Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for enoxaparin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Platelet count 150,000/mm³
• B. aPTT 30 seconds
• C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
• D. Serum creatinine 3.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated serum creatinine level indicates impaired kidney function, which can affect the metabolism and excretion of enoxaparin, potentially leading to increased drug levels and risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is crucial to report a high serum creatinine level before administering enoxaparin. Platelet count, aPTT, and sodium levels are not directly related to the administration of enoxaparin and would not impact its use; hence, they do not need to be reported before starting the medication.

2. A client has deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer thrombolytics as prescribed.
• B. Massage the affected extremity every 2 hours.
• C. Apply warm compresses to the affected extremity.
• D. Place the client in a supine position with the legs elevated.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for a nurse caring for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply warm compresses to the affected extremity. Warm compresses help reduce swelling and pain in clients with DVT. Administering thrombolytics (Choice A) is not typically done without specific orders due to the risk of bleeding. Massaging the affected extremity (Choice B) can dislodge blood clots and lead to complications. Placing the client in a supine position with the legs elevated (Choice D) may increase the risk of clot dislodgment.

3. A hospice nurse is visiting with the son of a client who has terminal cancer. The son reports sleeping very little during the past week due to caring for his mother. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. I can give you information about respite care if you are interested.
• B. You should consider taking a sleeping pill before bed each night.
• C. It must be difficult taking care of someone who is terminally ill.
• D. You are doing a great job taking care of your mother.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Offering information about respite care is a therapeutic response that supports the caregiver. Choice B suggests a quick fix with sleeping pills without addressing the underlying issue of caregiver stress. Choice C, though empathetic, does not offer practical assistance or support. Choice D, while positive, does not address the son's need for rest and support.

4. A client is being taught how to perform self-catheterization. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Clean the catheter with alcohol after each use.
• B. Perform self-catheterization while sitting on the toilet.
• C. Use a new catheter each time you perform self-catheterization.
• D. Lubricate the catheter tip with petroleum jelly before insertion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use a new catheter each time you perform self-catheterization.' It is essential to use a new, sterile catheter each time to prevent infection during the procedure. Choice A is incorrect because cleaning the catheter with alcohol may not be sufficient to prevent infection. Choice B is incorrect because self-catheterization is typically done in a clean, private area, not necessarily on the toilet. Choice D is incorrect because lubricating the catheter tip with petroleum jelly is a common practice but not as crucial as using a new catheter each time to prevent infection.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric tube. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?

• A. Aspirating 100 mL of gastric residual
• B. Gastric pH of 4
• C. Auscultating crackles in the lung bases
• D. Checking residual every 6 hours

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Auscultating crackles in the lung bases indicates fluid in the lungs, which can be a sign of aspiration pneumonia or pulmonary edema and requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory distress. Aspirating 100 mL of gastric residual is within the acceptable range and does not require immediate intervention. A gastric pH of 4 is normal for gastric contents. Checking residual every 6 hours is a routine nursing intervention and does not indicate an urgent issue like pulmonary complications.

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