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 client has left homonymous hemianopsia. Which of the following is an appropriate nursing intervention?

• A. Teach the client to scan the right to see objects on the right side of their body.
• B. Place the bedside table on the right side of the bed.
• C. Orient the client to the food on their plate using the clock method.
• D. Place the wheelchair on the client's left side.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with left homonymous hemianopsia, there is a loss of vision on the right side of both eyes. Placing the bedside table on the right side of the bed ensures that essential items are within the client's field of vision, minimizing the risk of injury or accidents. Teaching the client to scan to the right and orienting them using the clock method may be helpful strategies, but placing the bedside table on the right side of the bed is a more direct and immediate intervention to enhance the client's safety and independence.

3. Which of the following patients is at greater risk for contracting an infection?

• A. A patient with leukopenia
• B. A patient receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics
• C. A postoperative patient who has undergone orthopedic surgery
• D. A newly diagnosed diabetic patient

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Leukopenia, characterized by low white blood cell count, significantly reduces the body's ability to fight infections. Patients with leukopenia are at a higher risk of contracting infections due to compromised immune defenses.

4. When providing mouth care to an unconscious client, what is the best position for the client?

• A. Fowler’s position
• B. Side-lying
• C. Supine
• D. Trendelenburg

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best position for an unconscious client when providing mouth care is the side-lying position. This position helps prevent aspiration by allowing fluids to drain out of the mouth easily, reducing the risk of choking or aspiration pneumonia. Placing the client in a side-lying position also promotes comfort and safety during the procedure. The other options are not ideal for mouth care in an unconscious client: Fowler’s position may increase the risk of aspiration, the supine position can lead to aspiration as well, and Trendelenburg position is not recommended due to potential adverse effects on blood circulation and increased intracranial pressure.

5. A group of clients are being educated about influenza. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. ''I should wash my hands after blowing my nose to prevent spreading the virus.''
• B. ''I need to avoid drinking fluids if I develop symptoms.''
• C. ''I need a flu shot every 2 years because of the different flu strains.''
• D. ''I should cover my mouth with my hand when I sneeze.''

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, 'I should wash my hands after blowing my nose to prevent spreading the virus.' This statement shows understanding of the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of influenza. Washing hands after activities like blowing the nose can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to others. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect accurate understanding of influenza prevention measures.

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