Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 17-month-old child with acetaminophen poisoning. Which laboratory reports should the nurse review first?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• B. Red blood cell and white blood cell counts
• C. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels
• D. Liver enzymes (AST and ALT)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In acetaminophen poisoning, liver damage is a significant concern due to the drug's metabolism in the liver. Monitoring liver enzymes such as AST and ALT is crucial as they indicate liver function and damage. Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (Choice A) are coagulation studies and are not the priority in acetaminophen poisoning. Red blood cell and white blood cell counts (Choice B) are not directly related to acetaminophen poisoning. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels (Choice C) assess kidney function, but liver enzymes are more specific for evaluating liver damage in acetaminophen poisoning.

2. When reviewing car seat use with the parents of a 1-month-old infant, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use a car seat that has a three-point harness system.
• B. Position the car seat so that the infant is rear-facing.
• C. Secure the car seat in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
• D. Convert to a booster seat after 12 months.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for car seat use with a 1-month-old infant is to position the car seat so that the infant is rear-facing. This orientation provides the safest option for infants as it supports their head, neck, and spine. While using a car seat with a three-point harness system is appropriate for infants, placing the car seat in the front passenger seat is not recommended due to the presence of airbags, which can pose a risk to the infant in the event of deployment. Additionally, transitioning to a booster seat is not suitable at 12 months; infants should remain in rear-facing car seats until they outgrow the seat's height or weight limits, typically around 2 years of age.

3. A client has a new cast on the left arm, and the nurse is assessing the client. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

• A. Increased warmth in the affected arm
• B. Itching under the cast
• C. Pain with passive movement
• D. Drainage on the cast

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pain with passive movement. Pain with passive movement in a client with a new cast can indicate compartment syndrome, a serious condition where pressure builds up within the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the affected limb, potentially leading to tissue damage. Immediate reporting is crucial to prevent further complications. Increased warmth in the affected arm could be a normal inflammatory response to the injury and casting process. Itching under the cast is common and can be managed without immediate concern. Drainage on the cast may be expected initially after casting due to residual moisture from the setting process, but ongoing or excessive drainage should be monitored and reported if persistent.

4. The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has been prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will avoid eating foods high in vitamin K.
• B. I will take my medication at the same time every day.
• C. I will use a soft toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding.
• D. I can take aspirin if I have a headache.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'I can take aspirin if I have a headache.' This statement indicates a need for further teaching because aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding in clients taking warfarin. Clients on warfarin therapy should avoid taking aspirin or other medications that increase the risk of bleeding. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements that show understanding of warfarin therapy, such as the importance of avoiding foods high in vitamin K, taking medication consistently, and using a soft toothbrush to prevent gum bleeding.

5. An adolescent client in an outpatient mental health facility tells the nurse that it is hard to follow his treatment plans because his friends discourage him. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Ask, 'Tell me more about how your friends discourage you.'
• B. Say, 'Your friends should support you, not discourage you.'
• C. Respond, 'It sounds like your friends are not supportive.'
• D. Suggest, 'You need to focus on your treatment plans regardless of your friends.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct approach for the nurse is to ask the client to elaborate on how their friends discourage them. By doing so, the nurse shows empathy, encourages the client to express their feelings, and gains insight into the situation. This open-ended question can help the nurse understand the specific issues the client is facing and work towards finding solutions collaboratively. Choices B, C, and D do not effectively address the client's concerns or encourage further discussion. Choice B is directive and may come off as judgmental, choice C assumes the friends are not supportive without exploring further, and choice D dismisses the client's feelings and the impact of peer influence.

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