Nursing Elites

1. Six hours after major abdominal surgery, a male client complains of severe abdominal pain; is pale and perspiring; has a thready, rapid pulse; and states he feels faint. The nurse checks the client’s medication administration record and determines that the client receives another injection of pain medication in an hour. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?

• A. Explain to the client that it is too early to have an injection for pain
• B. Call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders
• C. Reposition the client for greater comfort and turn on the television as a distraction
• D. Prepare the injection and administer it to the client early because of the severe pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to call the practitioner, report the client’s symptoms, and obtain further orders. The client's symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, pallor, perspiration, thready rapid pulse, and feeling faint, are indicative of potential complications like internal bleeding, which require immediate medical evaluation. Explaining to the client that it is too early for pain medication or repositioning the client for comfort are not appropriate actions given the severity of the symptoms. Administering the injection early without consulting the practitioner can be dangerous and may worsen the client's condition.

2. What is the combat health support system in the field designed to do?

• A. Provide evacuation to the far rear for treatment and delay return to duty
• B. Project, sustain, and protect the health of the soldier in war and operations other than war
• C. Provide rearward evacuation and reassignment
• D. Provide far rear area care and delayed return to duty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The combat health support system in the field is primarily designed to project, sustain, and protect the health of soldiers during war and other operations. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses solely on evacuation and delaying return to duty, missing the broader scope of health support. Choice C is incorrect as it only mentions rearward evacuation and reassignment, which is not the sole purpose of the combat health support system. Choice D is also incorrect as it emphasizes far rear area care and delayed return to duty, neglecting the comprehensive nature of health support in combat situations.

3. Participating in the development of long-term and preventive health goals with the patient and their family is part of which of the following steps for determining and fulfilling the nursing care needs of the patient?

• A. Evaluation
• B. Planning
• C. Implementation
• D. Assessment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Planning. Planning in nursing care involves setting long-term and preventive goals for the patient in collaboration with the patient and their family. This step ensures that a comprehensive and individualized care plan is developed. Choice A, Evaluation, comes after the interventions have been implemented to assess their effectiveness. Choice C, Implementation, is the step where the care plan is put into action. Choice D, Assessment, is the initial step that involves collecting data to identify the patient's needs, which is done before planning the care.

4. The client diagnosed with acute vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin drip, an intravenous anticoagulant. The health care provider orders warfarin (Coumadin), an oral anticoagulant. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the heparin drip prior to initiating the Coumadin
• B. Check the client’s INR prior to beginning Coumadin
• C. Clarify the order with the health care provider as soon as possible
• D. Administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered. Heparin and warfarin are often given together initially because warfarin takes a few days to become effective. Discontinuing the heparin drip prior to initiating Coumadin could leave the patient without anticoagulation coverage during the period when warfarin's effects are not yet established. Checking the client's INR prior to beginning Coumadin is important but not the immediate action to take when both medications are ordered together. Clarifying the order with the health care provider is unnecessary in this scenario as it is common practice to give heparin and warfarin concurrently in the transition period.

5. Which of the following statements does NOT apply to a nursing plan of care?

• A. It contains short-term goals
• B. It is developed by the patient's physician
• C. It must be continually evaluated
• D. It contains long-range goals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A nursing plan of care is developed by the nursing staff, not the patient's physician. Choice A is correct as nursing plans of care typically include short-term goals to address immediate patient needs. Choice C is correct because nursing plans of care must be continually evaluated and adjusted based on the patient's progress. Choice D is incorrect as nursing plans of care can include both short-term and long-range goals to address the patient's overall health and well-being.

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