Nursing Elites

1. During the assessment of a client receiving packed RBCs, which finding indicates fluid overload?

• A. Low back pain.
• B. Dyspnea.
• C. Hypotension.
• D. Thready pulse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dyspnea is a key finding indicating fluid overload in a client receiving packed RBCs. Fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema, causing difficulty breathing or shortness of breath (dyspnea). Low back pain is not typically associated with fluid overload but can be more related to musculoskeletal issues. Hypotension and thready pulse are more indicative of hypovolemia (low fluid volume), not fluid overload.

2. A nurse is orienting a newly licensed nurse on the purpose of administering vecuronium to a client who has acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A. This medication is given to treat infection.
• B. This medication is given to facilitate ventilation.
• C. This medication is given to decrease inflammation.
• D. This medication is given to reduce anxiety.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Vecuronium is a neuromuscular blocking agent that is used to facilitate ventilation by inducing muscle paralysis, which can help improve oxygenation in patients with ARDS. It does not treat infection, decrease inflammation, or reduce anxiety. Understanding the purpose of vecuronium administration is crucial for providing safe and effective care to patients with respiratory distress.

3. The physician orders a maintenance dose of 5,000 units of subcutaneous heparin (an anticoagulant) daily. Nursing responsibilities for Mrs. Mitchell now include:

• A. Reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time.
• B. Reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician
• C. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a physician orders a maintenance dose of subcutaneous heparin, nursing responsibilities include reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time to monitor the patient's coagulation status, reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician as it may indicate a risk of bleeding, and assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding, which are potential adverse effects of anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, all the options listed are essential nursing responsibilities when a patient is on subcutaneous heparin therapy.

4. Which of the following statements is incorrect about a patient with dysphagia?

• A. The patient will find pureed or soft foods, such as custards, easier to swallow than water
• B. Fowler’s or semi Fowler’s position reduces the risk of aspiration during swallowing
• C. The patient should always feed himself
• D. The nurse should perform oral hygiene before assisting with feeding

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The incorrect statement is that 'The patient should always feed himself.' Patients with dysphagia may require assistance with feeding due to difficulty in swallowing safely. It is essential to provide appropriate support and supervision during meal times to prevent complications such as aspiration or inadequate nutrition intake.

5. What is the meaning of PRN?

• A. When advice
• B. Immediately
• C. When necessary
• D. Now

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct meaning of PRN is 'when necessary.' The abbreviation 'PRN' comes from the Latin term 'pro re nata,' which is commonly used in medical contexts to indicate that a medication should be taken as needed, not at scheduled intervals. Choice A ('When advice') is incorrect as PRN does not refer to seeking advice. Choice B ('Immediately') is incorrect as PRN does not imply urgency. Choice D ('Now') is incorrect as PRN does not mean 'immediate' but rather 'as needed.' Therefore, the correct answer is C, 'When necessary.'

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