Nursing Elites

1. Heparin 20,000 units in 500 ml D5W at 50 ml/hour has been infusing for 5.5 hours. How much heparin has the client received?

• A. 11,000 units.
• B. 13,000 units.
• C. 15,000 units.
• D. 17,000 units.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the total amount of heparin received, multiply the infusion rate (50 ml/hour) by the total infusion time (5.5 hours). This results in 275 ml of the solution infused. Since there are 20,000 units of heparin in 500 ml, there are 800 units per ml. Therefore, 275 ml contains 220,000 units. However, the heparin is diluted in 500 ml, so the client has received half of this amount, which is 110,000 units. Therefore, the correct answer is 11,000 units. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct calculation based on the provided information.

2. A client reports constipation, and a nurse is providing dietary teaching. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

• A. Macaroni and cheese
• B. One medium apple with skin
• C. One cup of plain yogurt
• D. Roast chicken and white rice

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: One medium apple with skin. Foods high in fiber, like apples with skin, are recommended to relieve constipation due to their fiber content, which aids in bowel regularity. Macaroni and cheese, yogurt, and roast chicken with white rice do not provide as much fiber and are less effective in alleviating constipation. While yogurt can sometimes contain probiotics that support gut health, it is not as effective in treating constipation as high-fiber foods like apples.

3. A nurse on a med-surg unit is providing care for four clients. The nurse should identify which of the following situations as an ethical dilemma?

• A. A surgeon who removed the wrong kidney during a surgical procedure refuses to take responsibility for her actions
• B. A client who has a new colostomy refuses to follow instructions from the ostomy therapist because she 'doesn’t like him'
• C. The family of a client who has a terminal illness asks that the provider not disclose the diagnosis to the client
• D. A client who has Crohn’s disease reports that his prescription drug plan will not cover his medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is an ethical dilemma when the family of a client with a terminal illness asks healthcare providers not to inform the client of their diagnosis. This situation poses a conflict between respecting the client's right to know the truth about their condition (autonomy and truth-telling principles) and honoring the family's wishes. Choices A, B, and D do not present ethical dilemmas. Choice A involves professional accountability and responsibility, Choice B involves a client's personal preference, and Choice D involves financial challenges.

4. A client requires gastric decompression, and a nurse is inserting an NG tube. Which action should the nurse take to verify proper placement of the tube?

• A. Assess the client for a gag reflex
• B. Measure the pH of the gastric aspirate
• C. Place the end of the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling
• D. Auscultate 2.5 cm (1 in) above the umbilicus while injecting 15 mL of sterile water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Measuring the pH of the gastric aspirate is the most reliable method to confirm proper placement of an NG tube. Gastric fluid has an acidic pH, typically ranging from 1 to 5. Assessing the client for a gag reflex (choice A) is important for airway protection but does not confirm tube placement. Placing the NG tube in water to observe for bubbling (choice C) is incorrect and not a reliable method for verifying placement. Auscultating 2.5 cm above the umbilicus while injecting sterile water (choice D) is an outdated method and is not recommended for verifying NG tube placement.

5. A nurse is calculating a client's fluid intake over the past 8 hr. Which of the following items should the nurse plan to document on the client's intake and output record as 120 mL of fluid?

• A. 2 cups of soup
• B. 1 quart of water
• C. 8 oz of ice chips
• D. 6 oz of tea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 8 oz of ice chips. When calculating fluid intake, the nurse should document half of the volume of ice chips to account for the air in between the chips. Therefore, 8 oz of ice chips equals 120 mL of fluid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not equate to 120 mL of fluid intake as per the given scenario. Choice A, 2 cups of soup, is more than 120 mL. Choice B, 1 quart of water, is significantly more than 120 mL. Choice D, 6 oz of tea, is less than 120 mL.

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