Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is receiving warfarin therapy for atrial fibrillation. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. INR 1.8
• B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
• C. Platelets 175,000/mm³
• D. Potassium 3.8 mEq/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An INR of 1.8 is below the therapeutic range for a client receiving warfarin, indicating a potential risk of blood clots. This value should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and possible adjustment of the warfarin dosage. Choices B, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not directly relate to the effectiveness or safety of warfarin therapy in this scenario, making them less urgent to report.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset.
• B. Store the medication in a cool, dry place.
• C. Take one tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses.
• D. This medication may cause drowsiness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to take one nitroglycerin sublingual tablet every 5 minutes until the pain is relieved, up to three doses. This dosing regimen is essential for managing angina attacks effectively. Choice A is incorrect because nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue for rapid absorption, not taken with food. Choice B is incorrect because nitroglycerin tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Choice D is incorrect because nitroglycerin typically does not cause drowsiness as a side effect.

3. Which lab value is critical for a patient on heparin therapy?

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial for patients on heparin therapy as it helps determine the clotting ability of the blood. By monitoring aPTT, healthcare providers can adjust the dosage of heparin to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent bleeding complications. Monitoring INR is more commonly associated with warfarin therapy, not heparin. Monitoring platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but is not specific to heparin therapy. Monitoring sodium levels is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness or safety of heparin therapy.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed RBCs to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Prime the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride.
• B. Verify the client's blood type and Rh factor.
• C. Administer the blood over 8 hours.
• D. Use a 22-gauge needle for venous access.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to verify the client's blood type and Rh factor. This action is crucial to ensure that the correct blood is administered, matching the client's blood type and Rh factor, which helps prevent transfusion reactions. Priming the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride (Choice A) is not directly related to ensuring the correct blood product is administered. Administering the blood over 8 hours (Choice C) is not the standard practice for packed RBCs, which are usually given over a shorter period. Using a 22-gauge needle for venous access (Choice D) is not specific to the preparation for administering packed RBCs.

5. A nurse is preparing an in-service for a group of nurses about malpractice issues in nursing. Which of the following examples should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication.
• B. Documenting communication with a provider in the progress notes of the client's medical records.
• C. Administering potassium via IV bolus.
• D. Placing a yellow bracelet on a client who is at risk for falls.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Administering potassium via IV bolus is a malpractice issue due to the risk of cardiac complications. Option A is incorrect as leaving a nasogastric tube clamped after administering oral medication can lead to complications but is not directly linked to malpractice. Option B is incorrect as documenting communication with a provider in the progress notes is a necessary part of nursing practice. Option D is incorrect as placing a yellow bracelet on a client at risk for falls is a safety measure to prevent falls and is not related to malpractice issues.

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