a nurse is caring for a patient with an infection which laboratory result is most important to monitor

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2019 A with NGN

1. A nurse is caring for a patient with an infection. Which laboratory result is most important to monitor?

A. White blood cell count (WBC)
B. C-reactive protein (CRP)
C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: White blood cell count (WBC). Monitoring the white blood cell count is crucial when caring for a patient with an infection as it helps assess the body's response to the infection. An elevated white blood cell count often indicates an active infection or inflammation, while a decreasing count may signal improvement or potential complications. C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are nonspecific markers of inflammation and not as specific to monitoring infection progression as the white blood cell count. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels are important for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity and blood volume, but they are not the primary indicators for monitoring infection.

2. When teaching a patient with a new prescription for brimonidine to treat open-angle glaucoma, what indicates an understanding of the instructions?

A. I can expect my vision to improve quickly
B. I should use it only when my eyes are irritated
C. I can expect to feel some irritation when I put these drops in my eyes
D. I will need regular eye exams

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When using brimonidine to treat open-angle glaucoma, patients may experience temporary irritation in the eyes. Choice A is incorrect because vision improvement from brimonidine is not immediate. Choice B is incorrect as brimonidine should be used as prescribed, not just when eyes are irritated. Choice D is important but does not directly indicate an understanding of the medication's use.

3. Which action by the nurse represents the ethical principle of beneficence?

A. Ensuring all clients are treated fairly
B. Preventing harm by providing accurate information
C. Allowing the client to refuse treatment
D. Ensuring the client's family agrees with the treatment

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Beneficence is the ethical principle of doing good or acting in the best interest of the client. Preventing harm by providing accurate information and necessary care aligns with the principle of beneficence, as it focuses on promoting the well-being and safety of the client. Choices A, C, and D do not directly reflect the concept of beneficence. Ensuring all clients are treated fairly relates more to justice, allowing the client to refuse treatment pertains to autonomy, and ensuring the client's family agrees with the treatment involves collaboration and communication but not specifically beneficence.

4. What is the most appropriate action for handling hazardous drugs?

A. Wear gloves and wash hands after handling.
B. Store the drugs according to manufacturer instructions.
C. Discard unused drugs in regular trash.
D. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling hazardous drugs.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The most appropriate action when handling hazardous drugs is to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect oneself from exposure to the harmful substances. Gloves and handwashing are important but may not provide sufficient protection from hazardous drugs. Storing drugs correctly and disposing of unused drugs properly are also essential, but the primary focus should be on using PPE to prevent exposure.

5. A healthcare provider is providing dietary teaching for a client who has a burn injury and adheres to a vegan diet. The healthcare provider should recommend which of the following foods as the best source of protein to promote wound healing?

A. One cup of brown rice
B. One cup of pureed avocado
C. One cup of lentils
D. One cup of orange juice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Lentils are an excellent source of protein, suitable for a vegan diet, and promote wound healing. Brown rice (Choice A) is a carbohydrate-rich food and lacks sufficient protein for wound healing. Pureed avocado (Choice B) is a healthy fat source but low in protein. Orange juice (Choice D) is a source of vitamin C but lacks protein needed for wound healing.