Nursing Elites

1. When caring for a client who is to have a line placed for hemodynamic monitoring, which statement by the newly licensed nurse indicates effectiveness of the teaching?

• A. Air should be instilled into the monitoring system after the procedure.
• B. The client should be positioned on the left side after the procedure.
• C. The transducer should be level with the second intercostal space after the line is placed.
• D. A chest x-ray is needed to verify placement after the procedure.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a line is placed for hemodynamic monitoring, it is crucial to confirm its correct placement. The definitive way to verify the placement is through a chest x-ray. This ensures that the line is appropriately positioned without complications. Options A, B, and C do not address the essential step of confirming the line's placement, making them incorrect choices.

2. What is the appropriate needle size for insulin injection?

• A. 18G, 1 ½” long
• B. 22G, 1” long
• C. 22G, 1 ½” long
• D. 25G, 5/8” long

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The appropriate needle size for insulin injection is 25G, 5/8” long. This size allows for accurate and comfortable insulin administration in subcutaneous tissue.

3. A patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Which of the following would immediately alert the healthcare provider that the patient has bleeding from the GI tract?

• A. Complete blood count
• B. Guaiac test
• C. Vital signs
• D. Abdominal girth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A positive guaiac test is used to detect the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, suggesting bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract. It is a rapid screening test that can provide immediate information to the healthcare provider about possible gastrointestinal bleeding in patients presenting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain.

4. The physician orders a maintenance dose of 5,000 units of subcutaneous heparin (an anticoagulant) daily. Nursing responsibilities for Mrs. Mitchell now include:

• A. Reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time.
• B. Reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician
• C. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a physician orders a maintenance dose of subcutaneous heparin, nursing responsibilities include reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time to monitor the patient's coagulation status, reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician as it may indicate a risk of bleeding, and assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding, which are potential adverse effects of anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, all the options listed are essential nursing responsibilities when a patient is on subcutaneous heparin therapy.

5. A client with tuberculosis is receiving a new prescription for isoniazid (INH). The nurse should instruct the client to report which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. You might notice yellowing of your skin.
• B. You might experience pain in your joints.
• C. You might notice tingling of your hands.
• D. You might experience loss of appetite.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling of the hands is a common adverse effect of isoniazid (INH) due to its potential to cause peripheral neuropathy. This sensation can be an early sign of nerve damage, and thus, the client should be instructed to report it promptly to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

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