the client, and face the client, lean in as listening intently, nod, smile, and frown to show agreement or disagreement. The nurse must be aware of his or her own experiences and how they can alter the relationship with the client. 
   
   
3.  Diseases Occuring Post-Pregnancy. The question/task is below:
   Briefly discuss mastitis and treatment for mastitis.
   
   Answer:
   
   Mastitis may also be identified as mastadenenitis. Mastitis may be more specific in name to the type of breast tissue involved. Mastitis is characterized by an inflammation in the breast tissue and occurs most often in women who are lactating. Organisms associated with mastitis include staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and streptococcus. Predisposing factors for mastitis include breast fissures, cracked nipples, overfilling, manipulation or milk stasis. Nurses should be aware that the lactating mother may have developed mastitis from the upper respiratory tract of the infant who is breast feeding. Good hygiene should be taught to lactating mothers to prevent the event of mastitis. Treatment for mastitis includes supporting undergarments (bra), breast feeding more often, warm and cool compresses to assist with pain, and mild analgesics. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications may also be utilized to aid in the discomfort and inflammation associated with mastitis.
4.  Miscellaneous Diseases and Diseases Associated with G.I. Tract. The question/task is below: Briefly explain esophagitis and its treatment.
   
   Answer:
   Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus. (Clinical note: itis as a suffix always refers to inflammation) Esophagitis can be caused by bacterial or viral organisms. Other forms of esophagitis include inflammation caused by reflux of gastric content, and taking medications such as daily pill ingestion. Esophagitis is a self-limiting disorder in the individual who is not immune compromised. Esophagitis is treated with antimicrobial agents depending on the organism. Fungal, bacterial or viral agents are all utilized as necessary. Viscous lidocaine is often used as a method of controlling the pain that is associated with esophagitis. Clear liquid or bland diets are utilized to decrease irritation and maximize nutrition. 
   
   
5.  Dehydration as it relates to illness of the gastrointestinal tract. Scroll down for the answer:
   
   Answer:
   
   Dehydration occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of fluid. Imbalances of electrolytes needed for daily homeostasis and function are the result of dehydration and excessive fluid loss. Dehydration of cells is possible and often occurs although the patient presents with edema. Keep in mind intracellular fluids are inside the cell and extracellular fluids are outside the cell. The proper amount of the nutrient water promotes functionality of cells. Dehydration is a potential any time the body is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea. Terms associated with dehydration include, anhydration or the absence of water, exsiccation or the removal of water crystallization, and desiccation. Absolute hydration is a deficit of water in relation to solutes. Voluntary dehydration occurs when an individual does not have a thirst. 
   
   
6.  Give a summary of what nutrition means. Scroll down for the answer:
   
   Answer:
   
   
   Nutrition involves the recognition and realization of nutrients and how they are utilized in the body for proper homeostasis and normal bodily functions on a daily basis. Nutrition affects bodily functions as they relate to decision making processes, functional ability, cognitive processes, our social abilities to interact, form, and maintain relationships as well as cultural beliefs that guide our daily decision making. Without proper nutritional intake muscles will not function to support daily activities, the brain and neurological system will not have the required nutrients to function in decision making and provide proper neurological functioning mechanisms needed for normal activity. Our emotions are guided by balanced or homeostatic nutritional balance that maintains proper functioning of hormone levels such as insulin.
   
   
7.  
8.  
9.  
10.  
11.  
12.  
13.