Nursing Elites

1. A 59-year-old male client is brought to the emergency room where he is assessed to have a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3. Based on this assessment, how should the nurse characterize the client's condition?

• A. The client is experiencing increased intracranial pressure
• B. He has a good prognosis for recovery
• C. This client is conscious, but is not oriented to time and place
• D. He is in a coma, and has a very poor prognosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A Glasgow Coma Scale of 3 indicates severe neurological impairment, suggesting a deep coma or even impending death. This client's condition is critical, and he has a very poor prognosis. Choice A is incorrect because a GCS of 3 does not directly indicate increased intracranial pressure. Choice B is incorrect as a GCS of 3 signifies a grave neurological status. Choice C is incorrect as a GCS of 3 represents a state of unconsciousness rather than being conscious but disoriented.

2. The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of heparin. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

• A. Platelet count
• B. Prothrombin time (PT)
• C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• D. Hemoglobin level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is the laboratory value that should be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of heparin therapy. PTT reflects the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is specifically sensitive to heparin's anticoagulant effects. Monitoring the PTT helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation without increasing the risk of bleeding. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because while they are important laboratory values in other contexts, they are not specifically used to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

3. When caring for a laboring client whose contractions are occurring every 2-3 minutes, the nurse should document that the pump is infusing how many ml/hour?

• A. 5
• B. 10
• C. 15
• D. 20

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct calculation for infusion based on the given data is 5 ml/hr. To calculate the infusion rate per hour, you need to determine the number of contractions per hour. If contractions are occurring every 2-3 minutes, this would mean approximately 20-30 contractions per hour. Therefore, if the pump is infusing 5 ml per contraction, the total infusion rate per hour would be 5 ml x 20 contractions = 100 ml/hr. This makes choice A the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the calculation based on the given data.

4. The nurse is planning a health fair for young adults. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Provide educational materials on smoking cessation
• B. Offer blood pressure screening and monitoring
• C. Provide information on safe sex practices
• D. Discuss the importance of a healthy diet and exercise

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Offering blood pressure screening and monitoring is crucial for young adults as it helps in the early detection and management of hypertension, a condition that often goes unnoticed. High blood pressure can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. While education on smoking cessation, safe sex practices, healthy diet, and exercise are important aspects of overall health promotion, blood pressure screening takes precedence due to its immediate impact on health and the prevention of potential complications.

5. A client who is gravida 1, para 0, is admitted to the birthing suite in early labor and requests pain relief. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to use distraction techniques
• B. Offer to teach the client relaxation techniques
• C. Determine the client’s pain level and location
• D. Administer an opioid analgesic as prescribed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct action for the nurse to implement is to administer an opioid analgesic as prescribed. Since the client is in early labor and requesting pain relief, opioids are commonly used to provide effective pain relief during labor. Encouraging distraction or teaching relaxation techniques may not be sufficient for pain management during labor, especially in the early stages when the pain intensity can increase rapidly. Determining the pain level and location is important but administering the prescribed opioid is the most appropriate action to address the client's request for pain relief.

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