Nursing Elites

1. An elderly female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has increased her daily doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the past month to control joint pain. Based on this client's comment, what previous lab values should the nurse compare with today's lab report?

• A. Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit to assess for dehydration.
• B. Look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage.
• C. Expect to find an increase in today's APTT compared to last quarter's due to bleeding.
• D. Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client increases their daily doses of acetaminophen for joint pain, it raises concerns about possible liver damage due to acetaminophen overdose. LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) levels can indicate liver function, so comparing today's levels with previous ones can help assess for liver damage caused by acetaminophen overuse.

2. A 48-year-old woman presents with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. She has a history of ulcerative colitis. Laboratory tests reveal elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Hepatitis B
• B. Primary biliary cirrhosis
• C. Primary sclerosing cholangitis
• D. Autoimmune hepatitis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The combination of symptoms (fatigue, pruritus, jaundice) along with a history of ulcerative colitis and elevated bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels suggests primary sclerosing cholangitis. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease, such as ulcerative colitis. It is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts, leading to cholestasis and elevated alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels.

3. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed dabigatran (Pradaxa). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching?

• A. Take the medication with food to improve absorption.
• B. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
• C. Take the medication at the same time each day.
• D. Increase your intake of high-potassium foods.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include in the client's teaching regarding dabigatran (Pradaxa) is to take the medication at the same time each day. This ensures a consistent blood level and effectiveness of the medication, which is crucial in managing atrial fibrillation and preventing complications. It helps maintain a steady therapeutic effect and reduces the risk of erratic drug levels in the body.

4. What action should the healthcare provider take to reduce the risk of vesicant extravasation in a client receiving intravenous chemotherapy?

• A. Administer an antiemetic before starting the chemotherapy.
• B. Instruct the client to drink plenty of fluids during the treatment.
• C. Keep the head of the bed elevated until the treatment is completed.
• D. Monitor the client's intravenous site hourly during the treatment.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Monitoring the intravenous site hourly is essential to identify early signs of extravasation, such as swelling or pain, which can help prevent tissue damage. Prompt detection allows for immediate intervention, minimizing the risk of serious complications associated with vesicant extravasation.

5. In a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving erythropoietin therapy, what laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy?

• A. Serum creatinine
• B. White blood cell count
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. Serum potassium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hemoglobin level. Erythropoietin therapy is used to stimulate red blood cell production in patients with chronic kidney disease who often develop anemia due to reduced erythropoietin production by the kidneys. Monitoring the hemoglobin level is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy as an increase in hemoglobin indicates improved red blood cell production and better management of anemia in these patients. Serum creatinine, white blood cell count, and serum potassium levels are important parameters to monitor in CKD patients but are not specific indicators of the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy for managing anemia.

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