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. In a routine sputum analysis, which of the following indicates proper nursing action before sputum collection?

• A. Secure a clean container
• B. Discard the container if the outside becomes dirty
• C. Rinse the client's mouth with Listerine before collection
• D. Tell the client that 4 tablespoons of sputum are needed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to secure a clean container before sputum collection. This is essential to prevent contamination of the specimen, ensuring accurate test results and avoiding the introduction of external particles or bacteria. Choice B is incorrect because discarding the container if the outside becomes dirty is not necessary; the cleanliness of the inside is crucial. Choice C is incorrect as rinsing the client's mouth with Listerine before collection may introduce unwanted substances that can affect the test results. Choice D is incorrect as the amount of sputum required can vary depending on the test, and specifying a specific amount without medical guidance is not appropriate.

3. After a pericardiocentesis, what interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Monitor vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour
• B. Evaluate the client’s cardiac rhythm
• C. Record the amount of fluid removed as output
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After a pericardiocentesis, the nurse should implement multiple interventions to monitor the client's condition closely. Monitoring vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour is crucial to detect any immediate changes that may indicate complications. Evaluating the client's cardiac rhythm is important to identify any arrhythmias that may occur due to the procedure. Recording the amount of fluid removed is essential to calculate fluid balance and ensure accurate monitoring of the client's status. Therefore, all the interventions mentioned are necessary to detect and manage any potential issues post-pericardiocentesis. Choices A, B, and C are all essential components of post-procedural care and should be implemented to ensure the client's safety and well-being.

4. Listed below are five categories that identify the responsibilities of the practical nurse manager in personnel management. Which of these categories is most appropriate for the task 'Conduct physical training'?

• A. Accountability
• B. Personal/professional development
• C. Individual training
• D. Military appearance/physical condition

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Military appearance/physical condition.' The task 'Conduct physical training' aligns with the category of 'Military appearance/physical condition,' as it involves overseeing physical training activities related to maintaining a certain physical standard. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because 'Accountability' pertains to being answerable for one's actions, 'Personal/professional development' focuses on individual growth and learning, and 'Individual training' is specific to training on a personal level, none of which directly relate to the task of conducting physical training in the context of military appearance and physical condition.

5. 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.

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