Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. INR levels
• B. APTT levels
• C. Blood glucose levels
• D. Liver function tests

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Heparin therapy requires monitoring of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) to ensure therapeutic levels. APTT reflects the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade and is used to assess the effectiveness and safety of heparin therapy. Monitoring INR levels is more relevant for assessing warfarin therapy, not heparin. Blood glucose levels are monitored for clients with diabetes or those on medications affecting glucose levels. Liver function tests are used to assess liver health and are not directly related to monitoring heparin therapy.

2. A nurse is in the emergency department monitoring the hydration status of a client receiving oral rehydration. What should the nurse intervene for?

• A. Heart rate 120/min
• B. Urine output 30 mL/hour
• C. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
• D. Skin turgor is normal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A heart rate of 120/min may indicate dehydration or inadequate hydration, prompting the need for IV fluid replacement. Elevated heart rate is a sensitive indicator of dehydration as the body attempts to maintain cardiac output. Urine output of 30 mL/hour is within the normal range (30 mL/hour is the minimum acceptable urine output for an adult). Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg is within the normal range. Normal skin turgor is a positive sign indicating adequate hydration.

3. A nurse is admitting a client who has suspected appendicitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

• A. Distended, board-like abdomen
• B. WBC count of 15,000/mm³
• C. Rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point
• D. Temperature of 37.3°C (99.1°F)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A distended, board-like abdomen is a concerning sign indicating the possibility of a ruptured appendix and peritonitis, which are medical emergencies. Reporting this finding immediately is crucial for prompt intervention. Choice B, an elevated WBC count, could indicate infection but is not as urgent as the risk of a ruptured appendix. Choice C, rebound tenderness over McBurney’s point, is a classic sign of appendicitis but does not indicate an immediate threat like a possible rupture. Choice D, a slightly elevated temperature, is a nonspecific finding and not as critical as the risk of peritonitis associated with a distended, board-like abdomen.

4. A client is to undergo a liver biopsy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client following the procedure?

• A. “Lie on your left side.”
• B. “Lie on your right side.”
• C. “Increase your fluid intake.”
• D. “Decrease your fluid intake.”

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Following a liver biopsy, the nurse should instruct the client to lie on the right side to promote hemostasis. This position helps apply pressure to the biopsy site, reducing the risk of bleeding. Instructing the client to lie on the left side (Choice A) would not provide the same benefit. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) is generally beneficial post-procedure to prevent dehydration and promote healing. Decreasing fluid intake (Choice D) is not advisable as it can lead to dehydration and potential complications.

5. A nurse is preparing a client for transfer to another unit. Which finding should the nurse include in the transfer report?

• A. Response to pain medication
• B. Review of ongoing discharge plan
• C. Recent physical changes
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When preparing a client for transfer to another unit, the nurse should include all the findings mentioned in the choices in the transfer report. It is crucial to document the client's response to pain medication as it helps the receiving unit manage the client's pain effectively. Reviewing the ongoing discharge plan ensures that the client's care continues seamlessly after the transfer. Noting recent physical changes is vital for the receiving unit to monitor the client's condition accurately. Therefore, all of the above findings are essential for ensuring continuity of care and providing comprehensive information to the receiving unit.

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