Nursing Elites

1. Which serum blood finding in diabetic ketoacidosis alerts the nurse that immediate action is required?

• A. pH below 7.3
• B. Potassium of 5.0
• C. HCT of 60
• D. PaO2 of 79%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A hematocrit (HCT) of 60 indicates severe dehydration, a critical condition in diabetic ketoacidosis that requires immediate intervention. Severe dehydration can lead to hypovolemic shock and organ failure. While a low pH below 7.3 is indicative of acidosis, it may not require immediate action compared to severe dehydration. A potassium level of 5.0 is within the normal range and not a critical finding in this scenario. PaO2 of 79% reflects oxygenation status, which is important but not the most critical finding requiring immediate action in diabetic ketoacidosis.

2. The patient is immobilized after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Which finding will alert the nurse to monitor for hemorrhage in this patient?

• A. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions
• B. Low-molecular-weight heparin doses
• C. SCDs wrapped around the legs
• D. Elastic stockings (TED hose)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, which is low-molecular-weight heparin doses. After hip replacement surgery, patients are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobility. Heparin and low-molecular-weight heparin are commonly used for prophylaxis against DVT. Monitoring for hemorrhage is crucial when administering anticoagulants. Choices A, C, and D are not directly related to monitoring for hemorrhage in this scenario. Thick, tenacious pulmonary secretions (Choice A) may indicate respiratory issues, SCDs (Choice C) help prevent DVT but do not directly relate to hemorrhage monitoring, and elastic stockings (TED hose) (Choice D) are used for DVT prophylaxis but do not alert to hemorrhage.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer 750 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride IV to infuse over 7 hours. The healthcare professional should set the pump to deliver how many mL/hr?

• A. 107 mL/hr
• B. 75 mL/hr
• C. 90 mL/hr
• D. 60 mL/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the mL/hr rate for the infusion, divide the total volume (750 mL) by the total time (7 hours). 750 mL ÷ 7 hours = 107 mL/hr. This means that the pump should be set to deliver approximately 107 mL/hr. Choice B (75 mL/hr) is incorrect because it does not reflect the correct calculation. Choice C (90 mL/hr) is incorrect as it does not align with the accurate calculation. Choice D (60 mL/hr) is incorrect as it does not match the correct mL/hr rate obtained through the calculation.

4. What should be done when caring for a client who died?

• A. Obtain orders, Remove tubes, Wash client, Ask family, Place tags.
• B. Wash client, Obtain orders, Place tags, Remove tubes, Ask family.
• C. Remove tubes, Obtain orders, Ask family, Place tags, Wash client.
• D. Ask family, Place tags, Wash client, Remove tubes, Obtain orders.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a deceased client, the correct sequence of actions involves first obtaining any necessary orders, then removing tubes, washing the client, asking the family for specific requests, and finally placing identification tags. This order ensures proper care and respect for the deceased individual. Option A presents the correct order of actions. Choice B is incorrect because washing the client should be done after removing tubes. Choice C is incorrect as it does not follow the correct order of actions. Choice D is incorrect because asking the family should be done after caring for the client's body, not before.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to inject heparin subcutaneously for a client who is postoperative. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Use a 25-gauge needle.
• B. Select a site on the client’s abdomen.
• C. Use the Z-track technique to displace the skin on the injection site.
• D. Observe for bleb formation to confirm proper placement.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For subcutaneous injections like heparin, a 25-27 gauge needle is recommended, making choice A incorrect. The abdomen is a commonly used site for heparin injection due to its consistent absorption and convenience, making choice B the correct answer. The Z-track technique is not necessary for subcutaneous injections, making choice C unnecessary. Observing for bleb formation is not a standard practice for confirming proper placement of subcutaneous heparin, making choice D incorrect. Therefore, the correct action is to select a site on the client's abdomen for the injection.

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