Nursing Elites

1. A patient asks the nurse why they must have a heparin injection. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Heparin will dissolve clots that you have.
• B. Heparin will reduce the platelets that make your blood clot.
• C. Heparin will work better than warfarin.
• D. Heparin will prevent new clots from developing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Heparin will prevent new clots from developing.' Heparin is an anticoagulant medication that helps prevent the formation of new blood clots. It does not dissolve existing clots (choice A), reduce platelets (choice B), or necessarily work 'better' than warfarin (choice C) but rather functions differently. The primary action of heparin is to prevent the development of new clots, especially in conditions where clot formation is a concern.

2. A healthcare professional has just received a medication order that is not legible. Which statement best reflects assertive communication?

• A. I cannot give this medication as it is written. I have no idea what you mean.
• B. Would you please clarify what you have written so I am sure I am reading it correctly?
• C. I am having difficulty reading your handwriting. It would save me time if you would be more careful.
• D. Please print in the future so I do not have to spend extra time attempting to read your writing.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Assertive communication respects the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Choice B is the best example of assertive communication in this scenario. It addresses the issue directly by requesting clarification without blaming or devaluing the prescriber. This approach shows concern for safe practice and acknowledges the importance of clear communication in healthcare. Choices A, C, and D either involve self-depreciation, blaming the prescriber, or making demands without a respectful request for clarification, making them less effective in promoting effective communication and safe patient care.

3. The parents of a newborn have been told that their child was born with bladder exstrophy, and the parents ask the nurse about this condition. Which explanation, given by the parents, indicates understanding of this condition?

• A. ''It's a hereditary disorder that occurs in every other generation.''
• B. ''It is caused by the use of medications taken by the mother during pregnancy.''
• C. ''It is a condition in which the urinary bladder is abnormally located in the pelvic cavity.''
• D. ''It's an extrusion of the urinary bladder to the outside of the body through a defect in the lower abdominal wall.''

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bladder exstrophy is a congenital anomaly characterized by the extrusion of the urinary bladder to the outside of the body through a defect in the lower abdominal wall. The cause of bladder exstrophy is not precisely known, but it is believed to be due to a developmental abnormality during embryogenesis. The condition is more common in male newborns. Choice A is incorrect as bladder exstrophy is not a hereditary disorder that occurs in every other generation. Choice B is incorrect as bladder exstrophy is not caused by medications taken by the mother during pregnancy. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the condition inaccurately; it is not just an abnormal location of the bladder in the pelvic cavity, but rather an extrusion of the bladder outside the body through a defect in the lower abdominal wall.

4. Clinical manifestations of asthma include:

• A. Decreased expiratory time
• B. Increased peak expiratory flow
• C. Increased use of accessory muscles
• D. Increased oxygen saturation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Clinical manifestations of asthma include increased use of accessory muscles, increased expiratory time, increased peak expiratory flow, and decreased oxygen saturation. Choice A, 'Decreased expiratory time,' is incorrect because asthma typically presents with increased expiratory time due to airway obstruction. Choice B, 'Increased peak expiratory flow,' is incorrect as asthma commonly leads to decreased peak expiratory flow due to airway constriction. Choice D, 'Increased oxygen saturation,' is incorrect because asthma exacerbations often result in decreased oxygen saturation levels.

5. Which question should the nurse ask the parents of a child suspected of having glomerulonephritis?

• A. Did your child fall off a bike onto the handlebars?
• B. Has the child had persistent nausea and vomiting?
• C. Has the child been itching or had a rash anytime in the last week?
• D. Has the child had a sore throat or a throat infection in the last few weeks?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Glomerulonephritis refers to a group of kidney disorders characterized by inflammatory injury in the glomerulus. Group A ?-hemolytic streptococcal infection is a common cause of glomerulonephritis. Children with glomerulonephritis often develop symptoms after a throat infection caused by streptococcal bacteria. Therefore, asking about a sore throat or throat infection in the last few weeks is crucial to assess the possible link to glomerulonephritis. Choices A, B, and C are not directly associated with the pathophysiology of glomerulonephritis. Asking about falling off a bike, nausea and vomiting, or itching and rash do not provide relevant information for assessing glomerulonephritis in this context.

Similar Questions