Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is to administer a unit of whole blood to a postoperative client. What does the nurse do to ensure the safety of the blood transfusion?

• A. Asks the client to both say and spell their full name before starting the blood transfusion
• B. Ensures that another qualified healthcare professional checks the unit before administering
• C. Checks the blood identification numbers with the laboratory technician at the Blood Bank at the time it is dispersed
• D. Ensures that all staff wear appropriate personal protective equipment during the transfusion process

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Ensuring the safety of a blood transfusion is crucial to prevent potential errors or adverse reactions. Checking the blood identification numbers with the laboratory technician at the Blood Bank when the blood is dispersed helps confirm that the correct blood product is being administered to the right patient, reducing the risk of transfusion reactions. The other choices are incorrect because asking the client to say and spell their full name (Choice A) is a part of the identification process but not specific to ensuring the safety of the blood transfusion. While having another qualified healthcare professional check the unit (Choice B) is a good practice, the direct verification with the Blood Bank technician is a more critical step in ensuring the correct blood product is administered. Choice D is irrelevant to ensuring the safety of the blood transfusion as it addresses infection control measures.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client before surgery. Which assessments contraindicate the client from having surgery as scheduled? (Select one that does not apply.)

• A. Potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L
• B. International normalized ratio (INR) of 4
• C. Prothrombin time (PT) of 30 seconds
• D. Positive pregnancy test

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Prothrombin time (PT) of 30 seconds. A low potassium level (choice A) and an elevated INR (choice B) indicate potential bleeding risks during surgery. A positive pregnancy test (choice D) in a female client can lead to complications during surgery. However, a Prothrombin time of 30 seconds is within the normal range and does not contraindicate the client from having surgery as scheduled.

3. A nurse is caring for several clients with dehydration. The nurse assesses the client with which finding as needing oxygen therapy?

• A. Tenting of skin on the back of the hand
• B. Increased urine osmolarity
• C. Weight loss of 10 pounds
• D. Pulse rate of 115 beats/min

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the pulse rate of 115 beats/min. A rapid pulse rate is a sign of compensatory mechanisms in response to dehydration, indicating that the body is trying to deliver oxygen more efficiently. Oxygen therapy may be needed to support the increased oxygen demand. Tenting of skin on the back of the hand is a classic sign of dehydration due to decreased skin turgor. Increased urine osmolarity and weight loss are also indicators of dehydration, but they do not directly suggest a need for oxygen therapy.

4. While taking the history of an older adult client, which assessment finding alerts the nurse that the client needs further assessment for fluid or electrolyte imbalance?

• A. "I am often cold and need to wear a sweater."?
• B. "I seem to urinate more when I drink coffee."?
• C. "In the summer, I feel thirsty more often."?
• D. "My rings seem to be tighter this week."?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'My rings seem to be tighter this week.' This assessment finding indicates possible fluid retention, which can be a sign of fluid or electrolyte imbalance in an older adult. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically point towards fluid or electrolyte imbalance. Feeling cold, increased urination with coffee consumption, and feeling thirsty in the summer are not direct indicators of fluid or electrolyte imbalance in this context.

5. When the client finds antiembolism stockings uncomfortably tight, what is the nurse's best action?

• A. Remove the stockings for an hour to relieve the pressure
• B. Pull the stockings down so that they are not constricting
• C. Measure the client's calf to ensure that they are the correct size
• D. Teach the client the purpose of wearing the stockings

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client finds antiembolism stockings uncomfortably tight is to teach the client the purpose of wearing the stockings. This educates the client on the importance of the stockings in preventing blood clots and encourages compliance. Removing the stockings or pulling them down may compromise their effectiveness. Measuring the client's calf size is not necessary in this situation as the discomfort is due to tightness, not incorrect sizing.

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