Nursing Elites

1. Which lab value should be closely monitored for a patient receiving heparin therapy?

• A. Monitor aPTT
• B. Monitor INR
• C. Monitor potassium levels
• D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial to monitor when a patient is receiving heparin therapy. Heparin works by potentiating antithrombin III, leading to the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure the patient is within the therapeutic range for heparin, reducing the risk of bleeding complications. Monitoring INR (Choice B) is more relevant for patients on warfarin therapy. Monitoring potassium (Choice C) and sodium levels (Choice D) is important but not specific to heparin therapy.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who has just received an opioid medication. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor first?

• A. Constipation.
• B. Drowsiness.
• C. Orthostatic hypotension.
• D. Respiratory depression.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client receives an opioid medication, the nurse should first monitor for respiratory depression as it is a life-threatening adverse effect associated with opioids. This can lead to inadequate ventilation and hypoxia, requiring immediate intervention. Constipation, drowsiness, and orthostatic hypotension are also common side effects of opioids but are not as immediately life-threatening as respiratory depression.

3. A client requests the creation of a living will. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Schedule a meeting between the hospital ethics committee and the client
• B. Evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures
• C. Determine the client's preferences about post-mortem care
• D. Request a conference with the client's family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client requests the creation of a living will is to evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures. This step is crucial to ensure that the client is well-informed about their options before making decisions regarding their future care. Scheduling a meeting with the hospital ethics committee (choice A) may not be necessary at this stage and could overwhelm the client. Determining the client's preferences about post-mortem care (choice C) is not directly related to creating a living will. Requesting a conference with the client's family (choice D) may be important later but is not the initial step in this situation.

4. What is the best intervention for a patient with respiratory distress?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Provide bronchodilators
• D. Provide humidified air

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the best intervention for a patient with respiratory distress because it helps improve oxygenation levels and alleviates respiratory distress directly. Providing oxygen addresses the primary issue of inadequate oxygen supply, which is crucial in managing respiratory distress. Repositioning the patient, while important for airway clearance, may not address the immediate need for oxygen. Providing bronchodilators and humidified air can be beneficial in certain respiratory conditions, but when a patient is in respiratory distress, ensuring adequate oxygenation through oxygen administration takes precedence.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Alopecia
• B. Weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours
• C. White blood cell count of 6,000/mm³
• D. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A weight gain of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours is concerning as it indicates fluid retention, which can be a sign of complications in clients receiving chemotherapy. Rapid weight gain can be associated with conditions like fluid overload or electrolyte imbalances, which need prompt medical attention. Choices A, C, and D are not typically immediate concerns related to chemotherapy. Alopecia (choice A) is a common side effect of chemotherapy, a white blood cell count of 6,000/mm³ (choice C) falls within the normal range, and a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) (choice D) is slightly elevated but not a critical finding in this context.

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