Nursing Elites

1. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prescribed warfarin. What lab value should the nurse review before administering the medication?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. Hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H)
• C. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
• D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: International Normalized Ratio (INR). Before administering warfarin to a client with deep vein thrombosis, the nurse should review the INR to ensure the client is within the therapeutic range. INR is specifically monitored for patients on warfarin therapy to assess the clotting ability of the blood. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they are not the primary lab value used to monitor warfarin therapy. Prothrombin time (PT) is used to measure how long blood takes to clot. Hemoglobin and hematocrit (H&H) assess for anemia and the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin.

2. The nurse is preparing an older adult for discharge following cataract extraction. What is the most important instruction?

• A. Avoid straining, bending, or lifting heavy objects.
• B. Limit exposure to sunlight for the first 2 weeks.
• C. Use direct lighting when reading for 6 weeks.
• D. Irrigate the conjunctiva with saline before applying ointment.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important instruction for a patient following cataract extraction is to avoid straining, bending, or lifting heavy objects. These activities can increase intraocular pressure and potentially lead to complications such as bleeding or dislocation of the intraocular lens. Choices B, C, and D are not as critical in the immediate post-operative period. Limiting sunlight exposure and using direct lighting when reading are important but not as crucial as avoiding activities that can increase intraocular pressure. Irrigating the conjunctiva with saline before applying ointment is not a standard post-cataract surgery instruction.

3. A client is recovering from a hip replacement surgery. What is the priority nursing intervention to prevent complications?

• A. Encourage bed rest to prevent strain on the hip
• B. Assist the client with early ambulation
• C. Provide continuous passive motion therapy
• D. Administer pain medication before activity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the client with early ambulation. Early ambulation is a key intervention to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promote circulation after hip replacement surgery. It also helps with overall recovery and reduces the risk of complications related to immobility, such as muscle atrophy and pressure ulcers. Choice A is incorrect as bed rest should be avoided to prevent complications associated with immobility. Choice C, continuous passive motion therapy, is not the priority intervention immediately post-hip replacement surgery. Choice D, administering pain medication before activity, is important but not the priority intervention to prevent complications in this case.

4. A nurse assesses a young adult in the emergency room following a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following neurological signs is of most concern?

• A. Flaccid paralysis
• B. Pupils fixed and dilated
• C. Diminished spinal reflexes
• D. Reduced sensory responses

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fixed, dilated pupils are a sign of increased intracranial pressure or brain injury, indicating a potentially serious neurological condition. Flaccid paralysis, although concerning, may not always indicate immediate life-threatening issues. Diminished spinal reflexes and reduced sensory responses are important neurological assessments but are not as acutely concerning as fixed, dilated pupils in this context.

5. A client has a nasogastric tube after colon surgery. Which one of these tasks can be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?

• A. To observe the type and amount of nasogastric tube drainage
• B. Monitor the client for nausea or other complications
• C. Irrigate the nasogastric tube with the ordered irrigation solution
• D. Perform nostril and mouth care

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Performing nostril and mouth care is a non-invasive task that can be safely delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Observing the type and amount of nasogastric tube drainage requires assessment skills and understanding of potential complications, making it more appropriate for a licensed healthcare professional. Monitoring the client for nausea or other complications involves interpreting client responses and identifying adverse reactions, which also requires a licensed healthcare professional. Irrigating the nasogastric tube with the ordered solution involves a procedure that can impact the client's condition and should be performed by a licensed healthcare professional to prevent complications.

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