Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer heparin 15,000 units subcutaneously every 12 hr. The amount available is heparin injection 20,000 units/mL. How many mL should the healthcare professional administer per dose?

• A. 0.8 mL
• B. 0.75 mL
• C. 0.5 mL
• D. 1 mL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the volume to administer, use the formula: (Desired dose / Concentration) = Volume to administer. In this case, (15,000 units / 20,000 units/mL) = 0.75 mL, which is rounded up to 0.8 mL. Therefore, the healthcare professional should administer 0.8 mL per dose of heparin. Choice B (0.75 mL) is incorrect as it is the exact calculated volume but needs to be rounded up. Choices C (0.5 mL) and D (1 mL) are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculated volume for the desired dose of heparin.

2. A hospitalized client receiving IV heparin for a deep-vein thrombosis begins vomiting blood. After the heparin has been stopped, which of the following medications should the nurse prepare to administer?

• A. Vitamin K1
• B. Atropine
• C. Protamine
• D. Calcium gluconate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the client is experiencing a serious complication of heparin therapy, likely due to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Protamine is the antidote for heparin and can reverse its anticoagulant effects. It is essential to administer protamine promptly to counteract the effects of heparin and manage the bleeding. Vitamin K1 is used to reverse the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Atropine is used to treat bradycardia or some types of poisoning. Calcium gluconate is used to manage hyperkalemia or calcium channel blocker toxicity, not to reverse heparin's effects.

3. A client has a new prescription for Captopril for hypertension. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Neutropenia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Neutropenia is a serious adverse effect associated with ACE inhibitors like Captopril. It is characterized by a decreased level of neutrophils, which are important in fighting infections. Monitoring the client's complete blood count (CBC) is crucial to detect neutropenia early. The nurse should also educate the client on recognizing signs of infection and promptly reporting them to the healthcare provider for timely intervention. Hypokalemia is a potential adverse effect of diuretics, not ACE inhibitors. Hypernatremia is an electrolyte imbalance more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration. Bradycardia is not a typical adverse effect of Captopril.

4. A client has a new prescription for Metoprolol to treat hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Stop taking the medication if your heart rate is below 70/min.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Avoid sudden changes in position.
• D. Limit your sodium intake while taking this medication.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking Metoprolol, a medication used to treat hypertension, is to avoid sudden changes in position. Metoprolol can cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to standing up, leading to dizziness and falls. By advising the client to change positions slowly, the nurse helps prevent these adverse effects and promotes safety.

5. A healthcare professional working in an emergency department is caring for a client who has Benzodiazepine toxicity due to an overdose. Which of the following actions is the healthcare professional's priority?

• A. Administer flumazenil.
• B. Identify the client's level of orientation.
• C. Infuse IV fluids.
• D. Prepare the client for gastric lavage.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When managing a client with Benzodiazepine toxicity, the priority action for the healthcare professional is to assess the client. Identifying the client's level of orientation allows the healthcare professional to understand the client's cognitive status, which is crucial for further interventions and decision-making in the care plan. Administering flumazenil (Choice A) may precipitate withdrawal symptoms and should be done cautiously. Infusing IV fluids (Choice C) can be important but is not the priority over assessing the client. Gastric lavage (Choice D) is not typically recommended due to the risk of complications and its limited effectiveness in cases of Benzodiazepine overdose.

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