Nursing Elites

1. Which lab value is critical for a patient on heparin therapy?

• A. Monitor aPTT
• B. Monitor INR
• C. Monitor platelet count
• D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial for patients on heparin therapy as it helps determine the clotting ability of the blood. By monitoring aPTT, healthcare providers can adjust the dosage of heparin to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent bleeding complications. Monitoring INR is more commonly associated with warfarin therapy, not heparin. Monitoring platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but is not specific to heparin therapy. Monitoring sodium levels is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness or safety of heparin therapy.

2. A client with heart failure is being assessed by a nurse. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing fluid overload?

• A. Dry, hacking cough
• B. Bounding peripheral pulses
• C. Decreased urinary output
• D. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with heart failure, decreased urinary output is a classic sign of fluid overload. The kidneys try to compensate for the increased volume by reducing urine output, leading to fluid retention. A dry, hacking cough (choice A) is more indicative of heart failure complications like pulmonary edema. Bounding peripheral pulses (choice B) are a sign of increased volume, but not specifically fluid overload. Weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hours (choice D) is not indicative of fluid overload but rather rapid fluid loss.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Limit the client's fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
• B. Avoid massaging the affected extremity to relieve pain.
• C. Do not apply cold packs to the client's affected extremity.
• D. Elevate the client's affected extremity when in bed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to elevate the client's affected extremity when in bed. Elevating the extremity helps to reduce swelling and improve venous return in clients with DVT. Limiting fluid intake to 1500 mL per day (Choice A) is not directly related to managing DVT. Massaging the affected extremity (Choice B) can dislodge a clot and lead to serious complications. Applying cold packs (Choice C) can vasoconstrict blood vessels, potentially worsening the condition by reducing blood flow.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is prescribed home oxygen. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Check your oxygen equipment daily for proper function.
• B. Increase the oxygen flow rate if you feel short of breath.
• C. Store your oxygen tanks lying flat on the floor.
• D. It is safe to smoke as long as you are more than 10 feet from the oxygen source.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement for the nurse to make is to advise the client to check the oxygen equipment daily for proper function. This is crucial to ensure the client's home oxygen therapy is working effectively and safely. Choice B is incorrect because adjusting the oxygen flow rate without healthcare provider guidance can be dangerous. Choice C is incorrect as oxygen tanks should be stored upright, not lying flat. Choice D is incorrect and unsafe advice, as smoking near an oxygen source can lead to a fire hazard.

5. A healthcare professional is receiving a change-of-shift report for an adult female client who is postoperative. Which client information should the healthcare professional report?

• A. Low-grade fever.
• B. Shortness of breath.
• C. Decreased urine output.
• D. High platelet count.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a postoperative client, a low-grade fever can be an early sign of infection, which is crucial to report to the healthcare team for timely intervention. Shortness of breath and decreased urine output are also important to monitor, but in the context of postoperative care, infection is a more immediate concern. A high platelet count is not typically a priority in the immediate postoperative period.

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