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 required for effective hand washing?

• A. Soap or detergent to promote emulsification
• B. Hot water to destroy bacteria
• C. A disinfectant to increase surface tension
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To effectively wash hands, soap or detergent is essential as they help emulsify fats and oils, allowing them to be rinsed away. Hot water alone cannot effectively destroy bacteria, and a disinfectant is not typically required for routine hand washing.

3. A client reports that the medication the nurse is administering appears different than what they take at home. Which of the following responses should the nurse take?

• A. Did the doctor discuss with you that there was a change in this medication?
• B. I recommend that you take this medication as prescribed
• C. Do you know why this medication is being prescribed to you?
• D. I will call the pharmacist now to check on this medication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client reports that the medication appears different than what they take at home, it is crucial for the nurse to ensure the safety and accuracy of the medication being administered. The most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation is to call the pharmacist to verify the medication, dosage, and any potential changes. This proactive step helps prevent medication errors and ensures the client's safety and well-being.

4. While teaching a newly hired nurse about varicella, a nurse in a pediatric clinic should include which of the following information?

• A. Children who have varicella are contagious until vesicles are crusted.
• B. Children who have varicella should receive the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine.
• C. Children who have varicella should be placed in airborne precautions.
• D. Children who have varicella are contagious 1-2 days before the rash appears.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Children with varicella (chickenpox) are contagious until all vesicles are crusted over. The contagious period starts 1-2 days before the rash appears and continues until all lesions are dried and crusted. It is important to educate healthcare providers about the contagious period to prevent the spread of the virus to susceptible individuals.

5. What is the best description of Back Care?

• A. Caring for the back by means of massage
• B. Washing the back
• C. Applying a cold compress to the back
• D. Applying a hot compress to the back

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Caring for the back by means of massage. Back Care involves activities like massage, exercises, maintaining proper posture, and using ergonomic practices to keep the spine healthy and prevent injuries. While washing the back is a hygiene practice, applying cold or hot compresses may provide relief for back pain but do not encompass the comprehensive approach of back care like massage does.

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