Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a 75-year-old client in congestive heart failure. Which finding suggests that digitalis levels should be reviewed?

• A. Extreme fatigue
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Intense itching
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Extreme fatigue can be a sign of digitalis toxicity, especially in older adults, and warrants a review of the client's medication levels and potential adjustment. Increased appetite, intense itching, and constipation are not typically associated with digitalis toxicity and do not directly indicate a need for a review of digitalis levels.

2. A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following laboratory values?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. Serum potassium
• C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• D. White blood cell count (WBC)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prothrombin time (PT). Prothrombin time is monitored to assess the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, including factors II, VII, IX, and X. Monitoring the PT helps ensure that the client's blood is clotting within the desired therapeutic range to prevent complications such as recurrent DVT or excessive bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because serum potassium, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell count are not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy in a client with a history of DVT.

3. While explaining an illness to a 10-year-old, what should the nurse keep in mind about the cognitive development at this age?

• A. They are able to make simple associations of ideas
• B. They are able to think logically in organizing facts
• C. Interpretation of events originates from their own perspective
• D. Conclusions are based on previous experiences

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Correct answer: At the age of 10, children are in the stage of concrete operational thought, where they can think logically and organize facts. Choice A is incorrect as simple associations of ideas are more characteristic of earlier developmental stages. Choice C is incorrect as while children at this age are developing perspective-taking skills, their interpretations are not solely limited to their own perspective. Choice D is incorrect as while previous experiences influence their thinking, the ability to think logically and organize facts is more prominent in this stage of cognitive development.

4. The home health nursing director is conducting an educational program for registered nurses and practical nurses about Medicare reimbursement. To obtain payment for Medicare services, what must be included in the client's record?

• A. A prescription from the healthcare provider for each visit made.
• B. Documentation of a skilled care service provided during the visit.
• C. A copy of the client's health history and social security card.
• D. A record of the preventative healthcare services provided during the visit.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Documentation of skilled care services is required for Medicare reimbursement. Medicare reimbursement is based on the provision of skilled care services, not on prescriptions or preventative healthcare services. Including a copy of the client's health history and social security card is not a requirement for Medicare reimbursement.

5. Mark, 9 months old, is given oral rehydration solution because of diarrhea with some dehydration. In your follow-up visit, you observed that Mark's eyes become puffy. Which one of the following would you advise Mark's mother?

• A. continue giving ORS but more slowly
• B. show mother how much solution to give
• C. stop ORS and give plain water or milk
• D. reassess patient to determine how much ORS to give

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, observing puffy eyes in a child being treated with oral rehydration solution may indicate fluid overload. Continuing to give ORS but more slowly is the correct course of action as it helps manage hydration without overloading fluids. Choice B is not the best option in this situation as the issue is not about the quantity of the solution, but the rate of administration. Choice C is incorrect because plain water or milk is not a suitable alternative for rehydration in cases of dehydration. Choice D is also incorrect as reassessing the patient does not directly address the issue of puffy eyes, which suggests a need to adjust the administration of ORS.

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