Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client receiving heparin. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. INR levels
• B. APTT levels
• C. Blood glucose levels
• D. Liver function tests

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Heparin therapy requires monitoring of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) to ensure therapeutic levels. APTT reflects the intrinsic pathway of the clotting cascade and is used to assess the effectiveness and safety of heparin therapy. Monitoring INR levels is more relevant for assessing warfarin therapy, not heparin. Blood glucose levels are monitored for clients with diabetes or those on medications affecting glucose levels. Liver function tests are used to assess liver health and are not directly related to monitoring heparin therapy.

2. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected myocardial infarction. Which finding supports this diagnosis?

• A. Pain radiating to the left arm
• B. Pain relieved by rest
• C. Pain worsening with deep breathing
• D. Pain relieved by antacids

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. This occurs due to the referred pain pathways shared by the heart and the left arm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Pain relieved by rest (choice B) is more indicative of musculoskeletal pain rather than cardiac-related pain. Pain worsening with deep breathing (choice C) is often seen in conditions like pleurisy or pulmonary embolism, not myocardial infarction. Pain relieved by antacids (choice D) suggests gastrointestinal issues like heartburn or acid reflux, not cardiac-related pain.

3. A 55-year-old client has levothyroxine ordered. Which of the below past medical history concerns may contraindicate with her medication management of hypothyroidism?

• A. Osteoporosis
• B. Scleroderma
• C. Asthma
• D. Peripheral vascular disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with a history of osteoporosis should be carefully monitored when prescribed levothyroxine. Chronic overtreatment can cause increased bone loss, which raises the risk of fractures, especially in older adults. Thyroid hormone levels should be regularly monitored to avoid this complication. Scleroderma (choice B), asthma (choice C), and peripheral vascular disease (choice D) are not known to contraindicate the use of levothyroxine for hypothyroidism.

4. A nurse in the emergency department is prioritizing care for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A 6-year-old with a dislocated shoulder
• B. A 26-year-old with sickle cell disease and severe joint pain
• C. A 76-year-old with confusion, fever, and foul-smelling urine
• D. A 50-year-old with slurred speech, disorientation, and headache

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client with slurred speech, disorientation, and a headache may be experiencing a stroke, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Identifying and managing a stroke promptly can reduce the risk of long-term disability or complications. The other options, although important, do not present immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent intervention. A dislocated shoulder, severe joint pain in sickle cell disease, confusion with fever and foul-smelling urine, while concerning, can be addressed after attending to the client with potential stroke symptoms.

5. A nurse is caring for a client prescribed digoxin. Which of the following should alert the nurse to possible digitalis toxicity?

• A. Anorexia and weakness
• B. Hyperactivity and hunger
• C. Tachycardia and increased urination
• D. Polyphagia and polydipsia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Digitalis toxicity is a serious complication of digoxin therapy, particularly in older adults. Early symptoms include anorexia, nausea, and generalized weakness. Anorexia and weakness are common indicators of digitalis toxicity. Hyperactivity, hunger, tachycardia, increased urination, polyphagia, and polydipsia are not typical signs of digitalis toxicity. Monitoring for anorexia and weakness can help detect toxicity early and prevent life-threatening arrhythmias.

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