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. For a rectal examination, the patient can be directed to assume which of the following positions?

• A. Genupectoral
• B. Sims
• C. Horizontal recumbent
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct position for a rectal examination is the Sims position, where the patient lies on their left side with the upper knee flexed. This position allows for easy access and visualization of the rectal area for examination.

3. A client who wears glasses is under the care of a nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Store the glasses in a labeled case.
• B. Clean the glasses with hot water
• C. Clean the glasses with a paper towel.
• D. Store the glasses on the bedside table.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is essential for the nurse to store the client's glasses in a labeled case to ensure they are kept safe and protected from damage. Storing them in a case helps prevent scratches, breakage, or misplacement. This practice promotes proper eyewear hygiene and ensures the client has their glasses readily available when needed. Cleaning the glasses with hot water or a paper towel can potentially damage the lenses or frames. Storing the glasses on the bedside table increases the risk of misplacement or damage.

4. When caring for a client on pressure support ventilation (PSV), which statement by the nurse indicates an understanding of PSV?

• A. It keeps the alveoli open and prevents atelectasis.
• B. It allows preset pressure delivered during spontaneous ventilation.
• C. It guarantees minimal minute ventilator.
• D. It delivers a preset ventilatory rate and tidal volume to the client.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Pressure support ventilation (PSV) is a mode that delivers a preset pressure when the client initiates a breath. This support helps the client to breathe spontaneously by reducing the work of breathing. The correct statement indicating an understanding of PSV is that it allows preset pressure to be delivered during spontaneous ventilation, as it assists the client's efforts without controlling the rate or volume of each breath.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to assess a 2-week-old newborn. Which of the following actions should the professional plan to take?

• A. Obtain the newborn's body temperature using a tympanic thermometer.
• B. FACES pain scale.
• C. Auscultate the newborn's apical pulse for 60 seconds.
• D. Measure the newborn's head circumference over the eyebrows and below the occipital prominence.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the apical pulse in newborns is important to evaluate their cardiac function. The normal heart rate for a newborn is typically between 100-160 beats per minute. Auscultating the apical pulse for a full 60 seconds allows for an accurate assessment of the newborn's heart rate. This is a crucial component of the newborn assessment to ensure the baby's cardiovascular system is functioning within the expected range.

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