Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Limit the client's fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
• B. Avoid massaging the affected extremity to relieve pain.
• C. Do not apply cold packs to the client's affected extremity.
• D. Elevate the client's affected extremity when in bed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to elevate the client's affected extremity when in bed. Elevating the extremity helps to reduce swelling and improve venous return in clients with DVT. Limiting fluid intake to 1500 mL per day (Choice A) is not directly related to managing DVT. Massaging the affected extremity (Choice B) can dislodge a clot and lead to serious complications. Applying cold packs (Choice C) can vasoconstrict blood vessels, potentially worsening the condition by reducing blood flow.

2. 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.

3. A nurse is observing bonding between the client and her newborn. Which of the following actions by the client requires the nurse to intervene?

• A. Holding the newborn in an en face position
• B. Asking the father to change the newborn's diaper
• C. Requesting the nurse to take the newborn to the nursery so she can rest
• D. Viewing the newborn's actions as uncooperative

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because viewing the newborn's actions as uncooperative may indicate the client is struggling to bond, requiring intervention. Choices A, B, and C do not raise concerns about the bonding process between the client and the newborn. Holding the newborn in an en face position is a positive interaction. Asking the father to change the newborn's diaper involves family participation in care. Requesting the nurse to take the newborn to the nursery so she can rest is a valid request for maternal self-care.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?

• A. Serum potassium
• B. Platelets
• C. aPTT
• D. INR

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: aPTT. Monitoring the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is crucial when a client is receiving heparin therapy. The aPTT reflects the clotting time and helps assess the effectiveness of heparin in preventing clot formation. Keeping the aPTT within the therapeutic range ensures that the medication is working optimally. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because serum potassium, platelets, and INR are not direct indicators of heparin's effectiveness or therapeutic range.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Gastric residual of 200 mL or more
• B. pH of gastric contents is 5.0
• C. Bowel sounds are present in all quadrants
• D. Temperature 37.5°C (99.5°F)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A gastric residual of 200 mL or more indicates delayed gastric emptying, which can be a sign of potential complications such as aspiration or intolerance to the enteral feedings. This finding should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and possible intervention. Choices B, C, and D are within normal limits and do not require immediate reporting. A pH of 5.0 is normal for gastric contents, bowel sounds in all quadrants indicate normal gastrointestinal motility, and a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is within the normal range.

Similar Questions