Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is caring for a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who is prescribed aspirin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. A history of gastrointestinal bleeding
• B. A history of hypertension
• C. A platelet count of 180,000/mm³
• D. A prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A history of gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding are at increased risk of complications when taking aspirin due to its effects on platelet function and the gastrointestinal tract. Reporting this finding to the provider is crucial to ensure patient safety. Choices B, C, and D are not directly related to the increased risk associated with aspirin use in patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, making them less relevant in this scenario. While monitoring platelet count and PT are important in patients taking aspirin, a history of gastrointestinal bleeding takes precedence as it directly impacts the safety and effectiveness of aspirin therapy in this client.

2. A client who has undergone vein ligation and stripping to treat varicose veins should be instructed to do which of the following activities during discharge teaching?

• A. Remain sedentary for 2-3 days
• B. Walk for 1-2 hours each day
• C. Wear compression stockings only at night
• D. Elevate legs while sitting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Walk for 1-2 hours each day.' After vein ligation and stripping, walking helps promote circulation and aids in the recovery process. Option A is incorrect as remaining sedentary for 2-3 days can lead to decreased circulation and potentially increase the risk of complications. Option C is incorrect because compression stockings should typically be worn during the day to support circulation. Option D is incorrect as elevating the legs while sitting is beneficial, but walking is more effective in promoting circulation and recovery in this case.

3. What is the process for taking a telephone order from a provider?

• A. Patient name, drug, dose, route, frequency
• B. Read back for accuracy
• C. Have a witness listen to the order
• D. Write down the order and follow up

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct process for taking a telephone order from a provider involves reading back the information for accuracy. This step ensures that the order is correctly understood and reduces the risk of errors. While listing patient information (Choice A) is essential, it does not encompass the complete process of verifying the order. Having a witness listen to the order (Choice C) may not always be practical or necessary, as direct verification is more efficient. Writing down the order and following up (Choice D) is not as crucial as the immediate read-back process, which allows for real-time clarification and confirmation.

4. What are the signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia and how should it be managed?

• A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias; administer calcium gluconate
• B. Confusion and bradycardia; administer insulin and glucose
• C. Fatigue and irregular heart rate; administer diuretics
• D. Nausea and vomiting; administer sodium bicarbonate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia include muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias, making choice A correct. Hyperkalemia can lead to dangerous cardiac effects, and calcium gluconate is used to stabilize the heart by antagonizing the effects of potassium. Choices B, C, and D describe symptoms and interventions that are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. Confusion and bradycardia are not common in hyperkalemia, and insulin and glucose are used in hyperkalemia only under specific circumstances. Fatigue and irregular heart rate are vague symptoms, and diuretics are not the primary treatment for hyperkalemia. Nausea and vomiting are nonspecific symptoms and sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for the management of hyperkalemia.

5. What are the early signs and symptoms of sepsis?

• A. Increased heart rate and fever
• B. Low blood pressure and confusion
• C. Rapid breathing and sweating
• D. Abdominal pain and cyanosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased heart rate and fever. In sepsis, an increased heart rate and fever are common early signs of systemic infection. While choices B, C, and D can be present in later stages of sepsis, they are not typically the initial signs. Low blood pressure and confusion may occur in severe sepsis or septic shock. Rapid breathing and sweating can be seen as sepsis progresses. Abdominal pain and cyanosis may develop as the condition advances but are not usually the earliest signs.

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