Nursing Elites

1. A client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving heparin and reports tarry stools. What should the nurse do?

• A. Prepare to administer warfarin.
• B. Assess characteristics of the client's pain.
• C. Monitor stools for blood and review PTT results.
• D. Continue the heparin and prepare to administer Vitamin K.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client on heparin reports tarry stools, it can be indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding. The correct action for the nurse is to monitor the stools for blood and review the Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) results. This is essential to detect any potential bleeding complications associated with heparin therapy. Option A is incorrect because warfarin is not the immediate intervention for tarry stools in a client on heparin. Option B is irrelevant to the situation described. Option D is incorrect as Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin, not heparin.

2. A client with a head injury reports severe nausea. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer anti-nausea medication as prescribed.
• B. Prepare the client for a CT scan.
• C. Elevate the head of the bed and provide an emesis basin.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Severe nausea in a client with a head injury may be a sign of increased intracranial pressure. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately to ensure timely intervention, as increased pressure can lead to further complications such as brain herniation. Administering anti-nausea medication or preparing for a CT scan may delay necessary treatment for the underlying cause of the nausea, which could be related to the head injury. Elevating the head of the bed and providing an emesis basin may help manage symptoms but should not be the priority over addressing the potential increase in intracranial pressure.

3. A client with cervical cancer is hospitalized for insertion of a sealed internal cervical radiation implant. What action should the nurse take when finding the radiation implant in the bed?

• A. Call radiation therapy for assistance
• B. Place the implant in a lead container using long-handled forceps
• C. Leave the implant in the bed and notify the provider
• D. Dispose of the implant in the nearest sharps container

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when finding the radiation implant in the bed is to use long-handled forceps to place the implant in a lead container. This procedure is crucial in reducing radiation exposure to both the patient and healthcare providers. Calling radiation therapy for assistance (Choice A) may delay the immediate need for safe handling of the implant. Leaving the implant in the bed and notifying the provider (Choice C) is unsafe and can lead to increased radiation exposure. Disposing of the implant in a sharps container (Choice D) is incorrect as the implant should be placed in a lead container, not a sharps container, to contain the radiation.

4. A preschool-aged boy is admitted to the pediatric unit following successful resuscitation from a near-drowning incident. While providing care to the child, the nurse begins talking with his preadolescent brother who rescued the child from the swimming pool and initiated resuscitation. The nurse notices the older boy becomes withdrawn when asked about what happened. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Involve the older brother in supporting the child
• B. Ask the older brother how he felt during the incident
• C. Ask the parents for more information about the brother's behavior
• D. Reassure the brother that everything is fine now

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The older brother's withdrawal likely indicates emotional trauma or stress from the near-drowning event. Asking how he felt provides an opportunity for emotional support and allows the child to express feelings that may need addressing. Involving him in supporting the child may be overwhelming and not address his emotional needs directly. Asking the parents for more information may not allow the older brother to express his own feelings. Simply reassuring him that everything is fine now may dismiss his emotional experience without providing a chance for him to process his feelings.

5. A client with heart failure reports nausea, vomiting, yellow vision, and palpitations. What should the nurse assess first?

• A. Administer antiemetics to reduce nausea.
• B. Obtain a list of the client's cardiac medications.
• C. Perform an ECG to evaluate heart function.
• D. Review the client's dietary intake for possible causes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The combination of nausea, vomiting, yellow vision, and palpitations in a heart failure patient is indicative of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should first obtain a list of the client's medications to verify if they are taking digoxin.

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