Nursing Elites

1. A client is receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse expect to be ordered to monitor the effect of warfarin?

• A. Platelet count
• B. International normalized ratio (INR)
• C. Prothrombin time (PT)
• D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: International normalized ratio (INR). When a client is on warfarin therapy, the INR is monitored regularly to assess the anticoagulant effects of the medication. A therapeutic INR range for most indications is between 2.0 to 3.0. Choices A, C, and D are not typically used to monitor the effect of warfarin. Platelet count assesses the number of platelets in the blood, PT measures the clotting time of plasma, and PTT evaluates the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who wears glasses. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Store the glasses in a labeled case.
• B. Clean the glasses with hot water.
• C. Clean the glasses with a paper towel.
• D. Store the glasses on the bedside table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to store the glasses in a labeled case. This helps prevent damage and loss of the glasses, ensuring they are kept safe when not in use. Cleaning the glasses with hot water (choice B) can damage the lenses or frames, while cleaning with a paper towel (choice C) might lead to scratches. Storing the glasses on the bedside table (choice D) increases the risk of misplacement or damage.

3. A client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. ''I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.''
• B. ''I will take this medication with an antacid.''
• C. ''I should avoid eating foods that contain iodine.''
• D. ''You should store this medication in the refrigerator.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: ''I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.'' Levothyroxine is a lifelong medication for clients with hypothyroidism and should be taken as prescribed. Choice B is incorrect because levothyroxine should not be taken with antacids as they can interfere with its absorption. Choice C is incorrect as iodine-containing foods do not need to be avoided with levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect because levothyroxine should be stored at room temperature, not in the refrigerator.

4. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L
• B. Blood pressure 136/84 mm Hg
• C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of normal and should be monitored closely in clients taking spironolactone, which is potassium-sparing. Elevated potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, especially in individuals on potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone. Monitoring and reporting high potassium levels are crucial to prevent potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Blood pressure (choice B), sodium level (choice C), and calcium level (choice D) are not directly related to the use of spironolactone and do not require immediate reporting in this scenario.

5. A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply a tourniquet above the insertion site
• B. Shave the area around the insertion site
• C. Insert the catheter at a 15-degree angle
• D. Use an 18-gauge needle for insertion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert the catheter at a 15-degree angle. This angle allows for easier venous access by ensuring proper catheter placement into the vein. Applying a tourniquet above the insertion site can help distend the vein for better visualization but is not the immediate action required for the insertion process. Shaving the area around the insertion site is not necessary unless there is excessive hair that may interfere with the insertion. Using an 18-gauge needle for insertion is a specific detail related to the equipment rather than the technique of insertion.

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