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. Which of the following is a nonmedical member of a unit who receives additional training in providing care beyond basic first aid procedures?

• A. Area support squad leader
• B. ATLS specialist
• C. Tactical lifesaver
• D. Combat lifesaver

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Combat lifesaver. A Combat Lifesaver is a nonmedical member of a unit who receives specialized training in advanced first aid procedures, beyond basic first aid care. This training equips them to provide crucial medical assistance in emergency situations where immediate medical personnel may not be available. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not specifically refer to nonmedical members trained in advanced first aid care beyond basic procedures.

3. 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.

4. What is the mission of the Army Medical Department?

• A. Ensure that each soldier receives a physical examination annually
• B. Deliver healthcare to regions of the U.S. designated as disaster areas by the President
• C. Maintain the health of the Army and preserve its combat effectiveness
• D. Offer medical, dental, and veterinary education and training

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Maintain the health of the Army and preserve its combat effectiveness.' This mission statement reflects the primary goal of the Army Medical Department, which is to ensure that military personnel remain healthy and fit for duty to preserve the Army's fighting strength. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not capture the core purpose of the Army Medical Department, which is focused on the health and readiness of the military forces, rather than performing annual physical examinations, responding to disasters, or providing education and training.

5. When does the nurse act as a client advocate?

• A. Pulling the curtain around the client's bed while changing a dressing
• B. Contacting the health care provider to request a meeting for the client
• C. Ensuring access to medical information by appropriate personnel only
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'All of the above.' Acting as a client advocate involves various actions to protect the client's rights and well-being. Pulling the curtain around the client's bed while changing a dressing ensures privacy and dignity. Contacting the health care provider to request a meeting for the client facilitates communication and addresses the client's needs. Ensuring access to medical information by appropriate personnel only safeguards the client's confidentiality and privacy. Therefore, all the actions mentioned in choices A, B, and C are examples of a nurse acting as a client advocate, making D the correct answer.

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