Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer ceftriaxone. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Reconstitute the medication with normal saline
• B. Reconstitute the medication with sterile water
• C. Administer the medication over 30 minutes
• D. Monitor for signs of toxicity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B. Ceftriaxone should be reconstituted with sterile water, not saline. Reconstituting it with normal saline can result in a chemical interaction and precipitation of the drug. Administering the medication over 30 minutes (choice C) is not necessary as ceftriaxone is usually given as an intravenous bolus or drip over a shorter period. Monitoring for signs of toxicity (choice D) is important but not the immediate action required for preparing the medication. The priority is to ensure proper reconstitution with the appropriate solvent, which is sterile water.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the left lower extremity. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart
• B. Administer acetaminophen for pain
• C. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours
• D. Withhold heparin IV infusion

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to withhold heparin IV infusion. The nurse should withhold heparin if there are signs of complications, such as bleeding, or if there are contraindications to continuing anticoagulation therapy. Positioning the client with the affected extremity higher than the heart helps reduce swelling and improve blood flow. Administering acetaminophen for pain management can be appropriate, but it is not the priority in this situation. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge the clot and lead to serious complications, so it should be avoided.

3. A client who is at 32 weeks gestation and has a history of cardiac disease is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following positions should the nurse place the client in to best promote optimal cardiac output?

• A. The chest
• B. Standing
• C. Supine
• D. Left lateral

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the left lateral position. Placing the client in the left lateral position promotes optimal cardiac output during pregnancy by reducing pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving blood flow to the heart and fetus. Choice A, 'The chest,' is incorrect as it does not describe a position that benefits cardiac output. Choice B, 'Standing,' is incorrect as it does not alleviate pressure on the vena cava. Choice C, 'Supine,' is contraindicated in pregnancy, especially in clients with cardiac disease, as it can compress the vena cava and decrease cardiac output.

4. A nurse is assisting with mass casualty triage following an explosion at a local factory. Which of the following clients should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. A client who has massive head trauma
• B. A client who has full-thickness burns to the face and trunk
• C. A client with indications of hypovolemic shock
• D. A client with an open fracture of the lower extremity

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a mass casualty situation, the nurse should prioritize the client with indications of hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock is an immediate life-threatening condition resulting from severe blood loss, which can lead to organ failure and death. Prompt identification and treatment of hypovolemic shock are crucial to prevent further deterioration. While clients with massive head trauma, full-thickness burns, and open fractures require urgent care, hypovolemic shock takes precedence due to its rapid progression to a critical state.

5. While caring for a client receiving nitroglycerin for chest pain, which of the following side effects should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Nitroglycerin is known to cause hypotension due to its vasodilating effect, which can lead to low blood pressure. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client for signs of hypotension such as dizziness, light-headedness, or weakness. Tachycardia (increased heart rate), bradycardia (decreased heart rate), and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are not typically associated with nitroglycerin use and are less likely to be side effects that the nurse needs to monitor for in this scenario.

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