Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer packed red blood cells (PRBCs) to a client. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Infuse the PRBCs over 8 hours.
• B. Verify the client's blood type and Rh factor.
• C. Administer the PRBCs through a 24-gauge catheter.
• D. Administer the PRBCs with lactated Ringer's solution.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the client's blood type and Rh factor is crucial before administering blood products to ensure compatibility and prevent adverse reactions. Option A is incorrect because PRBCs are typically infused over a specific time frame based on hospital policy and client condition, not necessarily over 8 hours. Option C is incorrect as PRBCs are usually administered through a larger gauge catheter to prevent hemolysis. Option D is incorrect because PRBCs are typically administered with normal saline and not lactated Ringer's solution.

2. A client who is postoperative following a total hip arthroplasty is at risk for hip dislocation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent this complication?

• A. Position the client supine with a pillow between the legs
• B. Place a pillow under the client's knees
• C. Place an abduction pillow between the client's legs
• D. Place a trochanter roll under the client's legs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: After a total hip arthroplasty, it is crucial to prevent hip dislocation. Placing an abduction pillow between the client's legs helps maintain proper alignment and prevents the hip from dislocating. This position aids in keeping the hip in a neutral or slightly outwardly rotated position, reducing the risk of dislocation. Placing the client supine with a pillow between the legs (Choice A) or using a trochanter roll (Choice D) may not provide the same level of abduction and support needed to prevent hip dislocation. Placing a pillow under the client's knees (Choice B) does not provide the necessary support to maintain proper hip alignment in this situation.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 4 hours postoperative following an open reduction and internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Serous drainage on the dressing
• B. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
• C. Heart rate of 62/min
• D. Left foot is cool to the touch

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A cool left foot indicates impaired circulation, which could be a sign of compartment syndrome or impaired blood flow. This finding should be reported to the provider promptly for further evaluation and intervention. Serous drainage on the dressing is expected postoperatively and is not a concerning finding. A capillary refill of 2 seconds is within the normal range (less than 3 seconds is normal), indicating adequate peripheral perfusion. A heart rate of 62/min is also within the normal range for an adult, suggesting no immediate concern related to the surgery.

4. A client with heart failure is receiving digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 78/min.
• B. Vision changes.
• C. Respiratory rate of 16/min.
• D. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vision changes. Vision changes are a classic sign of digoxin toxicity and should be reported immediately to the provider for further evaluation and management. A heart rate of 78/min, a respiratory rate of 16/min, and a blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg are within normal ranges and are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Therefore, they would not be the priority findings to report in this situation.

5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Take this medication in the morning to prevent insomnia.
• C. You may experience weight gain while taking this medication.
• D. You should avoid eating foods that contain iodine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Instructing the client to take levothyroxine in the morning is important to prevent insomnia, a common side effect of this medication. Choice A is incorrect as levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is inaccurate because weight loss, not weight gain, is a potential side effect of levothyroxine. Choice D is not necessary as clients do not need to avoid foods containing iodine while taking levothyroxine.

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