Nursing Elites

1. The client on clopidogrel (Plavix) should be monitored for which adverse effect?

• A. Bleeding
• B. Hypertension
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! Clopidogrel (Plavix) is an antiplatelet medication that helps prevent blood clots. As a side effect, it can increase the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, blood in urine or stools, or prolonged bleeding from cuts, is crucial. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as hypertension, tachycardia, and bradycardia are not typically associated with clopidogrel use.

2. The client on atorvastatin (Lipitor) should be advised to report which of the following symptoms?

• A. Muscle pain
• B. Headache
• C. Nausea
• D. Dizziness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle pain. Muscle pain can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly and release their contents into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Headache, nausea, and dizziness are not commonly associated with atorvastatin use and are less likely to indicate a serious adverse reaction compared to muscle pain.

3. What is a blood clot that forms in a vein, often in the legs, and can cause serious complications if it travels to the lungs?

• A. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
• B. Pulmonary embolism
• C. Varicose veins
• D. Atherosclerosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs, and can lead to serious complications if it breaks loose and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Varicose veins (choice C) are enlarged, twisted veins usually found in the legs but are not related to blood clots. Atherosclerosis (choice D) is a condition where arteries become narrowed and hardened due to a buildup of plaque, not directly related to blood clots.

4. What is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease?

• A. Cor pulmonale
• B. Heart failure
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Myocarditis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cor pulmonale is the correct answer. It is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by chronic lung disease such as COPD. Pulmonary embolism (choice C) is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in your lungs. Myocarditis (choice D) is inflammation of the heart muscle. While heart failure (choice B) is a broad term that can involve the failure of either the right or left side of the heart.

5. The nurse is caring for a client on heparin. What is the most important lab value to monitor?

• A. aPTT
• B. INR
• C. Platelet count
• D. Hemoglobin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: aPTT. When a client is on heparin therapy, monitoring the aPTT is crucial. The aPTT helps assess the effectiveness of heparin in preventing blood clots and guides dose adjustments as needed. INR (Choice B) is more commonly used to monitor warfarin therapy. Platelet count (Choice C) is important to assess for potential bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia but is not the primary lab value to monitor for heparin therapy. Hemoglobin (Choice D) is essential for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity but is not the most important lab value to monitor when a client is on heparin.

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