Nursing Elites

1. A man is receiving heparin subcutaneously. The patient has dementia and lives at home with a part-time caretaker. The nurse is most concerned about which side effect of heparin?

• A. Back Pain
• B. Fever and Chills
• C. Risk for Bleeding
• D. Dizziness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Risk for Bleeding.' A patient with dementia may have impaired judgment and may be prone to falls or injuries, increasing the risk of bleeding while on heparin therapy. Monitoring for signs of bleeding is crucial in this situation. Choice A, 'Back Pain,' is not a common side effect of heparin. Choice B, 'Fever and Chills,' is not a typical side effect of heparin but may indicate other underlying conditions. Choice D, 'Dizziness,' is not a common side effect of heparin and is not the primary concern in this scenario.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient after a coronary angiogram. Which of these actions taken by the nursing assistant would most require the nurse's immediate intervention?

• A. The nursing assistant fills the patient's pitcher with ice-cold drinking water
• B. The nursing assistant elevates the head of the bed to 60 degrees for a meal
• C. The nursing assistant refills the ice pack placed on the insertion site
• D. The nursing assistant places an extra pillow under the patient's head upon request

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a coronary angiogram, patients need to maintain bed rest and keep the head of the bed at no more than 30 degrees for 3-6 hours, depending on the insertion site. Elevating the head of the bed to 60 degrees for a meal could increase the risk of bleeding or complications at the insertion site. Refilling the ice pack placed on the insertion site is appropriate for managing potential swelling or discomfort. Filling the patient's pitcher with ice-cold drinking water is a standard care task. Placing an extra pillow under the patient's head upon request is a comfort measure and does not pose a risk to the patient's recovery.

3. An emergency department nurse is performing an assessment on a child with a suspected diagnosis of intussusception. Which assessment question for the parents will elicit the most specific data related to this disorder?

• A. Does the child have any food allergies?
• B. What do the bowel movements look like?
• C. Has the child eaten any food in the last 24 hours?
• D. Can you describe the type of pain that the child is experiencing?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is asking the parents to describe the type of pain the child is experiencing because a report of severe colicky abdominal pain in a healthy, thriving child between 3 and 17 months of age is the classic presentation of intussusception. Typical behavior includes screaming and drawing the knees up to the chest. This specific question helps in identifying the key symptom of intussusception. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of a health history but are not specific to the diagnosis of intussusception. Food allergies, bowel movements, and recent food intake are relevant for a comprehensive assessment but do not directly relate to the specific symptoms of intussusception.

4. The nurse is caring for a 7-year-old child with glomerulonephritis and is preparing to discuss the plan of care with the parents. In anticipating this encounter, the nurse recognizes that which is a common reaction of parents to the diagnosis of glomerulonephritis?

• A. Fear of the complicated treatment regimen
• B. Anger at the child for requiring hospitalization
• C. Guilt that they did not seek treatment more quickly
• D. Depression that the child may not be able to play sports

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Guilt is a common reaction of parents when their child is diagnosed with glomerulonephritis. Parents often blame themselves for not responding promptly to the child's initial symptoms or feel guilty for not seeking treatment sooner, thinking they could have prevented the development of glomerular damage. While fear of a complicated treatment regimen, anger at the child for hospitalization, and depression about the child not playing sports may be valid concerns, they are generally not as commonly observed as the feeling of guilt among parents in this situation.

5. In educating clients on ways to manage pain, which topic can be appropriately delegated to an LPN/LVN who will continue under supervision?

• A. Acupuncture
• B. Guided Imagery
• C. Alternating Rest/Activity
• D. Over-the-counter medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Alternating Rest/Activity.' This topic falls within the nursing scope of practice and is typically covered in the training and education of all nurses, including LPN/LVNs. Educating clients on alternating rest and activity is safe, straightforward, and a standard non-pharmacological pain management strategy. Acupuncture (Choice A) and Guided Imagery (Choice B) involve specific skills and techniques that are typically outside the scope of practice for LPN/LVNs. Over-the-counter medications (Choice D) may require additional assessment, monitoring, and considerations that are beyond the usual delegation for LPN/LVNs.

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