Nursing Elites

1. The client diagnosed with acute vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin drip, an intravenous anticoagulant. The health care provider orders warfarin (Coumadin), an oral anticoagulant. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the heparin drip before initiating the Coumadin
• B. Check the client’s INR before beginning Coumadin
• C. Clarify the order with the healthcare provider as soon as possible
• D. Administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered. Heparin and warfarin are often given together initially because warfarin takes a few days to become effective. Discontinuing the heparin drip before initiating Coumadin can increase the risk of clot formation. Checking the client's INR before starting Coumadin is important but not the immediate action required. Clarifying the order with the healthcare provider is not necessary as both medications are commonly used together.

2. For which client situation would a consultation with a rapid response team (RRT) be most appropriate?

• A. 45-year-old; 2 years post kidney transplant; second hospital day for treatment of pneumonia; no urine output for 6 hours; temperature 101.4°F; heart rate of 98 beats per minute; respirations 20 breaths per minute; blood pressure 88/72 mm Hg; is restless
• B. 72-year-old; 24 hours after removal of a chest tube that was used to drain pleural fluid (effusion); temperature 97.8°F; heart rate 92 beats per minute; respirations 28 breaths per minute; blood pressure 132/86 mm Hg; anxious about going home
• C. 56-year-old fourth hospital day after a coronary artery bypass procedure; sore chest; pain with walking temperature 97°F; heart rate 84 beats per minute; respirations 22 breaths per minute; blood pressure 87/72 mm Hg; bored with hospitalization.
• D. 86-year-old; 48 hours postoperative repair of a fractured hip (nail inserted; alert; oriented; using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump; temperature 96.8°F; heart rate 60 beats per minute; respirations 16 breaths per minute; blood pressure 90/62 mm Hg; talking with daughter.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A consultation with a Rapid Response Team (RRT) is most appropriate for the 45-year-old client described in Choice A. This client is 2 years post kidney transplant, presenting with no urine output for 6 hours, a temperature of 101.4°F, heart rate of 98 beats per minute, respirations of 20 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 88/72 mm Hg, along with restlessness. These clinical signs are indicative of possible acute renal failure and sepsis, requiring immediate intervention by the rapid response team. Choices B, C, and D do not present the same level of urgency and severity of symptoms as the client in Choice A, making them less appropriate for consultation with the RRT.

3. When measuring the leg circumference of a client with bipedal edema, what position is best to ensure accurate measurements?

• A. Dorsal recumbent
• B. Sitting
• C. Standing
• D. Supine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When measuring the leg circumference of a client with bipedal edema, the best position to ensure accurate and consistent measurements is the dorsal recumbent position. This position allows the legs to be positioned comfortably, and the individual is lying on their back with legs extended, facilitating accurate measurement of the circumference without the influence of gravity. Sitting, standing, and supine positions may not provide optimal conditions for accurate leg circumference measurements, particularly in clients with bipedal edema where positioning and consistency are crucial. Sitting and standing positions may not allow for consistent leg positioning and could introduce errors due to the effects of gravity on the fluid distribution. The supine position, while similar to dorsal recumbent, may not be as comfortable for the client and could still be influenced by gravity when measuring leg circumference.

4. A patient with chronic renal failure should avoid which of the following?

• A. Potassium
• B. Calcium
• C. Iron
• D. Zinc

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Patients with chronic renal failure should avoid potassium due to impaired kidney function. The kidneys may not effectively filter excess potassium from the blood, leading to hyperkalemia. Calcium, iron, and zinc do not need to be avoided specifically in chronic renal failure unless there are other underlying reasons or complications.

5. The nurse is caring for the client one (1) day postoperative sigmoid colostomy operation. Which independent nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Change the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid
• B. Encourage the client to discuss his or her feelings
• C. Administer opioid narcotic medications for pain management
• D. Assist the client out of bed to sit in the chair twice daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assisting the client to sit in a chair is a crucial nursing intervention postoperatively. It helps prevent complications such as thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers by promoting circulation and aiding in recovery. Changing the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid would require a physician's order and is not within the nurse's independent scope of practice. Encouraging the client to discuss feelings and administering medications for pain management are important interventions but may not be as immediately necessary as assisting the client in mobilizing early postoperatively.

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