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 is being taught about prescribed asthma medications. Which of the following medications should the client use for treatment of an acute asthma attack?

• A. Beclomethasone
• B. Salmeterol
• C. Albuterol
• D. Montelukast

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Albuterol is the correct choice for treating acute asthma attacks because it is a short-acting bronchodilator that provides quick relief by relaxing the muscles in the airways. Beclomethasone (choice A) and Salmeterol (choice B) are long-acting medications used for controlling and preventing asthma symptoms but are not for immediate relief during an acute attack. Montelukast (choice D) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for asthma maintenance therapy and not for acute asthma attacks.

3. What are the signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome, and how should they be managed?

• A. Weight gain, moon face; administer corticosteroids
• B. Hirsutism and thin extremities; manage with diuretics
• C. Purple striae, muscle weakness; provide dietary counseling
• D. Hypertension and bruising; manage with fluid restriction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs and symptoms of Cushing's syndrome are weight gain and a moon face. Corticosteroids are used to manage Cushing's syndrome by reducing the overproduction of cortisol. Choice B is incorrect because hirsutism and thin extremities are not typical signs of Cushing's syndrome. Choice C is incorrect as purple striae and muscle weakness are more characteristic of the syndrome. Choice D is also incorrect as hypertension and bruising are not primary signs of Cushing's syndrome.

4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about cane use for a client with left-leg weakness. What should the nurse instruct the client to do?

• A. Use the cane on the weak side
• B. Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times
• C. Advance the cane 30 to 45 cm with each step
• D. Advance the cane and the strong leg simultaneously

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain two points of support on the ground at all times. When using a cane for left-leg weakness, the client should hold the cane in the right hand and advance the cane and the weak leg simultaneously. This technique provides the necessary support and stability. Option A is incorrect because the cane should be used on the side opposite the weakness to provide support. Option C is incorrect as advancing the cane too far with each step may cause the client to lose balance. Option D is incorrect because advancing the cane and the strong leg simultaneously does not provide the needed support for the weakened leg.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and frequently gets out of bed unsupervised. What is the best intervention to prevent falls?

• A. Place a bed exit alarm
• B. Use restraints to prevent the client from getting out of bed
• C. Ask the client's family to stay at the bedside
• D. Encourage frequent ambulation with assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best intervention to prevent falls in a client with dementia who gets out of bed unsupervised is to place a bed exit alarm. This device alerts staff when the client attempts to leave the bed, allowing timely intervention to reduce the risk of falls. Using restraints (choice B) can lead to physical and psychological harm and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Asking the client's family to stay at the bedside (choice C) may not be feasible at all times and does not provide a continuous monitoring solution. Encouraging frequent ambulation with assistance (choice D) is beneficial for mobility but may not address the immediate risk of falls associated with unsupervised bed exits.

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