Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following laboratory values?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. Serum potassium
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• D. White blood cell count (WBC)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prothrombin time (PT). Prothrombin time is monitored to assess the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, including factors II, VII, IX, and X. Monitoring the PT helps ensure that the client's blood is clotting within the desired therapeutic range to prevent complications such as recurrent DVT or excessive bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because serum potassium, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell count are not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy in a client with a history of DVT.

2. A client with myasthenia gravis is receiving pyridostigmine (Mestinon). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Constipation
• B. Hypertension
• C. Muscle weakness
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bradycardia. Pyridostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor used in myasthenia gravis, can lead to bradycardia as a side effect. Choice A, constipation, is not a common side effect of pyridostigmine. Choice B, hypertension, is unlikely as pyridostigmine is more likely to cause hypotension. Choice C, muscle weakness, is actually a symptom of myasthenia gravis itself and not a side effect of pyridostigmine.

3. A child is diagnosed with poison ivy. The mother tells the nurse that she does not know how her child contracted the rash since he had not been playing in wooded areas. As the nurse asks questions about possible contact, which of the following would the nurse recognize as highest risk for exposure?

• A. Playing with toys in a backyard flower garden
• B. Eating small amounts of grass while playing 'farm'
• C. Playing with cars on the pavement near burning leaves
• D. Throwing a ball to a neighborhood child who has poison ivy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Poison ivy can be contracted through smoke from burning plants, which can carry the urushiol oil that causes the rash. Playing near burning leaves would be the highest risk for exposure in this scenario. Choices A, B, and D do not involve direct contact with burning plants or leaves, making them lower-risk activities for exposure to poison ivy.

4. In a well-child clinic, the nurse examines many children daily. Which of the following toddlers requires further follow-up?

• A. A 13-month-old who is unable to walk
• B. A 20-month-old who is only using 2 and 3 word sentences
• C. A 24-month-old who cries during examination
• D. A 30-month-old who is only drinking from a sip cup

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a 30-month-old should have developed the skill to drink from a regular cup by this age. Drinking from a sip cup at this stage may indicate a delay in development. Choices A, B, and C are not as concerning as they can be within the range of normal development. A 13-month-old not walking yet, a 20-month-old using 2 and 3 word sentences, and a 24-month-old crying during examination are all behaviors that can fall within the spectrum of typical development for their respective ages.

5. A client with acute pancreatitis is experiencing severe abdominal pain. The nurse should implement which of the following interventions?

• A. Encourage oral intake
• B. Administer opioid analgesics
• C. Apply a heating pad to the abdomen
• D. Place the client in a supine position

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis experiencing severe abdominal pain is to administer opioid analgesics. Opioids are effective in managing the severe pain associated with acute pancreatitis. Encouraging oral intake may exacerbate the symptoms and is contraindicated due to the need for bowel rest. Applying a heating pad to the abdomen can worsen inflammation and should be avoided. Placing the client in a supine position may not provide relief and could potentially lead to increased discomfort.

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