Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is receiving warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. International normalized ratio (INR) of 2.5
• B. Platelet count of 180,000/mm³
• C. Prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds
• D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 30 seconds

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A prothrombin time (PT) of 12 seconds is below the therapeutic range for warfarin and indicates a need for dosage adjustment. The correct answer is C. A normal International normalized ratio (INR) for a client on warfarin therapy is usually between 2.0 to 3.0; therefore, an INR of 2.5 is within the expected range. A platelet count of 180,000/mm³ is within the normal range (150,000 to 450,000/mm³) and does not require immediate reporting. A partial thromboplastin time (PTT) of 30 seconds is also within the normal range (25-35 seconds) and does not indicate a need for urgent action.

2. A client receiving IV fluids has developed phlebitis. What action should the nurse take next after removing the IV catheter?

• A. Place a warm compress over the IV site
• B. Record the findings in the client's chart
• C. Notify the client's primary care provider
• D. Insert a new IV catheter

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After removing an IV catheter due to phlebitis, the next step is to apply a warm compress over the IV site. This helps reduce inflammation and discomfort for the client. Recording the findings in the client's chart is important for documentation purposes but not the immediate next step. Notifying the client's primary care provider may be necessary depending on the severity of the phlebitis, but it is not the initial action. Inserting a new IV catheter is not appropriate until the phlebitis has resolved.

3. When providing family education for those who have a relative with Alzheimer's disease about minimizing stress, which of the following suggestions is most relevant?

• A. Allow the client to rest four to five times during the day
• B. Assess the cognitive functioning of the client regularly
• C. Provide reality orientation even if the memory loss is severe
• D. Maintain consistency in environment, routine, and caregivers

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most relevant suggestion for minimizing stress in individuals with Alzheimer's disease is to maintain consistency in the environment, routine, and caregivers. This approach helps create a sense of familiarity and security for the individual, reducing stress and anxiety. Choice A is incorrect as it suggests allowing the client to go to bed multiple times during the day, which may disrupt their routine and lead to confusion. Choice B is incorrect as continuously testing cognitive functioning can be overwhelming and stressful for the individual. Choice C is also incorrect as providing reality orientation in cases of severe memory loss can cause frustration and confusion, ultimately increasing stress levels.

4. A client with dementia is at risk of falling. What is the best intervention to prevent injury?

• A. Place the client in a room close to the nurses' station
• B. Use a bed exit alarm
• C. Encourage family members to stay with the client at all times
• D. Raise all four side rails

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a bed exit alarm is the best intervention to prevent injury in a client with dementia at risk of falling. This device alerts staff when the client attempts to leave the bed, allowing for timely assistance and reducing the risk of falls. Placing the client in a room close to the nurses' station may help with supervision but does not provide immediate alerts like a bed exit alarm. Encouraging family members to stay with the client at all times may not be feasible, and raising all four side rails can lead to restraint issues and is not recommended unless necessary for the client's safety.

5. What are the nursing considerations when administering blood products?

• A. Monitor vital signs and check for allergic reactions
• B. Verify blood type and compatibility before transfusion
• C. Monitor for signs of infection and sepsis
• D. Ensure consent is signed and prepare for possible reaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor vital signs and check for allergic reactions. When administering blood products, monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature is crucial to detect any adverse reactions promptly. Checking for allergic reactions, such as hives, itching, or difficulty breathing, is essential to ensure patient safety. Choice B is incorrect because verifying blood type and compatibility is typically done by the laboratory before the blood is issued for transfusion. Choice C is not a direct nursing consideration during the administration of blood products. While monitoring for signs of infection and sepsis is important in general patient care, it is not specific to blood transfusions. Choice D is also incorrect as ensuring consent is signed and preparing for possible reactions are important but do not directly relate to the immediate nursing considerations during blood product administration.

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