Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of anemia is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this medication?

• A. White blood cell count.
• B. Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
• C. Platelet count.
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To evaluate the effectiveness of epoetin alfa (Epogen) in treating anemia, the nurse should monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. These values indicate the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, which directly relates to the treatment of anemia. White blood cell count (A), platelet count (C), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (D) are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of epoetin alfa in treating anemia.

2. The nurse explains to an older adult male the procedure for collecting a 24-hour urine specimen for creatinine clearance. Which action is most important for the nurse to include in their care plan for the shift?

• A. Assess the client for confusion and reteach the procedure
• B. Check the urine for color and texture
• C. Empty the urinal contents into the 24-hour collection container
• D. Discard the contents of the urinal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To ensure accurate creatinine clearance results, it is crucial to collect all urine within the 24-hour period. The process should begin with discarding the first specimen and then collecting all subsequent urine in the designated 24-hour collection container. This ensures that the sample is complete and accurate for the creatinine clearance calculation.

3. When suctioning a tracheostomy, which action is most appropriate for the nurse to take?

• A. Use a sterile tube each time and suction for 30 seconds.
• B. Use sterile technique and turn the suction off as the catheter is introduced.
• C. Use clean technique and suction for 10 seconds.
• D. Discard the catheter at the end of every shift.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When suctioning a tracheostomy, it is crucial to use sterile technique to prevent infections. Turning off the suction as the catheter is introduced is important to avoid trauma and injury to the tracheal walls. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the tracheostomy site and ensures proper care for the patient.

4. The healthcare professional is obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading on a client. Which action is most important for the healthcare professional to implement?

• A. Stay with the client while the client is standing.
• B. Record the findings on the graphic sheet in the chart.
• C. Keep the blood pressure cuff on the same arm.
• D. Record changes in the client's pulse rate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In obtaining a lie-sit-stand blood pressure reading, it is crucial for the healthcare professional to stay with the client while the client is standing. This action is the most important as it ensures client safety during the procedure. Recording findings, keeping the blood pressure cuff on the same arm, and monitoring pulse rate are all important tasks, but staying with the client while standing takes priority to prevent any potential falls or adverse events. By staying with the client, the healthcare professional can promptly address any signs of dizziness or instability, ensuring a safe environment for the client throughout the procedure.

5. When performing sterile wound care in the acute care setting, the nurse obtains a bottle of normal saline from the bedside table that is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Use the normal saline solution once more and then discard.
• B. Obtain a new sterile syringe to draw up the labeled saline solution.
• C. Use the saline solution and then relabel the bottle with the current date.
• D. Discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When performing sterile wound care, it is essential to use only newly opened and unexpired solutions to maintain sterility and prevent infections. The normal saline solution obtained by the nurse is labeled 'opened' and dated 48 hours prior to the current date, making it no longer considered sterile. The best action for the nurse to take in this situation is to discard the saline solution and obtain a new unopened bottle to ensure the safety and effectiveness of wound care. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because reusing an already opened and outdated solution or attempting to relabel it with a current date can compromise patient safety and increase the risk of infection.

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