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 client is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.
• B. I will use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor.
• C. I will keep all appointments for blood tests.
• D. I will avoid participating in contact sports.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because participating in contact sports can increase the risk of injury and bleeding in a client receiving warfarin therapy. Warfarin is a blood thinner, and activities with a higher risk of injury should be avoided to prevent bleeding complications. Choices A, B, and C are all correct statements for a client on warfarin therapy. Avoiding foods high in vitamin K helps maintain consistent anticoagulation levels, using a soft toothbrush and an electric razor reduces the risk of bleeding gums and cuts, and keeping appointments for blood tests ensures proper monitoring of the client's international normalized ratio (INR) levels.

3. A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving erythropoietin therapy. Which finding indicates that the therapy is effective?

• A. Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL.
• B. Reticulocyte count of 1%.
• C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
• D. Serum ferritin level of 100 ng/mL.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL. Erythropoietin therapy stimulates red blood cell production, leading to an increase in hemoglobin levels. A hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL indicates that the therapy is effective in managing anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. Choice B, a reticulocyte count of 1%, is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy. Choice C, a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg, is important to monitor in clients with chronic kidney disease but does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy. Choice D, a serum ferritin level of 100 ng/mL, is related to iron stores in the body and may be monitored during erythropoietin therapy but does not directly reflect the therapy's effectiveness in increasing red blood cell production.

4. A graduate nursing student requests information, including laboratory findings and chest x-ray results, about all clients with symptoms of H1N1 who have been seen during the last month in a community health clinic. Which action should the charge nurse take?

• A. Ask if permission has been obtained from the research committee.
• B. Ask the student to sign a standard waiver form.
• C. Obtain written authorization from clients to release the information.
• D. Provide the information for research purposes only.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse to take is to obtain written authorization from clients to release the information. This step is crucial to ensure compliance with privacy laws and ethical standards. Asking for permission from the research committee (Choice A) may not address the individual clients' rights to privacy. Asking the student to sign a standard waiver form (Choice B) is not appropriate, as the authorization should come from the clients themselves. Providing the information for research purposes only (Choice D) without proper authorization violates client confidentiality and privacy.

5. The healthcare professional is developing a program to educate parents on the importance of immunizations. Which topic should be prioritized?

• A. the benefits of immunizations
• B. the potential side effects of vaccines
• C. the immunization schedule
• D. ways to comfort children during vaccinations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prioritizing the benefits of immunizations is crucial in helping parents comprehend the significance of vaccines in safeguarding their children against preventable diseases. Understanding the positive impact of immunizations can alleviate concerns and misconceptions that parents may have, ultimately encouraging them to make informed decisions regarding their children's health. Discussing potential side effects (choice B) is important but should come after highlighting the benefits to avoid instilling unnecessary fear. While the immunization schedule (choice C) is essential information, it may be overwhelming if presented as the initial focus. Comforting children during vaccinations (choice D) is valuable but secondary to ensuring parents understand the benefits of immunizations.

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