Nursing Elites

1. Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who has been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B?

• A. Advise limiting alcohol intake to 1 drink daily
• B. Schedule for liver cancer screening every 6 months
• C. Initiate administration of the hepatitis C vaccine series
• D. Monitor anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels annually

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B are at a higher risk for developing liver cancer. Therefore, it is essential to schedule them for liver cancer screening every 6 to 12 months to detect any potential malignancies at an early stage. Advising patients to limit alcohol intake is crucial as alcohol can exacerbate liver damage; thus, patients with chronic hepatitis B are advised to completely avoid alcohol. Administering the hepatitis C vaccine is irrelevant for a patient diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B since it is a different virus. Monitoring anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) levels annually is not necessary as the presence of anti-HBs indicates a past hepatitis B infection or vaccination, and it does not require regular monitoring.

2. The patient with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is receiving epoprostenol (Flolan). Which assessment information requires the most immediate action by the nurse?

• A. The oxygen saturation is 94%.
• B. The blood pressure is 98/56 mm Hg.
• C. The patient's central IV line is disconnected.
• D. The international normalized ratio (INR) is prolonged.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most immediate action required by the nurse is to address the disconnected central IV line delivering epoprostenol (Flolan). Epoprostenol has a short half-life of 6 minutes, necessitating immediate reconnection to prevent rapid clinical deterioration. While oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and INR are important parameters requiring monitoring and intervention, the priority lies in ensuring the continuous delivery of the critical medication to stabilize the patient's condition.

3. To palpate the liver during a head-to-toe physical assessment, the nurse should

• A. put pressure on the biopsy site using a sandbag
• B. elevate the head of the bed to facilitate breathing
• C. place the patient on the right side with the bed flat
• D. check the patient's post-biopsy coagulation studies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To palpate the liver effectively during a head-to-toe physical assessment, the patient should be positioned on the right side with the bed flat. This position helps to splint the biopsy site and allows for proper palpation of the liver. Elevating the head of the bed has no direct relevance to palpating the liver. Checking coagulation studies is done before the biopsy and is unrelated to palpation. Putting pressure on the biopsy site using a sandbag is not an appropriate way to facilitate liver palpation as it does not provide the necessary support and stabilization needed for the procedure.

4. A man is prescribed lithium to treat bipolar disorder. The nurse is most concerned about lithium toxicity when he notices which of these assessment findings?

• A. The patient states he had a manic episode a week ago
• B. The patient states he has been having diarrhea every day
• C. The patient presents as severely depressed
• D. The patient has a rash and pruritus on his arms and legs

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is when the patient states he has been having diarrhea every day. Persistent diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. The other options, such as a manic episode, severe depression, or rash and pruritus, are not directly associated with an increased risk of lithium toxicity.

5. Which interventions should the nurse include when creating a care plan for a child with hepatitis? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Providing a low-fat, well-balanced diet.
• B. Teaching the child effective hand-washing techniques.
• C. Notifying the primary health care provider (PHCP) if jaundice is present.
• D. Instructing the parents to avoid administering medications unless prescribed.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is instructing the parents to avoid administering medications unless prescribed. This choice is not directly related to the care of a child with hepatitis. It is essential for the nurse to educate the child and family about providing a low-fat, well-balanced diet to support the liver, teaching effective hand-washing techniques to prevent the spread of infection, and notifying the primary health care provider if jaundice is present to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust the treatment plan accordingly. Avoiding unnecessary medications is crucial, but it should be done under healthcare provider guidance, so the statement should be revised to reflect this aspect. Therefore, the other options are appropriate for the care of a child with hepatitis.

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