Nursing Elites

1. Which action by the nurse will help reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a postoperative patient?

• A. Encourage early ambulation and leg exercises.
• B. Apply compression stockings to the patient's legs.
• C. Administer anticoagulants as prescribed.
• D. Elevate the patient's legs to promote circulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage early ambulation and leg exercises. By promoting early ambulation and leg exercises, blood flow is enhanced, reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in postoperative patients. Choice B, applying compression stockings, helps prevent VTE but is not as effective as early ambulation and exercises. Choice C, administering anticoagulants, is important in VTE prevention but does not directly address improving circulation through physical activity. Choice D, elevating the patient's legs, may be beneficial for circulation in specific cases but is not as effective in preventing VTE as early ambulation and leg exercises.

2. A client with neuropathic pain has a new prescription for amitriptyline once per day. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the medication with meals
• B. Increase fluids while on this medication
• C. Take it only at night
• D. Report any yellowing of the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Increase fluids while on this medication.' Amitriptyline can cause side effects like dry mouth and urinary retention. Increasing fluids can help alleviate these side effects. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking the medication with meals or only at night is not specifically related to managing the side effects of amitriptyline. Reporting yellowing of the skin is important but not directly related to the side effects of this medication.

3. A client with hypertension is prescribed atenolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse include as adverse effects of this medication?

• A. Cough
• B. Tremor
• C. Constipation
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct. Bradycardia is a known adverse effect of atenolol, a beta-blocker medication commonly used to treat hypertension. Atenolol can slow down the heart rate, leading to bradycardia. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of bradycardia, such as dizziness, fatigue, or fainting. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because cough, tremor, and constipation are not typically associated with atenolol use.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is requesting to leave the facility against medical advice (AMA). The client states, 'I am ready to go immediately.' Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Teach the client about the potential health risks of leaving early
• B. Ask the client to sign a document stating they are leaving AMA
• C. Document the client's statement in direct quotes in the medical record
• D. Complete an incident report detailing the client scenario

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to educate the client about the potential health risks of leaving against medical advice (AMA). By providing this information, the nurse can help the client make an informed decision regarding their healthcare. Choice B, asking the client to sign a document, can be done after the client has been informed about the risks. Choice C, documenting the client's statement, is important but should not take precedence over educating the client. Choice D, completing an incident report, is not the priority when a client is requesting to leave AMA.

5. A nurse enters a client's room to administer a prescribed medication, and the client asks about the medication. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

• A. Give detailed information about the medication, including its potential side effects.
• B. Refer the client to the healthcare provider for more information.
• C. Give a brief explanation and administer the medication.
• D. Ask another nurse to explain the medication and proceed.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate response for the nurse when a client asks about a medication is to refer the client to the healthcare provider for more information. This ensures that the client receives accurate and detailed information from the appropriate source. Providing detailed information or a brief explanation as choices A and C suggest may not be within the nurse's scope of practice and could potentially lead to misinformation or confusion. Asking another nurse to explain the medication, as in choice D, may not guarantee accurate information, so it is best to involve the healthcare provider directly.

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