Nursing Elites

1. A client with long-standing obesity has been prescribed phentermine/topiramate-ER. What statement by the client suggests that further health education is necessary?

• A. I'm so relieved to start this medication. I really don't like having to exercise or change what I eat.
• B. It's hard to believe that there are actually medications that can treat obesity.
• C. I'm a bit nervous to start this medication because I know I'll need blood tests sometimes.
• D. I'm going to have to do some rearranging of my finances to make sure I can afford this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A suggests the need for further health education as the client expresses a reluctance to exercise or change dietary habits, indicating a lack of understanding about the importance of lifestyle modifications in conjunction with medication for effective weight management. It is important for the client to comprehend that a holistic approach, including lifestyle changes, is crucial for successful obesity treatment and long-term health benefits.

2. The client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving hemodialysis. Which finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
• B. Weight gain of 2 pounds since the last dialysis session.
• C. Blood glucose level of 120 mg/dl.
• D. Potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L is dangerously high, a condition known as hyperkalemia, which can lead to severe cardiac complications like arrhythmias and cardiac arrest. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to lower potassium levels to prevent life-threatening outcomes in clients undergoing hemodialysis.

3. The healthcare provider is providing care to a client with a tracheostomy. Which action should the healthcare provider take to prevent tracheostomy complications?

• A. Use sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care.
• B. Suction the tracheostomy tube every hour.
• C. Keep the tracheostomy tube cuff inflated at all times.
• D. Change the tracheostomy ties daily.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Using sterile technique when performing tracheostomy care is essential to prevent infections and other complications. Proper sterile technique helps reduce the risk of introducing harmful bacteria into the tracheostomy site, which can lead to infections and other serious issues. By maintaining a sterile environment during tracheostomy care, the healthcare provider can promote healing and prevent potential complications.

4. An otherwise healthy 45-year-old man presents with severe hematochezia and moderate abdominal cramping since this morning. A barium enema one year ago was normal. On examination, his blood pressure is 120/78 and pulse is 100 while lying; when standing, the blood pressure is 110/76 and pulse is 136. His hematocrit is 34. What is the most likely cause of bleeding?

• A. Diverticular bleed
• B. Duodenal ulcer
• C. Inflammatory bowel disease
• D. Vascular ectasia (watermelon stomach)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The patient's presentation with hematochezia, moderate abdominal cramping, and hemodynamic changes (increased pulse on standing) suggests an upper gastrointestinal bleed. The drop in blood pressure and rise in pulse rate when standing indicate orthostatic hypotension, which is a sign of significant blood loss. The absence of melena does not rule out an upper GI bleed. Ulcers in the duodenal bulb can erode into the gastroduodenal artery, leading to brisk blood loss. A normal barium enema one year ago makes diverticular bleeding less likely. Inflammatory bowel disease usually does not cause severe acute GI bleeding unless there is ulceration into a vessel. Vascular ectasia, like watermelon stomach, typically presents with chronic blood loss and iron deficiency anemia, more common in older women. The absence of vomiting and the presence of hematochezia make Mallory-Weiss tear less likely in this case.

5. A patient with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the heparin therapy?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
• C. Bleeding time
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Partial thromboplastin time (PTT). Heparin affects the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, which is reflected by changes in the PTT. Monitoring the PTT helps ensure that the patient's blood is within the desired therapeutic range and prevents complications related to clotting or bleeding. Prothrombin time (PT) primarily assesses the extrinsic pathway and is not as sensitive to heparin therapy. Bleeding time and platelet count are not specific tests for monitoring the effectiveness of heparin therapy in DVT.

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