Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who is receiving heparin therapy for a deep vein thrombosis. Which of the following lab values indicates a therapeutic response to the therapy?

• A. PT of 12 seconds
• B. aPTT of 70 seconds
• C. Platelets of 150,000/mm3
• D. INR of 1.5

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An aPTT of 70 seconds is within the therapeutic range for a client receiving heparin therapy. The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the most sensitive test to monitor heparin therapy. A therapeutic aPTT range for a client receiving heparin is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the control value. Choices A, C, and D are not indicators of a therapeutic response to heparin therapy. PT measures the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and is not specific to monitoring heparin therapy. Platelet count is important to monitor for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but it does not indicate the therapeutic response to heparin therapy. INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin therapy.

2. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. The client refuses to remove a religious medal. What is the nurse's best response?

• A. Ask the family to remove the medal
• B. Place the medal in a safe place for the client
• C. Allow the client to keep the medal during surgery
• D. Inform the client that the medal must be removed

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to allow the client to keep the medal during surgery. Clients may retain religious medals or jewelry during surgery if it does not interfere with the procedure. Asking the family to remove the medal (Choice A) may not be respecting the client's wishes. Placing the medal in a safe place for the client (Choice B) may cause distress to the client who wants to keep it. Informing the client that the medal must be removed (Choice D) disregards the client's beliefs and preferences.

3. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. Which of the following lab results should be reviewed before administering the medication?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Calcium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can potentiate the effects of low potassium levels, leading to life-threatening arrhythmias. Therefore, it is essential to review the patient's potassium level before administering digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because calcium level, hemoglobin level, and white blood cell count are not directly related to the risk of digoxin toxicity.

4. If a client refuses surgery, but the family insists, what should the nurse do in this situation?

• A. Respect the family's decision and proceed with the surgery.
• B. Respect the client's decision and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Try to mediate between the family and the client.
• D. Encourage the client to follow their family's wishes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should respect the client's decision and notify the healthcare provider. The client has the right to refuse treatment, and the nurse must advocate for the client's autonomy. Proceeding with the surgery against the client's wishes would violate their autonomy and ethical principles. Trying to mediate between the family and the client may be appropriate, but ultimately, the client's decision should be respected. Encouraging the client to follow their family's wishes disregards the client's autonomy and is not ethically appropriate.

5. The surgical mask the perioperative nurse is wearing becomes moist. Which action will the perioperative nurse take next?

• A. Do not change the mask if the nurse is comfortable.
• B. Change the mask when relieved by the next shift.
• C. Apply a new mask.
• D. Reapply the mask after it air-dries.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a surgical mask becomes moist, it loses its effectiveness as a barrier against microorganisms. Therefore, the perioperative nurse should apply a new mask. Choice A is incorrect because a moist mask should not be continued to be worn even if the nurse is comfortable. Choice B is not the best course of action as the mask should be changed immediately when it becomes moist. Choice D is also incorrect as waiting for the mask to air-dry is not recommended due to the loss of barrier effectiveness.

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