Nursing Elites

1. Which action by the nurse will help reduce the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in a postoperative patient?

• A. Encourage early ambulation and leg exercises.
• B. Apply compression stockings to the patient's legs.
• C. Administer anticoagulants as prescribed.
• D. Elevate the patient's legs to promote circulation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage early ambulation and leg exercises. By promoting early ambulation and leg exercises, blood flow is enhanced, reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in postoperative patients. Choice B, applying compression stockings, helps prevent VTE but is not as effective as early ambulation and exercises. Choice C, administering anticoagulants, is important in VTE prevention but does not directly address improving circulation through physical activity. Choice D, elevating the patient's legs, may be beneficial for circulation in specific cases but is not as effective in preventing VTE as early ambulation and leg exercises.

2. A patient is at risk for impaired skin integrity. What is the priority intervention for the nurse?

• A. Turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours.
• B. Apply a moisture barrier to the patient's skin.
• C. Massage the patient's skin to promote circulation.
• D. Apply a heating pad to the patient's skin to increase blood flow.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to turn and reposition the patient every 2 hours. This intervention is crucial in preventing pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity by relieving pressure on bony prominences. Applying a moisture barrier (Choice B) is important for moisture-associated skin damage but is not the priority in this case. Massaging the patient's skin (Choice C) can potentially cause friction and shear, increasing the risk of skin breakdown. Applying a heating pad (Choice D) can lead to burns or thermal injuries, exacerbating skin integrity issues.

3. A nurse in the PACU is caring for a client who has received general anesthesia and has a manifestation of malignant hyperthermia. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Acetaminophen
• B. Ibuprofen
• C. Dantrolene
• D. Diazepam

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Dantrolene is the medication of choice to treat malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction to general anesthesia. It works by inhibiting the release of calcium ions in skeletal muscle cells, preventing muscle contracture and hypermetabolism. Acetaminophen (Choice A) and ibuprofen (Choice B) are not indicated for treating malignant hyperthermia. Diazepam (Choice D) may be used to control muscle spasms but is not the first-line treatment for malignant hyperthermia.

4. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and develops chills, a headache, and low back pain. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer acetaminophen
• B. Stop the transfusion
• C. Slow the transfusion rate
• D. Administer antihistamines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to stop the transfusion (Choice B). The symptoms described - chills, headache, and low back pain - are indicative of a transfusion reaction. The priority action is to immediately stop the transfusion to prevent further complications such as more severe reactions like hemolytic reactions or anaphylaxis. Administering acetaminophen (Choice A) may help with symptoms but does not address the underlying cause. Slowing the transfusion rate (Choice C) may not be sufficient if a serious transfusion reaction is occurring. Administering antihistamines (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation; stopping the transfusion takes precedence to ensure patient safety.

5. A client with left hemiparesis is learning how to use a cane. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Place the cane approximately 61 cm (24 in) in front of their feet before advancing
• B. Advance the stronger leg and the cane together to support the weaker leg
• C. Remove the rubber tip when using the cane
• D. Hold the cane on the right side to provide support for the weaker leg

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct way to use a cane for a client with left hemiparesis is to hold the cane on the right side to provide support for the weaker left leg. This allows for better stability and weight distribution. Placing the cane approximately 61 cm (24 in) in front of their feet before advancing (Choice A) is not necessary and may lead to improper gait. Advancing the stronger leg and the cane together (Choice B) is incorrect as it does not provide support for the weaker leg. Removing the rubber tip when using the cane (Choice C) is also incorrect as the rubber tip helps provide traction and stability.

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