Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for heparin therapy. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate an immediate concern for the nurse?

• A. ''I am allergic to morphine.''
• B. ''I take antacids several times a day.''
• C. ''I had a blood clot in my leg several years ago.''
• D. ''It hurts to take a deep breath.''

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is the statement 'I take antacids several times a day.' Antacids can alter the absorption of heparin, potentially affecting its effectiveness and increasing the risk of clot formation. This is a significant concern as it can impact the therapeutic outcome of heparin therapy. The other statements are not directly related to potential complications or interactions with heparin therapy.

2. Before rigor mortis occurs, what is the nurse responsible for?

• A. Providing a complete bath and dressing change
• B. Placing one pillow under the body’s head and shoulders
• C. Removing the body’s clothing and wrapping the body in a shroud
• D. Allowing the body to relax normally

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before rigor mortis occurs, the nurse is responsible for placing a pillow under the body's head and shoulders. This action helps maintain proper positioning, prevent postmortem changes, and ensure a dignified appearance. Providing a complete bath and dressing change, removing clothing, or wrapping the body in a shroud are tasks typically performed after rigor mortis sets in or later in the postmortem care process. Allowing the body to relax normally does not address the immediate need for proper positioning before rigor mortis occurs.

3. Which of the following statements about chest X-rays is false?

• A. There are contraindications for this test
• B. Before the procedure, the patient should remove all jewelry, metallic objects, and buttons above the waist
• C. A signed consent is not required
• D. Eating, drinking, and medications are allowed before this test

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because there are contraindications for chest X-rays, such as pregnancy or concerns about radiation exposure. Patients may need to remove jewelry and metallic objects to prevent interference with the imaging. While a signed consent is typically not required for a routine chest X-ray, there are specific situations where consent may be necessary. It is essential for patients to follow fasting instructions before certain types of chest X-rays to obtain accurate results.

4. A client with fibromyalgia requests pain medication. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?

• A. Pregabalin
• B. Lorazepam
• C. Colchicine
• D. Codeine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Pregabalin is commonly used to manage pain associated with fibromyalgia. It works by reducing the number of pain signals sent out by damaged nerves. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used for anxiety, not pain management. Colchicine is primarily used for gout treatment, and codeine, while an analgesic, is not typically the first-line choice for fibromyalgia pain due to its potential for side effects and misuse.

5. Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for developing pressure ulcers?

• A. An alert chronic arthritic patient treated with steroids and aspirin
• B. An 88-year-old incontinent patient with gastric cancer who is confined to bed at home
• C. An apathetic 63-year-old COPD patient receiving nasal oxygen via cannula
• D. A confused 78-year-old patient with congestive heart failure (CHF) who requires assistance to get out of bed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An elderly patient who is incontinent, bedridden, and suffering from a serious illness like gastric cancer is at the highest risk for developing pressure ulcers. Being bedridden and incontinent increases the pressure on certain areas of the body, leading to tissue damage and the development of pressure ulcers. Additionally, the patient's age and underlying health condition further contribute to their risk. It is crucial to identify and address such risk factors promptly to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers in vulnerable patients.

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