Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of atrial fibrillation and is receiving warfarin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the warfarin?

• A. Platelet count
• B. International normalized ratio (INR)
• C. Bleeding time
• D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: International normalized ratio (INR). The INR is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. A higher INR indicates a longer time it takes for the blood to clot, which is desirable in patients receiving warfarin to prevent blood clots. Platelet count (Choice A) assesses the number of platelets in the blood and is not directly related to warfarin therapy. Bleeding time (Choice C) evaluates the time it takes for a person to stop bleeding after a standardized wound, but it is not specific to monitoring warfarin effectiveness. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (Choice D) is more commonly used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin.

2. A client has been prescribed nitroglycerin for chest pain. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take one tablet every hour for chest pain.
• B. Store nitroglycerin tablets in a cool, dark place.
• C. Take nitroglycerin with food to reduce stomach upset.
• D. Take nitroglycerin with an antacid to prevent heartburn.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain their potency. Storing them correctly ensures that they remain effective when needed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking one tablet every hour is not the correct dosing regimen for nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin is usually taken as needed at the onset of chest pain, with specific instructions from the healthcare provider. Taking nitroglycerin with food or antacids is not necessary, as it is usually placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.

3. A client with staphylococcus epidermidis is prescribed vancomycin. Identify the adverse effect associated with this antibiotic therapy.

• A. Hepatotoxicity
• B. Constipation
• C. Infusion reaction
• D. Immunosuppression

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct adverse effect associated with vancomycin therapy is an infusion reaction, known as Red Man Syndrome. This reaction presents with rashes, flushing, tachycardia, and hypotension. It is essential to administer vancomycin over at least 60 minutes to prevent these symptoms. Hepatotoxicity, constipation, and immunosuppression are not commonly associated with vancomycin use. Ototoxicity and renal toxicity are significant risks with prolonged vancomycin therapy.

4. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following findings should the nurse look for?

• A. Swelling in the limb
• B. Decreased heart rate
• C. Increased appetite
• D. Improved mobility

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Swelling in the limb. Swelling, particularly in one limb, is a common sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and should be assessed. This swelling is often accompanied by pain, redness, and warmth in the affected area. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because decreased heart rate, increased appetite, and improved mobility are not typically associated with DVT. The main focus in assessing for DVT is recognizing the signs and symptoms related to venous thrombosis.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who is lactose intolerant about dietary choices. Which food should the nurse recommend to increase calcium intake?

• A. Spinach
• B. Peanut butter
• C. Ground beef
• D. Carrots

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spinach. Spinach is rich in calcium, making it a suitable choice for individuals with lactose intolerance who need to avoid dairy products. Peanut butter, ground beef, and carrots are not significant sources of calcium compared to spinach, and therefore, not the best recommendation for increasing calcium intake in lactose-intolerant individuals.

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