Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is receiving heparin therapy. What is the most important laboratory value to monitor during heparin therapy?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. International normalized ratio (INR)
• C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the most important laboratory value to monitor during heparin therapy. It measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is used to assess the effectiveness of heparin as an anticoagulant. Keeping the aPTT within the therapeutic range is crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or clot formation. Prothrombin time (PT) and International normalized ratio (INR) are used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Platelet count is important to assess for thrombocytopenia, a potential side effect of heparin, but it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

2. A 60-year-old female client with a positive family history of ovarian cancer has developed an abdominal mass and is being evaluated for possible ovarian cancer. Her Papanicolau (Pap) smear results are negative. What information should the nurse include in the client’s teaching plan?

• A. Pap smear is sufficient to detect ovarian cancer
• B. Surgery is unnecessary based on negative Pap smear
• C. Further evaluation involving surgery may be needed
• D. No further tests are needed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A negative Pap smear does not rule out ovarian cancer, which often requires more comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies or surgery. The client should be informed that the Pap smear primarily detects cervical cancer, not ovarian cancer. Therefore, further evaluation involving imaging studies or surgery may be necessary to determine the presence of ovarian cancer. Choice A is incorrect because a Pap smear is not sufficient to detect ovarian cancer. Choice B is incorrect because surgery may be necessary for further evaluation if ovarian cancer is suspected. Choice D is incorrect because further tests are needed to confirm or rule out ovarian cancer.

3. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic venous insufficiency. Which recommendation should the nurse include to help prevent complications?

• A. Use a heating pad on the legs
• B. Wear compression stockings
• C. Massage the legs daily
• D. Elevate legs for 10 minutes every hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with chronic venous insufficiency to prevent complications is to wear compression stockings. Compression stockings help improve venous circulation and prevent the worsening of symptoms. While elevating the legs is also beneficial, the priority intervention in preventing complications is wearing compression stockings. Using a heating pad on the legs can actually worsen the condition by dilating blood vessels, and massaging the legs daily can potentially damage fragile skin in clients with chronic venous insufficiency.

4. A client with a history of asthma reports using an albuterol inhaler more frequently than prescribed. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
• B. Schedule a pulmonary function test
• C. Assess the client's respiratory status
• D. Instruct the client to decrease inhaler use

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increased use of a rescue inhaler like albuterol may indicate worsening asthma symptoms. The nurse should first assess the client's respiratory status to determine the severity of the issue and the next steps in care. Option A is not the first action because assessing the client's condition should precede notifying the healthcare provider. Option B, scheduling a pulmonary function test, is not the priority as immediate assessment of the client's respiratory status is crucial. Instructing the client to decrease inhaler use should come after assessing the client's condition to ensure the appropriate intervention.

5. The nurse is caring for a client who has COPD and chest pain related to a recent fall. What nursing intervention requires the greatest caution when caring for a client with COPD?

• A. Administering narcotics for pain relief
• B. Encouraging the client to increase fluid intake
• C. Applying oxygen therapy at a high flow rate
• D. Assisting the client with deep breathing exercises

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Applying oxygen therapy at a high flow rate. In clients with COPD, high levels of supplemental oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe, leading to carbon dioxide retention and respiratory depression. Oxygen therapy must be administered cautiously to prevent worsening respiratory status. Administering narcotics for pain relief (Choice A) can be necessary but should be done judiciously. Encouraging fluid intake (Choice B) and assisting with deep breathing exercises (Choice D) are generally beneficial interventions for clients with COPD and should not require the same level of caution as high-flow oxygen therapy.

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