Nursing Elites

1. A client is postoperative following a total knee arthroplasty. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Cross your legs when sitting to prevent discomfort.
• B. Perform range-of-motion exercises every 4 hours.
• C. Wear compression stockings daily.
• D. Apply heat to the incision site daily.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Wear compression stockings daily.' Wearing compression stockings is essential after knee surgery to prevent venous stasis and reduce the risk of blood clots. Choice A is incorrect as crossing legs when sitting can increase the risk of blood clots. Choice B is incorrect because performing range-of-motion exercises every 4 hours may not be suitable for all clients post total knee arthroplasty. Choice D is incorrect as applying heat to the incision site can increase the risk of infection.

2. Which lab value should be closely monitored for a patient receiving heparin therapy?

• A. Monitor aPTT
• B. Monitor INR
• C. Monitor potassium levels
• D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial to monitor when a patient is receiving heparin therapy. Heparin works by potentiating antithrombin III, leading to the inhibition of thrombin and factor Xa. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure the patient is within the therapeutic range for heparin, reducing the risk of bleeding complications. Monitoring INR (Choice B) is more relevant for patients on warfarin therapy. Monitoring potassium (Choice C) and sodium levels (Choice D) is important but not specific to heparin therapy.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving packed RBCs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Monitor the client's blood glucose level every hour
• B. Administer the blood using a microdrip set
• C. Assess the client's vital signs every 2 hours
• D. Infuse the blood within 4 hours

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to infuse the blood within 4 hours. This is crucial to prevent bacterial contamination and hemolysis during blood transfusions. Monitoring the client's blood glucose level every hour (Choice A) is not directly related to packed RBC transfusions. Administering the blood using a microdrip set (Choice B) may be appropriate for specific medications but is not a requirement for packed RBC transfusions. Assessing the client's vital signs every 2 hours (Choice C) is important for monitoring the client's overall condition but is not as time-sensitive as ensuring the timely infusion of packed RBCs.

4. A client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught about foot care by a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Use lotion on your feet to prevent dry, cracked skin, avoiding application between the toes.
• B. Avoid soaking your feet in warm water daily to prevent dry skin.
• C. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent injury.
• D. Do not apply a heating pad to your feet if they feel cold.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Trimming toenails straight across is essential for clients with diabetes to prevent the risk of ingrown toenails and injury. Using lotion on feet can be beneficial but should not be applied between the toes to avoid moisture buildup, which can lead to infections. Soaking feet in warm water can lead to dry skin, increasing the risk of cracks and other complications. Applying a heating pad to feet when they feel cold is not recommended for clients with diabetes due to impaired sensation, which can result in burns and other injuries.

5. Which lab value is essential for a patient receiving warfarin therapy?

• A. Monitor INR
• B. Monitor sodium levels
• C. Monitor potassium levels
• D. Monitor platelet count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the INR (International Normalized Ratio) for a patient receiving warfarin therapy. INR monitoring is crucial to assess the effectiveness of warfarin in preventing blood clots while minimizing the risk of bleeding. Monitoring sodium levels (choice B), potassium levels (choice C), or platelet count (choice D) is not specifically essential for patients on warfarin therapy and does not provide direct information on the drug's anticoagulant effects.

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