Nursing Elites

1. A client with deep vein thrombosis receiving heparin therapy needs monitoring. Which test should the nurse use to regulate the medication dosage?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. International Normalized Ratio (INR)
• C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• D. Fibrinogen levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). aPTT is specifically used to monitor and regulate heparin therapy as it assesses the intrinsic pathway of coagulation, which heparin affects. Options A and B, Prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR), are used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Option D, Fibrinogen levels, is not the primary test used to monitor heparin therapy.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Weight gain of 1.4 kg (3 lb) in the past 2 weeks.
• B. Exophthalmos.
• C. Tachycardia.
• D. Heat intolerance.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Weight gain can indicate myxedema, which is a symptom commonly seen in hypothyroidism. Exophthalmos (choice B) is actually a characteristic finding of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Tachycardia (choice C) and heat intolerance (choice D) are also more indicative of hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism.

3. A client is 2 hours postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate 88/min
• B. Capillary refill of 2 seconds
• C. Pain level of 8 on a scale of 0 to 10
• D. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A pain level of 8 is high and may indicate inadequate pain control or complications following surgery. Monitoring and managing pain is crucial postoperatively to ensure patient comfort and prevent complications. A heart rate of 88/min, capillary refill of 2 seconds, and a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) are within normal ranges and do not typically require immediate reporting unless in the context of other concerning signs or symptoms.

4. A healthcare professional is providing discharge teaching for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which resource should be provided?

• A. Personal blogs about managing the adverse effects of diabetes medications.
• B. Food label recommendations from the Institute of Medicine.
• C. Diabetes medication information from the Physicians' Desk Reference.
• D. Food exchange lists for meal planning from the American Diabetes Association.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Food exchange lists from the American Diabetes Association are a valuable resource for meal planning in diabetes. These lists provide guidelines for portion control and help individuals make healthier food choices. Personal blogs may not always provide accurate and evidence-based information. Food label recommendations are important but may not specifically address meal planning for diabetes. Diabetes medication information is essential but not the primary focus when educating about dietary management for type 2 diabetes.

5. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication in the evening before bed.
• B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• C. Take this medication with a full glass of milk.
• D. Take this medication with an antacid if you experience indigestion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction when taking levothyroxine is to take it on an empty stomach. This enhances absorption and ensures the medication's effectiveness. Taking it with food or other substances, such as milk or antacids, can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.

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