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. The client with peripheral venous disease is scheduled to go to the whirlpool for a dressing change. What is the nurse’s priority intervention?

• A. Escort the client to the physical therapy department
• B. Medicate the client 30 minutes before going to the whirlpool
• C. Obtain the sterile dressing supplies for the client
• D. Assist the client to the bathroom prior to the treatment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Pain management is essential before the procedure to ensure the client’s comfort and cooperation during the dressing change. Escorting the client to the physical therapy department (Choice A) is not the priority at this point. Obtaining sterile dressing supplies (Choice C) is important but not the priority before addressing pain management. Assisting the client to the bathroom (Choice D) is not the priority intervention for a dressing change in the whirlpool.

3. The nurse had developed a close relationship with the family of a client who is dying. Which nursing intervention(s) are most appropriate in dealing with the family?

• A. Encouraging family discussion of feelings
• B. Accepting the family’s experience of anger
• C. Facilitating the use of spiritual practices identified by the family
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a nurse has established a close relationship with a dying client's family, it is important to offer holistic support. Encouraging family discussion of feelings allows them to express and process their emotions, accepting the family's experience of anger validates their feelings, and facilitating the use of spiritual practices identified by the family can provide comfort and solace. Therefore, all of the above interventions are crucial in dealing with the family during such a challenging time. Choices A, B, and C work together to provide comprehensive emotional and spiritual support, making option D the correct answer.

4. The nurse on the medical/surgical unit cares for a client with a diagnosis of cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The nursing assessment of the client’s neurological status should include which of the following? (Select all that apply)

• A. Obtain the pulses in all four extremities
• B. Ask the client to grasp and squeeze two fingers on each of the nurse’s hands
• C. Determine the client’s orientation to person, place, and time
• D. B, C

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct choices are B and C. Assessing grasp strength and orientation to person, place, and time are essential components of a neurological assessment after a CVA. Pulse assessment in all four extremities is more relevant to circulatory assessment rather than neurological status. Therefore, option A is incorrect.

5. 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.

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