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. What is the initial technique used when examining a client's abdomen?

• A. Palpation
• B. Auscultation
• C. Percussion
• D. Inspection

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When examining a client's abdomen, the initial technique used is inspection. Inspection involves visually assessing the abdomen for any abnormalities, such as distention, scars, or rashes. This step allows the healthcare provider to gather valuable information before proceeding to other examination techniques like palpation, auscultation, and percussion. Palpation, auscultation, and percussion are secondary techniques used after visual inspection to further assess the abdomen for specific findings. Palpation involves feeling the abdomen for masses or tenderness, auscultation is listening for bowel sounds, and percussion is tapping the abdomen to assess for areas of dullness or resonance.

3. A public health nurse is managing several projects for the community. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as a primary prevention strategy?

• A. Teaching parenting skills to expectant mothers and their partners.
• B. Conducting mental health screenings at the local community center
• C. Referring clients with obesity to community exercise programs
• D. Providing crisis intervention through a mobile counseling unit

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is teaching parenting skills to expectant mothers and their partners. This intervention is a primary prevention strategy aimed at educating individuals before a problem or condition develops. By teaching parenting skills, the nurse is promoting healthy behaviors and relationships, which can prevent future issues. The other options involve secondary or tertiary prevention strategies by identifying and treating existing conditions or providing interventions after a problem has occurred.

4. Which type of illness is characterized by severe symptoms of relatively short duration?

• A. Chronic Illness
• B. Acute Illness
• C. Pain
• D. Syndrome

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Acute Illness. Acute illnesses are characterized by the sudden onset of severe symptoms that typically last for a short duration. These conditions usually resolve within a defined period, unlike chronic illnesses that persist over a longer time frame. Choices C and D, Pain and Syndrome, are not specific types of illnesses but rather symptoms or clinical manifestations that can occur in various health conditions.

5. A client requests the creation of a living will. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Schedule a meeting between the hospital ethics committee and the client.
• B. Evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures.
• C. Determine the client's preferences about post-mortem care.
• D. Request a conference with the client's family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client requests the creation of a living will, the nurse's priority is to evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures. This involves ensuring that the client comprehends the implications of various life-sustaining interventions and can make informed decisions about their care preferences in the event they are unable to communicate them later. It is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's comprehension to ensure that the living will accurately reflects the client's wishes and values.

Similar Questions