Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The nurse enters a client’s room and the client is demanding release from the hospital. The nurse reviews the client’s record and noted that the client was admitted 2 days ago for treatment of an anxiety disorder, and the admission was voluntary. Which intervention should the nurse initiate first?

• A. Telephone the client’s family and have them persuade the client to stay
• B. Have the client read and sign all the appropriate self-discharge papers
• C. Explain to the client that he cannot leave because he asked for treatment
• D. Notify the client’s healthcare provider of the client’s stated intent to leave the hospital

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for the nurse to initiate first is to notify the client’s healthcare provider of the client’s stated intent to leave the hospital. This action is crucial as it ensures that the client’s care and safety are appropriately managed. Option A is not the best choice as involving the family to persuade the client may not address the client's underlying concerns. Option B is incorrect because having the client sign self-discharge papers without further assessment is not appropriate. Option C is also incorrect as the client's request for treatment does not prevent them from leaving if they are deemed competent to make that decision.

3. 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.

4. Who typically collects blood specimens?

• A. The nurse
• B. Medical technologist
• C. Physician
• D. Phlebotomist

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Nurses typically collect blood specimens from patients as part of their everyday duties in medical settings. They are trained in venipuncture techniques and are responsible for ensuring that blood samples are properly obtained and labeled for diagnostic testing. Medical technologists process and analyze the blood specimens in the laboratory under the direction of a physician. Physicians are not commonly involved in the direct collection of blood specimens. While phlebotomists are specialized professionals trained to draw blood, in many medical settings, nurses perform this task as part of their responsibilities.

5. Which lipoprotein carries cholesterol from tissues to the liver for excretion?

• A. Very low-density lipoprotein
• B. Intermediate-density lipoprotein
• C. Low-density lipoprotein
• D. High-density lipoprotein

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is known as 'good' cholesterol because it helps transport excess cholesterol from tissues back to the liver for removal from the body. Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (choice A) and intermediate-density lipoprotein (choice B) are involved in transporting triglycerides. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (choice C) is known as 'bad' cholesterol as it can deposit cholesterol in the walls of arteries.

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