Nursing Elites

1. What is the FIRST step in providing health care for a patient?

• A. Obtain and interpret vital signs
• B. Determine the needs of the patient
• C. Develop a plan of care
• D. Obtain lab work and x-rays

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step in providing health care for a patient is to determine the needs of the patient. Understanding the patient's requirements, concerns, and medical history is crucial before proceeding with any further steps. Option A, 'Obtain and interpret vital signs,' may be necessary but typically follows assessing the patient's needs. Option C, 'Develop a plan of care,' comes after identifying the patient's needs. Option D, 'Obtain lab work and x-rays,' is usually done based on the patient's needs and the developed plan of care, making it a later step in the process.

2. The client is diagnosed with pericarditis. When assessing the client, the nurse is unable to auscultate a friction rub. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Document that the pericarditis has resolved
• C. Ask the client to lean forward and listen again
• D. Prepare to insert a unilateral chest tube

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to implement when unable to auscultate a pericardial friction rub in a client diagnosed with pericarditis is to ask the client to lean forward and listen again. Leaning forward can help bring the heart closer to the chest wall, making it easier to detect the rub. Option A (Notifying the healthcare provider) is incorrect because further assessment is needed before escalating the situation. Option B (Documenting that the pericarditis has resolved) is incorrect as the absence of a friction rub does not necessarily mean resolution. Option D (Preparing to insert a unilateral chest tube) is incorrect as this intervention is not indicated for the absence of a friction rub.

3. Warfarin (Coumadin) is an anticoagulant and interferes with the action of:

• A. Platelets
• B. Vitamin K
• C. Calcium
• D. Vitamin B12

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Vitamin K. Warfarin works by inhibiting the action of vitamin K, which is crucial for the synthesis of clotting factors in the blood. By interfering with vitamin K, warfarin decreases the production of these clotting factors, thereby prolonging the time it takes for blood to clot. This is why individuals on warfarin therapy need to monitor their vitamin K intake. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because warfarin does not directly interfere with platelets, calcium, or vitamin B12.

4. A patient is prescribed an oral anticoagulant. What should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Elevated blood glucose
• B. Decreased blood pressure
• C. Signs of bleeding
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct! When a patient is prescribed an oral anticoagulant, the nurse should monitor for signs of bleeding. Oral anticoagulants are medications that prevent blood clot formation but can increase the risk of bleeding. Monitoring for signs such as easy bruising, blood in urine or stool, and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts is essential. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because oral anticoagulants do not typically affect blood glucose levels, blood pressure, or appetite.

5. The nurse understands that which are characteristics of anthrax? Select all that apply.

• A. Cutaneous lesions become a black eschar, Flu-like symptoms are a sign of pulmonary anthrax
• B. Cutaneous lesions become a black eschar
• C. Gastrointestinal anthrax causes blood anthrax
• D. Flu-like symptoms are a sign of pulmonary anthrax

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct characteristics of anthrax are that cutaneous lesions become a black eschar, and flu-like symptoms are typical of pulmonary anthrax. Choice B is incorrect as it only covers the cutaneous anthrax characteristic and does not include the flu-like symptoms of pulmonary anthrax. Choice C is incorrect as gastrointestinal anthrax does not cause 'blood anthrax,' and Choice D is incorrect as flu-like symptoms are not associated with gastrointestinal anthrax.

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