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 system used at the division level and forward is comprised of six basic modules. Which module is staffed with two surgeons, two nurse anesthetists, a medical/surgical nurse, two operating room specialists, and two practical nurses?

• A. Treatment squad
• B. Area support squad
• C. Medical service squad
• D. Forward surgical team

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Forward Surgical Team (FST). The FST is indeed staffed with two surgeons, two nurse anesthetists, a medical/surgical nurse, two operating room specialists, and two practical nurses. This team is specifically trained and equipped to provide surgical intervention in austere environments where immediate medical care is needed. Choices A, B, and C do not match the personnel composition described in the question, making them incorrect. The Treatment squad typically focuses on patient care and recovery, the Area support squad provides logistical and administrative support, and the Medical service squad deals with broader medical services beyond surgical interventions.

3. The nurse is preparing to assist in examining a Hispanic child who was brought to the clinic by the mother. During the assessment of the child, the nurse should take which action(s)?

• A. Building rapport with the child
• B. Taking the child’s temperature
• C. A, D
• D. Obtaining an interpreter if necessary

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Building rapport with the child is essential to establish trust and cooperation during the assessment. Admiring the child may not be appropriate in a professional setting and might not contribute significantly to the assessment. Taking the child's temperature is a routine part of the assessment but may not be the most critical action in this scenario. Obtaining an interpreter is crucial to ensure effective communication between the healthcare team and the child and their mother, especially considering potential language barriers.

4. In patients with heart failure, which type of diet is most recommended?

• A. High-sodium
• B. Low-sodium
• C. High-fat
• D. Low-carbohydrate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low-sodium diet is most recommended for patients with heart failure. This type of diet helps manage fluid retention by reducing the amount of sodium in the body, which in turn decreases the workload on the heart. High-sodium diets can lead to fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms. High-fat and low-carbohydrate diets are not specifically recommended for heart failure patients as the focus is primarily on controlling sodium intake.

5. Which of the following describes a process of heat loss involving the transfer of heat from one surface to another?

• A. Radiation
• B. Conduction
• C. Convection
• D. Evaporation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Conduction is the process of heat transfer that occurs between objects or substances that are in direct contact with each other. In this process, heat is transferred from a hotter surface to a cooler surface through direct contact. This type of heat transfer does not involve the movement of the substances themselves, only the transfer of thermal energy. Choice A, Radiation, is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves and does not require a medium. Choice C, Convection, involves the transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) due to density differences. Choice D, Evaporation, is a cooling process that involves the transformation of a liquid into a gas, absorbing heat in the process.

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