Nursing Elites

1. A patient is diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Massage the affected extremity every 2 hours.
• B. Encourage the patient to ambulate as soon as possible.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the affected extremity.
• D. Elevate the affected extremity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the affected extremity is crucial in managing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as it helps reduce swelling and promotes venous return, thereby preventing further complications such as pulmonary embolism. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge a clot and lead to serious consequences. While ambulation is important, in DVT, early ambulation without elevation can potentially dislodge the clot. Warm compresses can increase blood flow to the area and worsen the condition by promoting clot dislodgement.

2. What is the most appropriate intervention for a patient with a suspected stroke?

• A. Administer IV fluids
• B. Perform a CT scan
• C. Perform a lumbar puncture
• D. Administer anticoagulants

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a patient with a suspected stroke is to perform a CT scan. A CT scan is crucial for diagnosing a stroke by visualizing any bleeding or blockages in the brain. Administering IV fluids (Choice A) may be necessary based on the patient's condition, but it is not the primary intervention for a suspected stroke. Performing a lumbar puncture (Choice C) is not indicated for stroke evaluation and may not provide relevant information. Administering anticoagulants (Choice D) is a treatment option for certain types of strokes but should be based on the CT scan results and specific guidelines.

3. A client who is postoperative following hip replacement surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip?

• A. Position the client's legs in adduction
• B. Place a pillow between the client's legs when turning
• C. Keep the client in a low Fowler's position
• D. Turn the client onto the affected side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs when turning is essential to prevent hip dislocation post hip replacement surgery. This action helps maintain proper alignment of the hip joint and prevents adduction, which can lead to dislocation. Positioning the client's legs in adduction (choice A) can increase the risk of hip dislocation. Keeping the client in a low Fowler's position (choice C) or turning the client onto the affected side (choice D) does not directly address hip dislocation prevention.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who is receiving heparin therapy for deep-vein thrombosis. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. INR 2.0
• B. Platelet count 150,000/mm3
• C. aPTT 60 seconds
• D. WBC count 8,000/mm3

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: aPTT 60 seconds. An aPTT of 60 seconds is above the therapeutic range for clients on heparin therapy and indicates a risk of bleeding, so it should be reported to the provider. INR of 2.0 is within the therapeutic range for clients on heparin therapy, so it does not require immediate reporting. Platelet count of 150,000/mm3 and WBC count of 8,000/mm3 are within normal ranges and not directly related to heparin therapy, so they do not need to be reported in this context.

5. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse plan to assess first?

• A. A client who has sinus arrhythmia and is receiving monitoring.
• B. A client who has a hip fracture and a new onset of tachypnea.
• C. A client who has epidural analgesia and weakness in the lower extremities.
• D. A client who has diabetes and a hemoglobin A1C of 6.8%.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a new onset of tachypnea can indicate a respiratory complication, which requires immediate assessment. Sinus arrhythmia, epidural analgesia with weakness, and a hemoglobin A1C level of 6.8% in a client with diabetes do not pose immediate life-threatening concerns that require urgent assessment compared to the potential respiratory issues associated with tachypnea.

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