Nursing Elites

1. The physician orders a maintenance dose of 5,000 units of subcutaneous heparin (an anticoagulant) daily. Nursing responsibilities for Mrs. Mitchell now include:

• A. Reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time.
• B. Reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician
• C. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a physician orders a maintenance dose of subcutaneous heparin, nursing responsibilities include reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time to monitor the patient's coagulation status, reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician as it may indicate a risk of bleeding, and assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding, which are potential adverse effects of anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, all the options listed are essential nursing responsibilities when a patient is on subcutaneous heparin therapy.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to measure an infant's temperature. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla
• B. Pull the pinna of the infant's ear forward before inserting the probe
• C. Insert the probe 3.8 cm (1.5in) into the infant's rectum
• D. Insert the thermometer in front of the infant's tongue

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When measuring an infant's temperature, the most appropriate and non-invasive method is to place the tip of the thermometer under the center of the infant's axilla (armpit). This method is safe, quick, and comfortable for the infant. Inserting the probe into the rectum is invasive and not recommended for routine temperature measurement in infants. Inserting the thermometer in front of the infant's tongue is not a reliable method for measuring temperature. Pulling the pinna of the ear forward is a technique used for adults, not infants.

3. When a family of an accident victim, who has been declared brain-dead, appears open to organ donation, what should the nurse do?

• A. Discourage them from deciding until their grief has eased
• B. Listen to their concerns and answer their questions truthfully
• C. Urge them to immediately sign the consent form
• D. Inform them that the body will not be available for a wake or funeral

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In situations involving potential organ donation, the nurse's role is to provide support, listen to the family's concerns, and answer their questions truthfully. By doing so, the nurse can help facilitate an informed and respectful decision-making process for the grieving family.

4. All of the following interventions are correct when using the Z-track method of drug injection except:

• A. Prepare the injection site with alcohol
• B. Use a needle that is at least 1” long
• C. Aspirate for blood before injection
• D. Rub the site vigorously after the injection to promote absorption

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When using the Z-track method of drug injection, it is important to prepare the injection site with alcohol to ensure cleanliness, use a needle that is at least 1” long to reach the muscle tissue, and aspirate for blood before injection to verify correct needle placement. However, rubbing the site vigorously after the injection is not recommended as it can cause medication to leak into subcutaneous tissue, compromising the medication's intended absorption and efficacy.

5. Which pulse's absence may not be a significant finding when a patient is admitted to the hospital?

• A. Apical
• B. Radial
• C. Pedal
• D. Femoral

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The absence of the pedal pulse may not be significant if the patient has poor peripheral circulation or if the healthcare provider is focused on other pulse points. The pedal pulse is often weaker and may not always be palpable due to various factors, making its absence less concerning in certain situations. However, the absence of other pulses like radial or femoral pulses may indicate more critical conditions and require immediate attention.

Similar Questions