Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has asthma. Which of the following areas should the nurse evaluate as the most reliable indicator of central cyanosis?

• A. Oral mucosa
• B. Conjunctivae
• C. Soles of the feet
• D. Ear lobes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Central cyanosis is best assessed by examining the oral mucosa, as it is a more reliable indicator compared to other areas like the conjunctivae, soles of the feet, and ear lobes. The oral mucosa reflects the oxygen saturation levels of the blood more accurately. Conjunctivae and ear lobes may show cyanosis, but they are not as reliable as the oral mucosa. The soles of the feet are not typically used to assess central cyanosis.

2. A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who is receiving heparin therapy for a deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following lab values indicates a therapeutic response to the therapy?

• A. PT of 12 seconds
• B. aPTT of 70 seconds
• C. Platelets of 150,000/mm3
• D. INR of 1.5

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An aPTT of 70 seconds is within the therapeutic range for a client receiving heparin therapy. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the most sensitive test to monitor heparin therapy. A therapeutic aPTT range for a client receiving heparin is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. Choices A, C, and D are not indicators of a therapeutic response to heparin therapy. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and is not specific to monitoring heparin therapy. Platelet count is important to monitor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but it does not indicate the therapeutic response to heparin therapy. INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.

3. A nurse provides instructions to a client about preventing injury while using crutches. What should the nurse tell the client to avoid?

• A. An abnormal stance
• B. Injury to the nerves
• C. A fall and further injury
• D. Skin breakdown

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Injury to the nerves. Resting the underside of the arm on the crutch pad can injure the nerves. Choice A, an abnormal stance, is not directly related to nerve injury while using crutches. Choice C, a fall and further injury, is a general risk associated with improper crutch use but does not specifically address nerve injury. Choice D, skin breakdown, is a concern related to pressure ulcers but not the primary focus when discussing injury prevention related to crutch use.

4. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Check for respiratory depression.
• B. Assess pain control.
• C. Check the infusion site for complications.
• D. Monitor the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for respiratory depression first when assessing a client receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate. Respiratory depression is the most common life-threatening side effect associated with morphine administration. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial as it can quickly deteriorate, leading to serious complications or even respiratory arrest. Assessing pain control (choice B) is important but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence. Checking the infusion site for complications (choice C) and monitoring blood pressure (choice D) are also essential aspects of care but are secondary to evaluating respiratory status when administering morphine.

5. The nurse is caring for a group of medical-surgical patients. A fire has been reported in an adjacent wing of the hospital. What should the nurse do to ensure the patients' safety?

• A. Wait until the fire department arrives before taking action.
• B. Close all doors.
• C. Identify evacuation routes.
• D. Move bedridden patients in their beds.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a fire emergency, it is crucial to close all doors to contain smoke and fire, helping to protect the patients. This action can prevent the spread of fire and smoke to the area where patients are located. Identifying evacuation routes is also important for a timely and orderly evacuation if necessary. Waiting for the fire department to arrive before taking action (Choice A) can waste valuable time and put patients at risk. Moving bedridden patients in their beds (Choice D) can be dangerous during a fire and should be avoided as it can expose patients and staff to more risks.

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