Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower extremity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart
• B. Administer acetaminophen for pain
• C. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours
• D. Withhold heparin IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to withhold heparin IV infusion. The nurse should withhold heparin if there are signs of complications, such as bleeding, or if there are contraindications to continuing anticoagulation therapy. Positioning the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Administering acetaminophen for pain management can be appropriate, but it is not the priority in this situation. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge the clot and lead to serious complications, so it should be avoided.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 weeks pregnant and reports leaking fluid. Which of the following tests should the nurse use to confirm that the client's membranes have ruptured?

• A. Nonstress test
• B. Biophysical profile
• C. Fern test
• D. Amniocentesis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the Fern test. The Fern test is specifically used to confirm the rupture of membranes. A sample of vaginal fluid is examined under a microscope, and the presence of a fern-like pattern indicates the presence of amniotic fluid. The Nonstress test (Choice A) is used to monitor fetal heart rate and movement, not to confirm ruptured membranes. The Biophysical profile (Choice B) is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation to assess fetal well-being, not to confirm ruptured membranes. Amniocentesis (Choice D) involves the aspiration of amniotic fluid for various diagnostic purposes, not specifically to confirm ruptured membranes.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer a client's first dose of a new antibiotic. Which of the following is the priority nursing action?

• A. Assess the client's allergies.
• B. Monitor the client's vital signs.
• C. Inform the client of potential side effects.
• D. Obtain the client's informed consent.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing allergies before administering a new medication is crucial as it helps prevent potentially life-threatening allergic reactions like anaphylaxis. While monitoring vital signs and informing the client of side effects are important nursing actions, assessing allergies takes precedence to ensure the client's safety. Informed consent is necessary for the treatment process, but assessing allergies is the priority before administering any new medication.

4. A nurse enters a client's room and sees smoke coming from the trash can. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Close the window
• B. Evacuate the room
• C. Call the fire department
• D. Attempt to extinguish the fire

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to evacuate the room first. In a fire situation, the priority is safety, following the RACE protocol: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish. Evacuating the room ensures the safety of both the client and the nurse. Closing the window (Choice A) can wait until after evacuation when there is no immediate danger. Calling the fire department (Choice C) is important but comes after ensuring personal safety and evacuating. Attempting to extinguish the fire (Choice D) is not recommended as it can put the nurse and the client at risk; firefighting should be left to professionals.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for home oxygen. Which information should the nurse teach?

• A. Use a humidifier with the oxygen
• B. Wear cotton socks when the oxygen is in use
• C. Avoid all types of smoking materials
• D. Use a nasal cannula during meals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Wear cotton socks when the oxygen is in use.' This information is important as wearing cotton socks helps prevent static electricity, which can pose a fire risk when oxygen is in use. Choice A is incorrect as using a humidifier with oxygen is not necessary for all clients and may not be part of standard discharge teaching. Choice C is incorrect as it is a common safety measure to avoid all types of smoking materials when using oxygen. Choice D is incorrect as using a nasal cannula during meals is not specifically related to the safety concerns associated with home oxygen use.

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