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. A patient with hypothyroidism should be advised to consume more of which nutrient?

• A. Calcium
• B. Iodine
• C. Vitamin C
• D. Iron

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Iodine. Iodine is crucial for the production of thyroid hormones. A deficiency in iodine can lead to hypothyroidism. Calcium (Choice A) is important for bone health but is not directly related to thyroid function. Vitamin C (Choice C) is essential for the immune system and skin health but does not play a significant role in thyroid function. Iron (Choice D) is vital for red blood cell production and oxygen transport but is not specifically relevant to hypothyroidism.

3. When measuring the leg circumference of a client with bipedal edema, what position is best to ensure accurate measurements?

• A. Dorsal recumbent
• B. Sitting
• C. Standing
• D. Supine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When measuring the leg circumference of a client with bipedal edema, the best position to ensure accurate and consistent measurements is the dorsal recumbent position. This position allows the legs to be positioned comfortably, and the individual is lying on their back with legs extended, facilitating accurate measurement of the circumference without the influence of gravity. Sitting, standing, and supine positions may not provide optimal conditions for accurate leg circumference measurements, particularly in clients with bipedal edema where positioning and consistency are crucial. Sitting and standing positions may not allow for consistent leg positioning and could introduce errors due to the effects of gravity on the fluid distribution. The supine position, while similar to dorsal recumbent, may not be as comfortable for the client and could still be influenced by gravity when measuring leg circumference.

4. Which drugs may cause weight gain?

• A. Amphetamines
• B. Steroids
• C. Antibiotics
• D. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Steroids are known to cause weight gain as a side effect. Amphetamines, antibiotics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not typically associated with weight gain. Amphetamines are more likely to cause weight loss due to their stimulant effects, antibiotics are not commonly linked to weight gain, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs usually do not lead to significant weight changes.

5. 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.

Similar Questions