Nursing Elites

1. A patient is 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours
• B. Monitor the patient's pain level every 8 hours
• C. Assist the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours
• D. Keep the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take 1 hour postoperative following an open reduction internal fixation of the left tibia is to assess neurovascular status of the extremities every 4 hours. This frequent assessment is crucial to monitor for any signs of complications such as impaired circulation or nerve damage. Monitoring every 4 hours allows for early detection of any issues, enabling timely intervention and prevention of potential complications. Monitoring the patient's pain level every 8 hours (choice B) is not as immediate or essential for postoperative care. Assisting the patient to the bathroom every 2 hours (choice C) may not be necessary if the patient is not ambulatory yet. Keeping the patient's left leg elevated on two pillows (choice D) can be beneficial but is not the priority in the immediate postoperative period compared to assessing neurovascular status.

2. The nurse is expecting the admission of a child with severe isotonic dehydration. Which intravenous fluid prescription does the nurse anticipate for this child?

• A. 0.9% normal saline (NS)
• B. D5 0.2% (�) normal saline
• C. D5W
• D. Albumin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Isotonic dehydration requires the administration of normal saline to restore fluid balance.

3. The patient taking warfarin for prevention of deep vein thrombosis has an INR of 1.2. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?

• A. Administer IV push protamine sulfate
• B. Continue with the current prescription.
• C. Prepare to administer Vitamin K
• D. Call healthcare provider to increase the dose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An INR level of 1.2 is below the therapeutic range (2-3) for warfarin therapy. Therefore, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider to discuss the need for an increased dose to achieve the desired therapeutic range and prevent deep vein thrombosis effectively. Administering IV push protamine sulfate is used to reverse the effects of heparin, not warfarin. Continuing with the current prescription without addressing the subtherapeutic INR level may not effectively prevent deep vein thrombosis. Administering Vitamin K is indicated for warfarin overdose leading to excessive anticoagulation, not for a subtherapeutic INR level that is below the target range.

4. During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury, what intervention should be included in the plan of care for a child?

• A. Administer a loop diuretic.
• B. Provide a low-sodium diet.
• C. Weigh the child weekly.
• D. Provide a high-protein diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: During the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury, the priority is managing fluid balance. Administering a loop diuretic is crucial to promote diuresis and reduce fluid retention, aiding in managing the condition effectively. Providing a low-sodium diet may be beneficial but is not the priority intervention during this phase. Weighing the child weekly is important for monitoring overall health but does not directly address the oliguric phase. Providing a high-protein diet is not typically recommended in acute kidney injury, especially during the oliguric phase, as it can put additional stress on the kidneys.

5. A 4-year-old child is admitted to the hospital secondary to dehydration. Laboratory tests indicate a high hemoglobin and hematocrit, and the serum sodium is below normal levels. Which condition does the nurse suspect based on the current data?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Hypotonic dehydration
• D. Isotonic dehydration

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is hypotonic dehydration. The combination of high hemoglobin and hematocrit with low serum sodium indicates hypotonic dehydration. In this condition, there is an excess of solutes relative to water, leading to higher red blood cell concentration (elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit) and low serum sodium levels.

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