Nursing Elites

1. The client diagnosed with acute vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin drip, an intravenous anticoagulant. The health care provider orders warfarin (Coumadin), an oral anticoagulant. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the heparin drip prior to initiating the Coumadin
• B. Check the client’s INR prior to beginning Coumadin
• C. Clarify the order with the health care provider as soon as possible
• D. Administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered. Heparin and warfarin are often given together initially because warfarin takes a few days to become effective. Discontinuing the heparin drip prior to initiating Coumadin could leave the patient without anticoagulation coverage during the period when warfarin's effects are not yet established. Checking the client's INR prior to beginning Coumadin is important but not the immediate action to take when both medications are ordered together. Clarifying the order with the health care provider is unnecessary in this scenario as it is common practice to give heparin and warfarin concurrently in the transition period.

2. The client with chronic alcoholism has chronic pancreatitis and hypomagnesemia. What should the nurse assess when administering magnesium sulfate to the client?

• A. Deep tendon reflexes
• B. Arterial blood gases
• C. Skin turgor
• D. Capillary refill time

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: When administering magnesium sulfate to a client with chronic alcoholism, chronic pancreatitis, and hypomagnesemia, the nurse should assess deep tendon reflexes. Magnesium sulfate can depress the central nervous system and decrease deep tendon reflexes, so monitoring them is crucial. Assessing arterial blood gases, skin turgor, or capillary refill time is not directly related to the administration of magnesium sulfate in this scenario.

3. In a routine sputum analysis, which of the following indicates proper nursing action before sputum collection?

• A. Secure a clean container
• B. Discard the container if the outside becomes soiled
• C. Rinse the client's mouth with water after collection
• D. Tell the client that 4 tablespoons of sputum are needed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Before sputum collection, it is crucial to use a clean container to prevent specimen contamination. This step is essential to ensure accurate test results and to avoid introducing external particles or bacteria into the sample. Choice B is incorrect because discarding the container if the outside becomes soiled is not a standard practice before collection. Choice C is incorrect as rinsing the client's mouth with Listerine after collection can introduce unnecessary substances into the specimen. Choice D is incorrect as the amount of sputum needed should be determined by the healthcare provider, not the client.

4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client with a history of atherosclerosis and notes elevated cholesterol levels. Which statement by the client indicates the nurse should plan follow-up instruction on a low-cholesterol diet?

• A. ''I take an omega-3 supplement daily.''
• B. ''I cook my food with canola oil.''
• C. ''I eat three eggs for breakfast each morning.''
• D. ''I flavor my meat with lemon juice.''

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Eating three eggs daily increases cholesterol intake, which could exacerbate atherosclerosis. Omega-3 supplements, cooking with canola oil, and flavoring meat with lemon juice do not significantly impact cholesterol levels compared to consuming three eggs daily. Therefore, the nurse should focus on educating the client to reduce egg consumption to improve cholesterol levels.

5. What is the combat health support system in the field designed to do?

• A. Provide evacuation to the far rear for treatment and delay return to duty
• B. Project, sustain, and protect the health of the soldier in war and operations other than war
• C. Provide rearward evacuation and reassignment
• D. Provide far rear area care and delayed return to duty

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The combat health support system in the field is designed to project, sustain, and protect the health of soldiers in both war and operations other than war. Choice A is incorrect because the system is not primarily focused on providing evacuation to the far rear for treatment, but rather on overall health support. Choice C is incorrect as it only mentions rearward evacuation and reassignment, which is a limited scope compared to the comprehensive support provided by the system. Choice D is incorrect as it narrowly focuses on far rear area care and delayed return to duty, missing the broader aspects of health support and protection.

Similar Questions