Nursing Elites

1. A 64-year-old Alzheimer's patient has exhibited excessive cognitive decline resulting in harmful behaviors. The physician orders restraints to be placed on the patient. Which of the following is the appropriate procedure?

• A. Secure the restraints to the bed rails on all extremities.
• B. Notify the physician that restraints have been placed properly.
• C. Communicate with the patient and family the need for restraints.
• D. Position the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases where restraints are considered necessary for a patient, it is crucial to communicate effectively with both the patient and their family about the reasons for this decision. This helps ensure that all parties involved understand the necessity of restraints and are informed about the potential risks and benefits. Option A, securing restraints to the bed rails on all extremities, is not appropriate as it does not involve proper communication or ethical considerations. Option B, notifying the physician that restraints have been placed properly, overlooks the importance of patient and family involvement in decision-making. Option D, positioning the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle, is unrelated to the use of restraints and does not address the situation at hand.

2. A client has been diagnosed with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and transferred to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) following an acute bleeding episode. In the ICU, continuous Heparin drip therapy is initiated. Which of the following assessment findings indicates a positive response to Heparin therapy?

• A. increased platelet count
• B. increased fibrinogen
• C. decreased fibrin split products
• D. decreased bleeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the context of DIC, effective Heparin therapy aims to halt the process of intravascular coagulation. One of the indicators of a positive response to Heparin therapy is an increase in fibrinogen levels. Heparin interferes with the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin by thrombin. This interruption helps increase the availability of fibrinogen. While the platelet count may increase due to improved clotting, the primary focus of Heparin therapy is on fibrinogen. Fibrin split products are expected to decrease as the coagulation cascade is controlled. Although decreased bleeding is an ultimate goal, the immediate effect of Heparin is not directly on bleeding but on the coagulation process.

3. Which electrolyte imbalance would be the nurse's priority concern in the burn client?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypoalbuminemia
• D. Hypermagnesemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is hyperkalemia. In a burn client, the nurse's priority concern is hyperkalemia due to cell lysis, which releases potassium into the bloodstream. This can lead to dangerous levels of potassium in the blood. Hypernatremia (Choice A) is less likely in burn clients. Hypoalbuminemia (Choice C) can occur but is not the priority in the immediate management of a burn client. Hypermagnesemia (Choice D) is not typically associated with burn injuries.

4. Which of the following terms refers to soft tissue injury caused by blunt force?

• A. contusion
• B. strain
• C. sprain
• D. dislocation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A contusion is a soft tissue injury caused by blunt force. It is an injury that does not break the skin, caused by a blow, and characterized by swelling, discoloration, and pain. The immediate application of cold might limit the development of a contusion. A strain is a muscle pull from overuse, overstretching, or excessive stress. A sprain is caused by a wrenching or twisting motion. A dislocation is a condition where the articular surfaces of the bones forming a joint are no longer in anatomical contact. Therefore, the correct answer is 'contusion' as it specifically relates to soft tissue injury caused by blunt force.

5. A patient's nurse taking a history notes complaints of SOB and weakness in the lower extremities. The patient has a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Which of the following may be occurring?

• A. The patient may be developing CHF
• B. The patient may be having a MI
• C. The patient may be developing COPD
• D. The patient may be having an onset of PVD

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient's symptoms of shortness of breath (SOB) and weakness in the lower extremities, along with a history of hyperlipidemia and hypertension, are suggestive of a myocardial infarction (MI). It is important to note that MI can present with a variety of symptoms, including those affecting the respiratory system and muscle weakness. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the patient's symptoms are more indicative of a myocardial infarction rather than congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or peripheral vascular disease (PVD).

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