Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for an adult client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Choose the most distal site on the selected extremity
• B. Apply a cool compress to the selected extremity before insertion of the IV catheter
• C. Stroke the selected extremity before insertion of the IV catheter
• D. Place the tourniquet above the proposed insertion site

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When preparing to insert an IV catheter, stroking the extremity before insertion helps to visualize veins, making it easier to locate a suitable vein for catheter insertion. Choosing the most distal site on the extremity is correct because veins more distal are preferred for IV catheter insertion. Applying a cool compress to the extremity before insertion is unnecessary and not a standard practice. Placing the tourniquet below the proposed insertion site is incorrect; the tourniquet should be placed above the proposed insertion site to help engorge the veins for easier visualization and access.

2. A client is refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons. The client's partner wants the client to have the blood transfusion. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Ask the client to consider a direct donation
• B. Withhold the blood transfusion
• C. Request a consultation with the ethics committee
• D. Ask the client's family to intervene

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to withhold the blood transfusion. The principle of autonomy ensures that a competent client has the right to refuse treatment, even if their decision conflicts with the wishes of their partner or family. Asking the client to consider a direct donation (Choice A) is not appropriate as it disregards the client's autonomy and religious beliefs. Requesting a consultation with the ethics committee (Choice C) may be considered in complex ethical dilemmas, but in this case, the client's autonomy should be respected first. Asking the client's family to intervene (Choice D) is not appropriate as the client has the right to make their own healthcare decisions based on their religious beliefs.

3. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing hypoglycemia. What is the best initial action for the LPN/LVN to take?

• A. Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
• B. Give the client 4 ounces of orange juice.
• C. Give the client a snack containing protein and carbohydrates.
• D. Encourage the client to rest until symptoms resolve.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best initial action for a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiencing hypoglycemia is to give them 4 ounces of orange juice. Orange juice quickly raises blood glucose levels in a hypoglycemic client. Administering glucagon intramuscularly is not the best initial action for hypoglycemia; it is usually reserved for severe hypoglycemia cases. Giving a snack containing protein and carbohydrates is not as rapid as orange juice in raising blood glucose levels during hypoglycemia. Encouraging the client to rest until symptoms resolve does not address the immediate need to raise blood glucose levels in a hypoglycemic state.

4. A client is being admitted to a same-day surgery center for an exploratory laparotomy procedure. The surgeon asks the nurse to witness the signing of the preoperative consent form. In signing the form as a witness, the nurse affirms that:

• A. The client understands the procedure
• B. The signature on the preoperative consent form is the client’s
• C. The procedure has been explained
• D. The client is aware of potential complications

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because as a witness, the nurse's primary responsibility is to confirm that the signature on the preoperative consent form belongs to the client. The nurse is not confirming the client's understanding of the procedure (Choice A), but rather the authenticity of the signature. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse is not responsible for verifying that the procedure has been explained, but rather confirming the client's signature. Similarly, Choice D is incorrect because the nurse's role as a witness is not to ensure the client is aware of potential complications, but to verify the signature.

5. A client with chronic kidney disease is receiving epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of this medication?

• A. Serum creatinine
• B. Hemoglobin
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hemoglobin. Epoetin alfa (Epogen) is a medication commonly used in clients with chronic kidney disease to stimulate red blood cell production. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy. Hemoglobin levels reflect the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and indicate if the medication is successfully treating anemia associated with chronic kidney disease. Option A, serum creatinine, is a marker of kidney function, not the primary indicator of epoetin alfa effectiveness. Option C, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), is a measure of kidney function and hydration status. Option D, platelet count, assesses clotting ability and is unrelated to monitoring the effectiveness of epoetin alfa in treating anemia in chronic kidney disease.

Similar Questions