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 nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lisinopril. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. You should expect to develop a dry cough while taking this medication.
• B. This medication can cause a slow heart rate.
• C. You should increase your intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. You should avoid using salt substitutes while taking this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include when teaching a client prescribed with lisinopril is that they should avoid using salt substitutes while taking this medication. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Therefore, using salt substitutes that contain potassium can worsen this condition. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lisinopril is not typically associated with causing a dry cough or a slow heart rate, and increasing potassium intake can be harmful in the presence of lisinopril-induced hyperkalemia.

3. A nurse is teaching a client who has hypertension about managing blood pressure. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Increase your intake of red meat to manage your blood pressure.
• B. You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
• C. Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
• D. Limit your fluid intake to 3 liters per day.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement is C: 'Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.' Regular exercise is essential in managing blood pressure as it helps improve cardiovascular health. Choice A is incorrect as increasing red meat intake can be detrimental due to its high saturated fat content, which can negatively impact blood pressure. Choice B is not directly related to managing blood pressure unless the medication interacts negatively with alcohol. Choice D, limiting fluid intake to 3 liters per day, is not a general recommendation for managing blood pressure unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

4. A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about using a portable oxygen system. What instruction should the nurse include?

• A. The oxygen should be kept in a storage room when not in use.
• B. Turn off the oxygen when not in use.
• C. Check the oxygen level regularly using a pulse oximeter.
• D. Never leave the oxygen running when transporting a client.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to check the oxygen level regularly using a pulse oximeter. This instruction is crucial as it ensures safe and adequate oxygenation for the client. Option A is incorrect as oxygen should not be stored in a storage room but in a well-ventilated area. Option B is not ideal as oxygen should be left on unless otherwise specified by a healthcare provider. Option D is also important but not directly related to the primary instruction of monitoring oxygen levels.

5. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 12 hours old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 140/min.
• B. A bulging anterior fontanel.
• C. Respiratory rate 50/min.
• D. Blood glucose 45 mg/dL.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL is below the normal range for a newborn and indicates hypoglycemia, which can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, this finding should be reported to the provider immediately. Choices A, B, and C are within normal ranges for a newborn and do not require immediate reporting. A heart rate of 140/min, a bulging anterior fontanel, and a respiratory rate of 50/min are all common findings in a newborn and do not raise immediate concerns.

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