Nursing Elites

1. What is the primary goal of care for a client diagnosed with sickle cell anemia?

• A. The client will call the healthcare provider if feeling ill.
• B. The client will be compliant with the medical regimen.
• C. The client will live as normal a life as possible.
• D. The client will verbalize understanding of treatments.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'The client will live as normal a life as possible.' For a client with sickle cell anemia, the primary goal of care is to promote a good quality of life by managing symptoms, preventing crises, and enhancing overall well-being. Option A is incorrect as it focuses on a specific action rather than the overall goal of care. Option B is important but not the primary goal; compliance is a means to achieve better health outcomes. Option D is also important but does not address the holistic approach of helping the client maintain a normal lifestyle despite their condition.

2. The nurse prepares to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) to a newborn with a diagnosis of heart failure and notes that the apical rate is 140 beats per minute. Which nursing action is appropriate?

• A. Hold the medication
• B. Administer the digoxin
• C. Notify the healthcare provider
• D. Recheck the apical rate in 1 hour

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the digoxin. An apical rate of 140 bpm is within the normal range for a newborn. Digoxin is commonly prescribed for heart failure in newborns to help improve cardiac function. Holding the medication or notifying the healthcare provider is not necessary as the heart rate is normal for a newborn. Rechecking the apical rate in 1 hour is not needed since the heart rate is within the expected range.

3. The client diagnosed with thalassemia, a hereditary anemia, is to receive a transfusion of packed RBCs. The cross-match reveals the presence of antibodies that cannot be cross-matched. Which precaution should the nurse implement when initiating the transfusion?

• A. Start the transfusion at 10-15 mL per hour for 15-30 minutes
• B. Re-crossmatch the blood until the antibodies are identified
• C. Have the client sign a permit to receive uncrossmatched blood
• D. Have the unlicensed nursing assistant stay with the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Starting the transfusion slowly at 10-15 mL per hour for 15-30 minutes is the correct precaution to implement when the cross-match reveals the presence of antibodies that cannot be cross-matched. This allows the nurse to monitor for any adverse reactions due to the presence of antibodies. Re-crossmatching the blood until the antibodies are identified is not practical and may delay the transfusion, potentially compromising the patient's condition. Having the client sign a permit to receive uncrossmatched blood is not the best course of action as the focus should be on ensuring a safe transfusion. Having an unlicensed nursing assistant stay with the client does not address the specific precaution needed to manage a transfusion in the presence of antibodies.

4. The nurse is caring for the client one (1) day postoperative sigmoid colostomy operation. Which independent nursing intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Change the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid
• B. Encourage the client to discuss his or her feelings
• C. Administer opioid narcotic medications for pain management
• D. Assist the client out of bed to sit in the chair twice daily

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Assisting the client to sit in a chair is a crucial nursing intervention postoperatively. It helps prevent complications such as thrombosis, pneumonia, and pressure ulcers by promoting circulation and aiding in recovery. Changing the infusion rate of the intravenous fluid would require a physician's order and is not within the nurse's independent scope of practice. Encouraging the client to discuss feelings and administering medications for pain management are important interventions but may not be as immediately necessary as assisting the client in mobilizing early postoperatively.

5. The nurse is caring for a client on strict bed rest. Which intervention is the priority when caring for this client?

• A. Encourage the client to drink liquids
• B. Perform active range of motion exercises
• C. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 degrees
• D. Provide a high-fiber diet to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Performing active range of motion exercises is the priority intervention for a client on strict bed rest. These exercises help prevent complications such as thromboembolism and muscle atrophy by promoting circulation and maintaining muscle strength. Encouraging liquids, elevating the head of the bed, and providing a high-fiber diet are important interventions but not the priority when compared to preventing serious complications associated with immobility.

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