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. Which of the following drugs may cause weight gain?

• A. Amphetamines
• B. Steroids
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Steroids. Steroids are known to cause weight gain as a side effect. Amphetamines, choice A, are more likely to cause appetite suppression and weight loss. Antibiotics, choice C, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, choice D, are not typically associated with weight gain as a common side effect.

3. The nurse is caring for a client who goes into ventricular tachycardia. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Call a code immediately
• B. Assess the client for a pulse
• C. Begin chest compressions
• D. Continue to monitor the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the client for a pulse. In ventricular tachycardia, the priority is to determine if the client has a pulse. If there is no pulse, immediate initiation of CPR with chest compressions is required. Calling a code or continuing to monitor the client can delay life-saving interventions. Therefore, assessing for a pulse is the most crucial step in managing ventricular tachycardia.

4. Enteral feedings may be appropriate for patients with:

• A. Acute cholecystitis
• B. Hepatic encephalopathy
• C. Ulcerative colitis in remission
• D. Acute exacerbation of Crohn’s disease

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Enteral feedings are commonly used in patients with Crohn’s disease during acute exacerbations to provide adequate nutrition while resting the bowel. Acute cholecystitis, hepatic encephalopathy, and ulcerative colitis in remission wouldn't typically require enteral feedings as the primary nutritional support. Acute cholecystitis may necessitate fasting and intravenous fluids, hepatic encephalopathy may require dietary modifications but not enteral feedings, and patients with ulcerative colitis in remission usually have their nutritional needs met through a regular diet.

5. Which of the following describes the four-step method of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation?

• A. It is a problem-focused process of continued nursing care
• B. It is an open-ended process of continued nursing care
• C. It is a circular process of continued nursing care
• D. It is a trial-and-error process of continued nursing care

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It is a circular process of continued nursing care.' The four-step method of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in nursing is a continuous and cyclical process. Choice A is incorrect because the method is not solely problem-focused; it involves a comprehensive approach. Choice B is incorrect as it does not capture the cyclical nature of the process. Choice D is incorrect as the method is systematic and not based on trial-and-error but rather evidence-based practice.

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