Nursing Elites

1. The client on nitroglycerin patches reports dizziness when standing up. What is the nurse’s best response?

• A. Advise the client to rise slowly to prevent dizziness.
• B. Instruct the client to discontinue the nitroglycerin patches.
• C. Encourage the client to rest and avoid physical activity.
• D. Suggest the client take an over-the-counter antiemetic.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to rise slowly to prevent dizziness. Dizziness when standing up can be a sign of orthostatic hypotension, a common side effect of nitroglycerin. Rising slowly can help minimize this symptom. Instructing the client to discontinue the nitroglycerin patches (Choice B) is not appropriate without consulting a healthcare provider as sudden discontinuation can lead to adverse effects. Encouraging the client to rest and avoid physical activity (Choice C) does not address the specific issue of orthostatic hypotension. Suggesting the client take an over-the-counter antiemetic (Choice D) is not indicated for dizziness related to orthostatic hypotension.

2. What is a type of medication that helps to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood?

• A. Anticoagulant
• B. Beta-blocker
• C. ACE inhibitor
• D. Calcium channel blocker

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Anticoagulants are medications specifically designed to prevent blood clots by thinning the blood. They work by interfering with the body's blood clotting process. Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers are medications used for different purposes such as managing blood pressure, heart conditions, and regulating heart rhythm, respectively. However, they do not have the primary function of preventing blood clots like anticoagulants.

3. The client is on nitroglycerin patches. What should the nurse include in the client’s education?

• A. Rotate the application site with each new patch.
• B. Apply the patch at the same time each day.
• C. Leave the patch on for 24 hours, then remove it for 12 hours before applying a new one.
• D. Apply the patch to the same site each time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Rotate the application site with each new patch.' When educating a client using nitroglycerin patches, it is essential to rotate the application site to prevent skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect because applying the patch at the same time each day is not a critical aspect of patch application. Choice C is incorrect as nitroglycerin patches are usually left on for a specific period, typically 12 to 14 hours, before being replaced. Choice D is incorrect because applying the patch to the same site each time can lead to skin irritation and tolerance development.

4. What is the condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed, leading to reduced blood flow and a potential stroke?

• A. Cerebral atherosclerosis
• B. Coronary artery disease
• C. Pulmonary embolism
• D. Peripheral artery disease

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cerebral atherosclerosis is the correct answer. It is a condition where the arteries in the brain become blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow and an increased risk of stroke. Choice B, Coronary artery disease, specifically affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart, not the brain. Choice C, Pulmonary embolism, involves a blockage in the pulmonary artery that affects blood flow to the lungs, not the brain. Choice D, Peripheral artery disease, refers to a condition where blockages occur in arteries outside of the heart and brain, typically affecting the limbs.

5. The nurse is caring for a client on heparin. What is the most important lab value to monitor?

• A. aPTT
• B. INR
• C. Platelet count
• D. Hemoglobin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: aPTT. When a client is on heparin therapy, monitoring the aPTT is crucial. The aPTT helps assess the effectiveness of heparin in preventing blood clots and guides dose adjustments as needed. INR (Choice B) is more commonly used to monitor warfarin therapy. Platelet count (Choice C) is important to assess for potential bleeding disorders or thrombocytopenia but is not the primary lab value to monitor for heparin therapy. Hemoglobin (Choice D) is essential for assessing oxygen-carrying capacity but is not the most important lab value to monitor when a client is on heparin.

Similar Questions