Nursing Elites

1. The client diagnosed with acute vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin drip, an intravenous anticoagulant. The health care provider orders warfarin (Coumadin), an oral anticoagulant. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the heparin drip before initiating the Coumadin
• B. Check the client’s INR before beginning Coumadin
• C. Clarify the order with the healthcare provider as soon as possible
• D. Administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered. Heparin and warfarin are often given together initially because warfarin takes a few days to become effective. Discontinuing the heparin drip before initiating Coumadin can increase the risk of clot formation. Checking the client's INR before starting Coumadin is important but not the immediate action required. Clarifying the order with the healthcare provider is not necessary as both medications are commonly used together.

2. Under the health services support area concept, how is the medical care under the MEDCOM divided?

• A. Six geographical regions of the United States with command authority in each region
• B. Five levels of health service support, each providing different levels of health care services
• C. Primary and secondary health care regions, each containing a MEDDAC or MEDCEN
• D. Eight geographical areas of responsibility designated as health services support regions, each of which is subdivided into two or more health service areas

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Under the health services support area concept, the medical care under the MEDCOM is divided into eight geographical areas of responsibility designated as health services support regions, each of which is further subdivided into two or more health service areas. This structure allows for a more organized and efficient delivery of medical care across different regions. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not accurately describe how medical care under the MEDCOM is divided according to the concept of health services support areas.

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 essential when the cross-match reveals the presence of antibodies that cannot be cross-matched. This precaution allows the nurse to monitor for any adverse reactions due to the antibodies. Re-crossmatching the blood until the antibodies are identified (choice B) may delay the transfusion process and put the client at risk. Having the client sign a permit to receive uncrossmatched blood (choice C) is not a standard practice and does not address the immediate need for precautions during transfusion. Having the unlicensed nursing assistant stay with the client (choice D) is unrelated to the safe initiation of the transfusion and is not a precaution specific to managing antibodies in blood products.

4. Listed below are five categories that identify the responsibilities of the practical nurse manager in personnel management. Which of these categories is most appropriate for the task of training soldiers for survival on the battlefield?

• A. Accountability
• B. Personal/professional development
• C. Individual training
• D. Military appearance/physical condition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Individual training. Individual training involves preparing soldiers for specific tasks like survival on the battlefield. Accountability (choice A) refers to being answerable for one's actions, not directly related to training soldiers. Personal/professional development (choice B) focuses on growth and advancement of individuals, not specific training for battlefield survival. Military appearance/physical condition (choice D) pertains to the physical attributes and presentation of soldiers, not directly related to training them for survival.

5. Which nutrient deficiency is most likely to be seen in patients with chronic alcoholism?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin B12
• D. Vitamin B1

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In patients with chronic alcoholism, the most likely nutrient deficiency is Vitamin B1 (thiamine), not Vitamin B12. Chronic alcoholism often leads to Vitamin B1 deficiency, causing conditions like Wernicke's encephalopathy. While other vitamin deficiencies can also occur in chronic alcoholism, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin D, Vitamin B1 deficiency is more commonly associated with alcoholism.

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