Nursing Elites

1. A client is admitted with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is receiving heparin therapy. What is the most important laboratory value to monitor during heparin therapy?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. International normalized ratio (INR)
• C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the most important laboratory value to monitor during heparin therapy. It measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is used to assess the effectiveness of heparin as an anticoagulant. Keeping the aPTT within the therapeutic range is crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or clot formation. Prothrombin time (PT) and International normalized ratio (INR) are used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Platelet count is important to assess for thrombocytopenia, a potential side effect of heparin, but it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy.

2. A client with severe dehydration is admitted to the hospital. Which assessment finding indicates that the client's condition is improving?

• A. The client reports feeling less thirsty
• B. Urine output increases to 40 mL/hour
• C. Heart rate decreases from 120 to 110 beats per minute
• D. Skin turgor returns to normal

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An increase in urine output is a reliable indicator that the client's hydration status is improving. This reflects adequate fluid replacement and improved kidney function. Choice A is subjective and may not always indicate improved hydration. Choice C, while a positive sign, may be influenced by other factors such as medications or pain. Choice D, skin turgor returning to normal, is a delayed indicator of hydration status and may take time to improve even after hydration is initiated.

3. A client with a history of chronic kidney disease presents with increased swelling and shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer oxygen at 2 liters per nasal cannula.
• B. Administer a diuretic as prescribed.
• C. Monitor the client's vital signs.
• D. Reposition the client to improve lung expansion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a diuretic as prescribed. In a client with chronic kidney disease experiencing increased swelling and shortness of breath, the priority action is to address fluid retention. Administering a diuretic helps reduce fluid overload, alleviate symptoms, and prevent complications associated with fluid buildup. Option A is not the priority in this situation as addressing fluid retention takes precedence over providing oxygen. While monitoring vital signs is important, it is secondary to addressing the underlying cause of symptoms. Repositioning the client may help with comfort but does not directly address the fluid overload seen in chronic kidney disease.

4. What is the most important assessment for a nurse to conduct on a child diagnosed with intussusception?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection.
• B. Measure abdominal girth and monitor for pain.
• C. Check for bowel movement and changes in stool.
• D. Assess hydration status and monitor urine output.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Check for bowel movement and changes in stool.' Intussusception can cause obstruction in the bowel, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain, vomiting, and 'currant jelly' stools. Monitoring for changes in bowel movement, especially the passage of 'currant jelly' stools, is crucial for early detection of worsening conditions. Choices A, B, and D are important assessments in pediatric care but are not as specific or crucial as checking for changes in bowel movement in a child diagnosed with intussusception.

5. Prior to surgery, written consent must be obtained. What is the nurse's legal responsibility with regard to obtaining written consent?

• A. Witness the consent and sign the form as a witness
• B. Inform the client of alternatives to the procedure
• C. Explain the procedure in detail to the client
• D. Determine that the surgical consent form has been signed and is included in the client's record

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse's legal responsibility is to ensure that informed consent has been obtained by verifying that the client has signed the form and that it is included in the record. Witnessing the consent and signing as a witness is not the nurse's role, as this is typically done by a neutral party. Informing the client of alternatives to the procedure and explaining the procedure in detail are responsibilities of the healthcare provider performing the surgery, not the nurse.

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