Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of atrial fibrillation and is receiving warfarin. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the warfarin?

• A. Platelet count
• B. International normalized ratio (INR)
• C. Bleeding time
• D. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: International normalized ratio (INR). The INR is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. A higher INR indicates a longer time it takes for the blood to clot, which is desirable in patients receiving warfarin to prevent blood clots. Platelet count (Choice A) assesses the number of platelets in the blood and is not directly related to warfarin therapy. Bleeding time (Choice C) evaluates the time it takes for a person to stop bleeding after a standardized wound, but it is not specific to monitoring warfarin effectiveness. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (Choice D) is more commonly used to monitor heparin therapy, not warfarin.

2. A nurse is giving discharge instructions to a client who has a new ileostomy. The nurse should recognize that the teaching has been effective when the client states:

• A. I will make sure my medications are enteric-coated
• B. My stoma will drain liquid continuously
• C. I will change my pouch system every two weeks
• D. My stoma size will stay the same after it heals

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When a client with an ileostomy states that their stoma will drain liquid continuously, it indicates an understanding of the expected outcome. In an ileostomy, the stoma continuously drains liquid stool as it bypasses the large intestine where water is absorbed. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because ensuring medications are enteric-coated, changing the pouch system every two weeks, and expecting the stoma size to remain the same after healing are not accurate statements related to an ileostomy.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Place several pillows behind the client’s head
• B. Place the client in a Sims' position
• C. Keep the client’s neck in a midline position
• D. Maintain flexion of the client’s hips at a 90° angle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Keeping the client’s neck in a midline position is essential when caring for a client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) as it helps promote optimal blood flow and reduces the risk of further increasing ICP. Placing pillows behind the client’s head (Choice A) may not be recommended as it could potentially increase ICP. Putting the client in a Sims' position (Choice B) and maintaining hip flexion at a 90° angle (Choice D) are not directly related to managing increased ICP and are not the priority interventions in this situation.

4. A nurse is sitting with the partner of a client who recently died. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to facilitate mourning?

• A. Encourage the partner to ask for help when needed
• B. Suggest the partner avoid discussing their feelings
• C. Recommend immediate return to daily activities
• D. Advise the partner to remain strong

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to facilitate mourning is to encourage the partner to ask for help when needed. Grieving is a challenging process, and offering support and encouragement to seek help can be beneficial. Choice B is incorrect because avoiding discussing feelings can hinder the grieving process by suppressing emotions. Choice C is also incorrect as an immediate return to daily activities may not allow the partner to properly process their grief. Choice D is not the best approach as advising the partner to 'remain strong' may discourage the expression of emotions and seeking support, which are essential in the mourning process.

5. A menopausal client is having difficulty getting to sleep and asks what actions she should incorporate into her daily routine to promote sleep. The nurse would encourage which of the following measures to promote sleep?

• A. Consume a warm drink at bedtime
• B. Take an evening walk before bedtime
• C. Take an afternoon nap
• D. Limit alcohol and nicotine prior to bedtime

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Limit alcohol and nicotine prior to bedtime. Alcohol and nicotine are stimulants that can disrupt sleep patterns, so avoiding them before bedtime can promote better sleep. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Consuming a warm drink at bedtime may lead to frequent urination, disrupting sleep; taking an evening walk before bedtime may increase alertness rather than inducing sleep; and taking an afternoon nap can make it harder to fall asleep at night.

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