Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who was admitted for acute kidney injury. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse expect to be elevated?

• A. Creatinine
• B. Magnesium
• C. Hemoglobin
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Creatinine is the correct answer. In acute kidney injury, creatinine levels are expected to be elevated due to impaired renal function. Magnesium, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count are not typically elevated in acute kidney injury. Magnesium levels may be affected in kidney disease, but elevation is not a common finding in acute kidney injury.

2. A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a newly applied cast to the right lower extremity. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Capillary refill of 1 second
• B. Capillary refill of 5 seconds
• C. Pitting edema
• D. Shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse should expect a capillary refill of approximately 2 seconds, as this indicates adequate circulation. A capillary refill longer than 3 seconds suggests impaired circulation, which is abnormal. Therefore, a capillary refill of 5 seconds is the finding the nurse should expect. Pitting edema and shortness of breath are not typically directly related to a newly applied cast and should not be expected findings in this scenario.

3. 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.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the first step?

• A. Administer the blood through an IV push
• B. Verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product
• C. Ensure the client has eaten before the transfusion
• D. Administer a diuretic before starting the transfusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step before administering a blood transfusion is to verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product. This step is crucial to prevent transfusion reactions due to incompatibility. Choice A is incorrect because blood should not be administered through an IV push for a blood transfusion. Choice C is incorrect because it is not necessary for the client to eat before a blood transfusion. Choice D is incorrect because administering a diuretic is not a standard practice before starting a blood transfusion.

5. When caring for a client with a wound infection, what is the most important nursing action?

• A. Change the dressing every 4 hours
• B. Perform a wound culture before administering antibiotics
• C. Cleanse the wound with alcohol-based solutions
• D. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing to the wound

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing a wound culture before administering antibiotics is crucial in identifying the specific infecting organism and choosing the most effective antibiotic treatment. Changing the dressing every 4 hours (choice A) may be too frequent and can disrupt the wound healing process. Cleansing the wound with alcohol-based solutions (choice C) can be too harsh and may delay healing. Applying a wet-to-dry dressing (choice D) can cause trauma to the wound bed and is not recommended for infected wounds.

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