Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. Platelet count
• C. Prothrombin time (PT)
• D. International normalized ratio (INR)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, International normalized ratio (INR). INR is used to monitor the therapeutic effect of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. Warfarin works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Monitoring the INR helps assess how well the medication is working to prevent blood clots. Choices A, B, and C are not specific indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin. Hemoglobin levels primarily assess the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells, platelet count evaluates the clotting ability of blood, and PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot. While these values are important for overall health assessment, they do not directly reflect the anticoagulant effects of warfarin.

2. What is the best method to assess for fluid overload in patients with heart failure?

• A. Monitor daily weight
• B. Check for jugular vein distention
• C. Check for pitting edema
• D. Check for fluid retention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor daily weight. Daily weight monitoring is the most accurate method to assess fluid overload in patients with heart failure. Changes in weight can indicate fluid retention before visible signs like jugular vein distention or pitting edema appear. Checking for jugular vein distention (choice B) is helpful but may not be as sensitive as daily weight monitoring. Pitting edema (choice C) and fluid retention (choice D) are signs of fluid overload, but daily weight monitoring is a more proactive approach to detect changes early.

3. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lisinopril. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. You should expect to develop a dry cough while taking this medication.
• B. This medication can cause a slow heart rate.
• C. You should increase your intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. You should avoid using salt substitutes while taking this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include when teaching a client prescribed with lisinopril is that they should avoid using salt substitutes while taking this medication. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Therefore, using salt substitutes that contain potassium can worsen this condition. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lisinopril is not typically associated with causing a dry cough or a slow heart rate, and increasing potassium intake can be harmful in the presence of lisinopril-induced hyperkalemia.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hr postpartum and is breastfeeding her newborns. The client asks the nurse to warm up seaweed soup that the client's partner brought for her. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Does the doctor know you are eating that?
• B. Why are you eating seaweed soup?
• C. Of course I will heat that up for you.
• D. The hospital food is more nutritious.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Respecting cultural dietary preferences enhances patient-centered care.

5. A client has a new diagnosis of hypertension, and a nurse is teaching about dietary management. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Limit your sodium intake to 2,000 mg per day.
• B. Increase your intake of high-fat foods.
• C. Increase your intake of green, leafy vegetables.
• D. Limit your potassium intake to 3,000 mg per day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Limit your sodium intake to 2,000 mg per day. Limiting sodium intake helps manage hypertension by reducing fluid retention and lowering blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect because increasing intake of high-fat foods can worsen hypertension by contributing to weight gain and other cardiovascular risks. Choice C is incorrect as green, leafy vegetables are beneficial for hypertension due to their high potassium and other nutrient content. Choice D is incorrect as limiting potassium intake is typically not recommended for hypertension management unless specified by a healthcare provider.

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