Nursing Elites

1. Prior to administering warfarin to a client with a history of atrial fibrillation, what lab result should the nurse review?

• A. White blood cell count.
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR).
• C. Hemoglobin and hematocrit.
• D. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR). These lab values are crucial for monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot, while INR standardizes these results. Ensuring the client's PT/INR levels are within the therapeutic range is essential to prevent clotting or excessive bleeding. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy in a client with atrial fibrillation.

2. A client is experiencing chest pain and is prescribed nitroglycerin. What should the nurse assess before administering the medication?

• A. Monitor the client’s oxygen saturation level.
• B. Check the client’s heart rate and blood pressure.
• C. Evaluate the client’s level of consciousness.
• D. Assess the client's chest pain severity using a pain scale.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Before administering nitroglycerin, it is crucial to check the client’s heart rate and blood pressure. Nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure and heart rate, so assessing these parameters is essential to prevent exacerbating hypotension or bradycardia. While monitoring the client’s oxygen saturation level is important in some situations, it is not the primary assessment needed before administering nitroglycerin. Evaluating the client’s level of consciousness is relevant for other conditions but not specifically necessary before giving nitroglycerin. Assessing chest pain severity using a pain scale is valuable for pain management but is not the priority assessment before administering nitroglycerin.

3. A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is the most important teaching point for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication with food to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Monitor for signs of infection, such as a sore throat.
• C. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
• D. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent photosensitivity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most important teaching point for a client prescribed methotrexate is to avoid direct sunlight to prevent photosensitivity. Methotrexate can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Choices A, B, and C are important aspects of client care but are not specifically related to the side effect of photosensitivity caused by methotrexate.

4. A client has been given a prescription for tetracycline HCL (Sumycin). The nurse should emphasize the client to

• A. Take the medication with food or milk
• B. Avoid prolonged sun exposure
• C. Monitor for signs of yellowing skin or eyes
• D. Expect a yellow-brown discoloration of the teeth

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Monitor for signs of yellowing skin or eyes.' Tetracycline can cause hepatotoxicity, leading to jaundice which may present as yellowing of the skin or eyes. This is a serious side effect that the nurse should emphasize to the client. Choice A is incorrect because tetracycline should generally be taken on an empty stomach, not with food or milk. Choice B is also incorrect as tetracycline can cause photosensitivity, but it is not directly related to yellowing skin or eyes. Choice D is incorrect because tetracycline can cause yellow-brown discoloration of the teeth, but this is usually seen in children under 8 years of age, not a common concern for adult clients.

5. When asking an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to assist a 69-year-old surgical client to ambulate for the first time, which statement by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. Have the client sit on the side of the bed for at least 2 minutes before helping him stand.
• B. If the client is dizzy on standing, ask him to take some deep breaths.
• C. Assist the client to the bathroom at least twice on this shift.
• D. After you assist him to the chair, let me know how he feels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Allowing the client to sit on the side of the bed before standing helps prevent dizziness and falls, especially during their first ambulation post-surgery. Choice B is incorrect because asking the client to take deep breaths when feeling dizzy may not address the underlying cause of the dizziness. Choice C is incorrect as it is unrelated to the task of assisting the client to ambulate for the first time. Choice D is incorrect because knowing how the client feels after sitting in the chair does not address the important step of assisting the client to stand up for the first time.

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