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 is to receive thrombolytic therapy. Which of the following factors should be recognized as a contraindication to the therapy?

• A. Hip arthroplasty 2 weeks ago
• B. Elevated sedimentation rate
• C. Incident of exercise-induced asthma 1 week ago
• D. Elevated platelet count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Thrombolytic therapy involves the use of medications to dissolve blood clots. Hip arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) performed recently is a contraindication to thrombolytic therapy due to the risk of bleeding. Elevated sedimentation rate, exercise-induced asthma, and elevated platelet count are not contraindications to thrombolytic therapy.

3. A client is in a seclusion room following violent behavior and continues to display aggressive behavior. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Confront the client about this behavior.
• B. Express sympathy for the client's situation.
• C. Speak assertively to the client.
• D. Stand within 30 cm (1 ft) of the client when speaking with them.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client in a seclusion room following violent behavior continues to display aggression, it is essential for the nurse to confront the client about this behavior. Confrontation can help set boundaries, address the behavior, and ensure the safety of both the client and the healthcare team. Expressing sympathy (Choice B) may not address the immediate need for behavior management. Speaking assertively (Choice C) can be important but should be coupled with addressing the specific behavior. Standing within close proximity (Choice D) of an aggressive client can escalate the situation and compromise safety, so it is not the appropriate action to take.

4. A client experiencing acute dyspnea and diaphoresis reports anxiety and difficulty breathing. Vital signs include HR 117/min, respirations 38/min, temperature 38.4 C (101.2 F), and blood pressure 100/54 mm Hg. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Notify the provider.
• B. Administer heparin via IV infusion.
• C. Administer oxygen therapy.
• D. Obtain a spiral CT scan.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with acute dyspnea, diaphoresis, tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, and hypotension, the priority is to ensure adequate oxygenation. Administering oxygen therapy helps improve oxygenation levels and stabilize the client's condition. This intervention takes precedence over notifying the provider, administering heparin, or obtaining a CT scan, as oxygen therapy addresses the client's immediate need for respiratory support.

5. A healthcare professional is planning care for a client who has dysphagia and a new dietary prescription. Which of the following should the healthcare professional NOT include in the plan of care?

• A. Have suction equipment available for use
• B. Feed the client thickened liquids
• C. Place food on the unaffected side of the client's mouth
• D. Assign an assistive personnel to feed the client slowly

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client with dysphagia, it is crucial to ensure safe feeding practices. Assigning an assistive personnel to feed the client slowly may not be appropriate as it can increase the risk of aspiration. Thickened liquids, having suction equipment available, and placing food on the unaffected side of the mouth are all appropriate measures to support a client with dysphagia in safe eating and drinking.

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