Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Flashcards

What does autogenic training essentially mean?

Answer: Repeating words and sentences to ignite positive vibes

Autogenic training is a relaxation technique that involves a series of mental exercises to induce a state of deep relaxation. It typically involves silently repeating specific verbal formulas or phrases that focus on bodily sensations like warmth, heaviness, and calmness. The goal is to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of well-being and positive physiological changes.

What causes cells to shrink in hyperglycemia?

Answer: Water follows glucose

In hyperglycemia, there is an excessive concentration of glucose in the extracellular fluid (blood). This high glucose level creates an osmotic gradient, causing water to move out of the cells and into the extracellular space to equalize the solute concentration. As water leaves the cells, they become dehydrated and shrink, a process known as osmotic diuresis.

Which types of insulin cannot be combined?

Answer: Long acting

Long-acting insulins, such as glargine (Lantus) and detemir (Levemir), are specifically formulated to have a prolonged and peakless action profile. Mixing them with other types of insulin can alter their pH and stability, thereby changing their absorption characteristics and duration of action. Therefore, long-acting insulins must always be administered as a separate injection and never mixed with other insulins.

What hormone prevents the body from releasing glucagon?

Answer: Amylin

Amylin is a hormone co-secreted with insulin from the pancreatic beta cells. Its physiological roles include slowing gastric emptying, promoting satiety, and crucially, suppressing postprandial glucagon secretion. By inhibiting glucagon release, amylin helps prevent excessive glucose production by the liver after a meal, contributing to better overall glycemic control.

What controls appetite?

Answer: Leptin

Leptin is a hormone primarily produced by adipose (fat) cells that plays a crucial role in long-term appetite regulation and energy balance. It acts on receptors in the hypothalamus to signal satiety and inhibit hunger, thereby reducing food intake and promoting energy expenditure. Higher leptin levels typically indicate sufficient energy stores and suppress appetite.

Who looks after the patients?

Answer: Nurses

Nurses are frontline healthcare professionals who provide direct, holistic patient care. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, educating patients and families, and advocating for patient needs. Nurses are consistently present to ensure patient comfort, safety, and recovery, making them central to 'looking after' patients throughout their healthcare journey.

Which of these causes diabetes to increase most?

Answer: Sugar

Diabetes, particularly type 2, is characterized by elevated blood sugar levels. While multiple factors contribute to its development, excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates directly leads to increased glucose in the bloodstream. This places a greater demand on insulin production and can contribute to insulin resistance over time, thus significantly impacting or exacerbating diabetes.