Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional monitor a patient receiving IV potassium?

• A. Monitor urine output
• B. Check blood pressure
• C. Monitor IV site
• D. Check respiratory rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is receiving IV potassium, it is crucial to monitor the IV site. Potassium can be irritating to the veins and may cause phlebitis or infiltration. Monitoring the IV site allows early detection of any potential complications. Checking urine output (Choice A) is important to assess kidney function but is not directly related to monitoring IV potassium. Blood pressure (Choice B) and respiratory rate (Choice D) are essential vital signs to monitor in general patient care but are not specific to monitoring IV potassium administration.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will take warfarin every other day.
• B. I will eat more leafy green vegetables while taking warfarin.
• C. I will use a soft toothbrush while taking warfarin.
• D. I will have my INR checked regularly while taking warfarin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Eating more leafy green vegetables can increase vitamin K intake, which may reduce the effectiveness of warfarin. This can lead to fluctuations in the International Normalized Ratio (INR) levels, affecting the medication's efficacy. Choices A, C, and D are correct statements. Taking warfarin every other day, using a soft toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding, and having regular INR checks are all appropriate and important actions when taking warfarin.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

• A. Hemoglobin
• B. aPTT
• C. INR
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: aPTT. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is monitored to assess the therapeutic effect of heparin and to adjust the infusion rate if needed. Monitoring hemoglobin levels (choice A) is important for assessing anemia but is not specific to heparin therapy. INR (choice C) is used to monitor the effects of warfarin, not heparin. Platelet count (choice D) is important to monitor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but aPTT is the primary laboratory value used to monitor heparin therapy.

4. What is the appropriate action when a patient experiences an allergic reaction to a medication?

• A. Administer epinephrine
• B. Discontinue the medication
• C. Administer corticosteroids
• D. Administer antihistamines

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for a severe allergic reaction as it helps to constrict blood vessels, increase heart rate, and open airways, thereby improving breathing and circulation. Discontinuing the medication may not be sufficient to manage a severe allergic reaction as the allergen is already in the patient's system. Corticosteroids and antihistamines can be considered as complementary treatments but are not the primary immediate intervention required for a severe allergic reaction.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Keep the affected leg elevated as needed.
• B. Apply ice packs to the affected knee as prescribed.
• C. Encourage the client to ambulate as soon as possible.
• D. Perform range-of-motion exercises as instructed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging the client to ambulate as soon as possible is essential in preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis post knee arthroplasty. While keeping the affected leg elevated and applying ice packs can be beneficial in certain situations, early ambulation takes precedence in this case. Performing range-of-motion exercises hourly may not be necessary and could potentially cause more harm than good if not done correctly or excessively.

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