Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient's pain who is non-verbal?

• A. Looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain
• B. Using alternative methods like touch or distraction
• C. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients
• D. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When assessing pain in non-verbal patients, looking for changes in vital signs that may indicate pain is crucial. While using alternative methods like touch or distraction can be helpful, they may not directly indicate the presence of pain. Using a pain scale appropriate for non-verbal patients is important, but it may not always provide immediate feedback. Observing for facial expressions or other non-verbal cues can be subjective and may not always accurately reflect the level of pain the patient is experiencing. Therefore, monitoring vital signs is a more objective way to assess pain in non-verbal patients.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving a continuous IV infusion of heparin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Report any urine output greater than 30 mL/hr.
• B. Bruising on the arms and legs.
• C. Positive Trousseau's sign.
• D. Urine output of 60 mL/hr.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Bruising on the arms and legs is a sign of bleeding, which is a serious complication of heparin therapy and should be reported immediately to the provider. Option A is incorrect as urine output greater than 30 mL/hr is a normal finding. Option C, positive Trousseau's sign, is associated with hypocalcemia, not heparin therapy. Option D, urine output of 60 mL/hr, is within the normal range and does not indicate a complication of heparin therapy.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer furosemide 40 mg IV. Available is furosemide 10 mg/1 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To calculate the mL needed, divide the total dose by the dose per mL. In this case, 40 mg divided by 10 mg/mL equals 4 mL. Therefore, the nurse should administer 4 mL per dose. Choice A, 2 mL, is incorrect because it would only deliver 20 mg of furosemide, which is half the required dose. Choices B and D are also incorrect as they do not provide the accurate amount needed to achieve the 40 mg dosage.

4. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient refuses a prescribed medication?

• A. Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the medication at a later time.
• C. Explain the importance of the medication and its effects.
• D. Respect the patient's right to refuse the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to respect the patient's right to refuse the medication. It is crucial to uphold the patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity when it comes to their treatment. Administering the medication later without the patient's consent (Choice B) disregards their autonomy and can lead to ethical issues. Documenting the refusal and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) is important for legal and continuity of care purposes but should come after respecting the patient's decision. While explaining the importance of the medication (Choice C) is valuable for promoting understanding and compliance, the immediate concern should be respecting the patient's refusal.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication that requires a peak and trough level. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer the medication before the peak level is obtained.
• B. Withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained.
• C. Administer the medication based on the previous trough level.
• D. Ensure that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action should be to withhold the medication until the trough level is obtained. This is crucial to ensure accurate dosing based on the patient's levels. Administering the medication before the peak level is obtained (choice A) can lead to incorrect dosing. Administering the medication based on the previous trough level (choice C) may not reflect the current levels accurately. Ensuring that the medication is administered within 2 hours of the peak level (choice D) is not necessary for obtaining accurate peak and trough levels.

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