Nursing Elites

1. The physician orders a maintenance dose of 5,000 units of subcutaneous heparin (an anticoagulant) daily. Nursing responsibilities for Mrs. Mitchell now include:

• A. Reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time.
• B. Reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician
• C. Assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. When a physician orders a maintenance dose of subcutaneous heparin, nursing responsibilities include reviewing daily activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time to monitor the patient's coagulation status, reporting an APTT above 45 seconds to the physician as it may indicate a risk of bleeding, and assessing the patient for signs and symptoms of frank and occult bleeding, which are potential adverse effects of anticoagulant therapy. Therefore, all the options listed are essential nursing responsibilities when a patient is on subcutaneous heparin therapy.

2. A client has had a cast applied, and a nurse is providing care. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Place an ice pack over the cast.
• B. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
• C. Teach the client to keep the cast clean and dry.
• D. Position the casted extremity on a pillow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse's priority should be to assess the circulation by palpating the pulse distal to the cast. This is crucial to ensure there is no compromise in blood flow, which could lead to serious complications. Placing an ice pack over the cast, teaching the client about cast care, and positioning the casted extremity on a pillow are important interventions but should follow the assessment of circulation.

3. What is the most common psychogenic disorder among elderly individuals?

• A. Depression
• B. Sleep disturbances (e.g., bizarre dreams)
• C. Inability to concentrate
• D. Decreased appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Depression is the most common psychogenic disorder among elderly individuals. It can manifest as persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed. Elderly individuals may also experience changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. Detecting and addressing depression in the elderly is crucial for their overall well-being and quality of life.

4. After a walk-in client enters the clinic with a chief complaint of abdominal pain and diarrhea, the nurse takes the client’s vital signs. What phase of the nursing process is being implemented by the nurse?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse is performing the assessment phase of the nursing process. Assessment involves collecting data, which includes obtaining vital signs, to identify the client's health status and needs. This step is crucial for the nurse to gather information that will guide further decision-making in the nursing process. Choice B, 'Diagnosis,' would involve analyzing the collected data to identify the client's health problems. Choice C, 'Planning,' would be developing a plan of care based on the assessment findings. Choice D, 'Implementation,' is the phase where the nurse carries out the plan of care developed during the planning phase.

5. A client has experienced a right-hemispheric stroke. Which of the following is not an expected finding?

• A. Impulse control difficulty
• B. Left hemiplegia
• C. Loss of depth perception
• D. Aphasia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a right-hemispheric stroke, the expected findings include left-sided hemiplegia (Choice B), loss of depth perception (Choice C), and impulse control difficulty (Choice A). Aphasia (Choice D) is typically associated with left-hemispheric strokes. Therefore, aphasia is not an expected finding in a client who has experienced a right-hemispheric stroke.

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