Nursing Elites

1. A client who is receiving intravenous heparin therapy has an activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) of 90 seconds. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Continue the heparin infusion as prescribed.
• B. Decrease the heparin infusion rate.
• C. Increase the heparin infusion rate.
• D. Stop the heparin infusion and notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An aPTT of 90 seconds is significantly elevated, indicating a high risk of bleeding due to excessive anticoagulation. In this case, the heparin infusion should be stopped immediately to prevent further anticoagulation and an increased bleeding risk. Notifying the healthcare provider is essential to discuss alternative anticoagulation strategies or interventions. Continuing heparin therapy without action could lead to severe bleeding complications. Decreasing or increasing the heparin infusion rate would exacerbate the risk of bleeding, making options A, B, and C incorrect.

2. The healthcare professional is developing a teaching plan for an adolescent with a Milwaukee brace. Which instruction should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Wear the brace over a T-shirt for 23 hours a day.
• B. Remove the brace while sleeping.
• C. Wear the brace directly against the skin.
• D. Remove the brace while eating.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A Milwaukee brace should be worn over a T-shirt for 23 hours a day to reduce friction and chafing of the skin. This ensures that the brace is not directly against the skin, which can cause discomfort and skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect because the brace should typically be worn continuously, even while sleeping, unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider. Choice C is incorrect as wearing the brace directly against the skin can lead to skin issues. Choice D is incorrect since the brace should not be removed while eating to maintain the prescribed wear time.

3. The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take levothyroxine (Synthroid) at bedtime.
• B. Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take a double dose if a dose is missed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism is to take the medication on an empty stomach. This is important because taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach ensures better absorption of the medication. Choice A, taking levothyroxine at bedtime, is incorrect as it does not promote optimal absorption. Choice B, increasing fiber intake to prevent constipation, is important but not the priority when it comes to medication administration. Choice D, taking a double dose if a dose is missed, is dangerous and should never be advised as it can lead to overdose and serious side effects.

4. The healthcare professional is developing a program to educate parents on childhood safety. Which topic should be prioritized?

• A. the benefits of car seats
• B. how to childproof the home
• C. the importance of helmet use
• D. ways to prevent drowning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prioritizing the topic of how to childproof the home is crucial as it provides a holistic approach to safeguarding children from various injuries within the home environment. Childproofing the home addresses a wide range of hazards such as falls, burns, poisoning, and choking incidents. While topics like the benefits of car seats, the importance of helmet use, and ways to prevent drowning are important, childproofing the home covers a broader spectrum of safety measures that can significantly reduce the risk of injuries for children.

5. A school nurse is organizing a vaccination clinic for middle school students. Which vaccine is most important for the nurse to include?

• A. hepatitis B
• B. tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
• C. varicella
• D. measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important vaccine for the school nurse to include in the vaccination clinic for middle school students is the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Tdap is recommended for preteens as part of the routine vaccination schedule to protect against these serious diseases. Hepatitis B, varicella, and MMR vaccines are also important but for this specific age group, Tdap takes precedence to ensure protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

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