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. Protecting the rights and privacy of the patient and their family is a 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: C

Rationale: In nursing care, implementation involves putting the nursing care plan into action. This step includes safeguarding the rights and privacy of the patient and their family by providing care in a respectful and confidential manner. Evaluation (A) is about assessing the effectiveness of the care provided. Planning (B) is the stage where specific interventions are designed. Assessment (D) is the initial step where data is collected to identify the patient's needs.

3. The unlicensed nursing assistant is applying elastic compression stockings to the client. Which action by the assistant warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. The assistant is putting the stockings on while the client is in the chair
• B. The assistant inserted two (2) fingers under the proximal end of the stocking
• C. The assistant elevated the feet while lying down to put on the stockings
• D. The assistant made sure the toes were warm after putting the stockings on

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Compression stockings should be applied while the client is lying down to prevent pooling of blood in the legs, which can occur when the client is sitting or standing. Choice B is incorrect as inserting two fingers under the proximal end of the stocking helps ensure proper fit. Choice C is incorrect as elevating the feet while lying down is a correct technique for applying compression stockings. Choice D is incorrect as ensuring the toes are warm after putting the stockings on is a good practice for client comfort.

4. Under what circumstances can personal health information be disclosed?

• A. Compliance with legal proceedings
• B. For research purposes in limited circumstances
• C. To a family member or significant other in an emergency
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Personal health information can be disclosed under specific circumstances such as compliance with legal proceedings, for research purposes in limited situations, and to a family member or significant other in emergencies. Choice D, 'All of the above,' is the correct answer because it encompasses all the situations where disclosure of personal health information is permissible. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they represent individual scenarios where disclosure can occur, but the comprehensive answer is that personal health information can be disclosed in all these situations, not just one or two.

5. The two members of the health care team who work closely to monitor drug-nutrient interactions are:

• A. Physician and nurse
• B. Physician and pharmacist
• C. Nurse and clinical dietitian
• D. Clinical dietitian and pharmacist

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clinical dietitians and pharmacists work together to manage drug-nutrient interactions. They have the expertise to understand how medications and nutrients can interact in the body, potentially affecting the effectiveness of treatment. Physicians and nurses may be involved in patient care, but when it comes to monitoring drug-nutrient interactions, the specialized knowledge of clinical dietitians and pharmacists is crucial. Nurses and physicians typically focus more on administering medications and managing overall patient care, rather than the specific interactions between drugs and nutrients.

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