Nursing Elites

1. The patient is immobilized after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Which finding will alert the nurse to monitor for hemorrhage in this patient?

• A. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions
• B. Low-molecular-weight heparin doses
• C. SCDs wrapped around the legs
• D. Elastic stockings (TED hose)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, which is low-molecular-weight heparin doses. After hip replacement surgery, patients are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin are commonly used for prophylaxis against DVT. Monitoring for hemorrhage is crucial when administering anticoagulants. Choices A, C, and D are not directly related to monitoring for hemorrhage in this scenario. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions (Choice A) may indicate respiratory issues, SCDs (Choice C) help prevent DVT but do not directly relate to hemorrhage monitoring, and elastic stockings (TED hose) (Choice D) are used for DVT prophylaxis but do not alert to hemorrhage.

2. A newly licensed nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client. The nurse notes that the provider has prescribed a medication that is unfamiliar. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Consult the medication reference book available on the unit.
• B. Administer the medication as ordered.
• C. Ask a colleague for information about the medication.
• D. Contact the provider to clarify the medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When encountering an unfamiliar medication, the safest action for a nurse is to consult the medication reference book available on the unit. This resource provides accurate and detailed information about medications, including indications, dosages, side effects, and nursing considerations. Administering a medication without understanding it (choice B) can lead to medication errors and harm to the client. Asking a colleague for information (choice C) may not always provide accurate or up-to-date information. Contacting the provider (choice D) should be reserved for situations where immediate clarification is needed, but consulting the reference book is the initial step to gain knowledge and ensure safe medication administration.

3. A client is scheduled to have his alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level checked. The client asks the nurse to explain the laboratory test. Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. “This test will indicate if you are at risk for developing blood clots.”
• B. “This test will determine if your heart is performing properly.”
• C. “This test will provide information about the function of your liver.”
• D. “This test is used to check how your kidneys are working.”

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: “This test will provide information about the function of your liver.” Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. An elevated ALT level may indicate liver damage or disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because ALT is specifically related to liver function and not indicative of blood clot risk, heart performance, or kidney function.

4. A nurse is preparing to review medication documentation with a group of newly licensed nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse manager plan to include in the teaching?

• A. Use the complete name of the medication magnesium sulfate
• B. Maintain the space between the numerical dose and the unit of measure
• C. Note the dosage of insulin in units
• D. Use 'subcut' for indicating a subcutaneous injection

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices recommends using the complete medication name magnesium sulfate when documenting medications to prevent misinterpretation. Choice B is incorrect because spaces should be maintained between the numerical dose and unit of measure for clarity. Choice C is incorrect as the standard notation for insulin dosage is in units, not using the letter U. Choice D is incorrect as the abbreviation for subcutaneous injection is commonly written as 'subcut' or 'subcutaneous,' not as SC.

5. When caring for a client with diarrhea due to shigellosis, what precautions should the nurse implement?

• A. Wear a gown when caring for the client.
• B. Wear gloves only.
• C. Use standard precautions only.
• D. Wear a mask and face shield.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to wear a gown when caring for the client. Shigellosis is highly contagious, and contact precautions are essential to prevent the spread of infection. Wearing gloves alone may not provide adequate protection as the client's diarrhea can contain infectious pathogens that can easily spread. Standard precautions include hand hygiene, but specific precautions for shigellosis require wearing a gown to protect against contact with infectious material. Wearing a mask and face shield are not necessary for shigellosis, as the primary mode of transmission is through the fecal-oral route, and these precautions are not indicated for this type of transmission.

Similar Questions