Nursing Elites

1. Which referral would be most appropriate for the client diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome?

• A. The physical therapist
• B. The thoracic surgeon
• C. The occupational therapist
• D. The social worker

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the occupational therapist. An occupational therapist specializes in helping clients with conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome by providing exercises, adaptations, and strategies to improve function and reduce symptoms. Choice A, the physical therapist, may also be involved in treatment, but occupational therapists focus more on functional activities for daily living affected by the condition. Choices B and D are not the most appropriate referrals for thoracic outlet syndrome as they do not directly address the functional limitations associated with this condition.

2. The client diagnosed with acute vein thrombosis is receiving a continuous heparin drip, an intravenous anticoagulant. The health care provider orders warfarin (Coumadin), an oral anticoagulant. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Discontinue the heparin drip prior to initiating the Coumadin
• B. Check the client’s INR prior to beginning Coumadin
• C. Clarify the order with the health care provider as soon as possible
• D. Administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to administer the Coumadin along with the heparin drip as ordered. Heparin and warfarin are often given together initially because warfarin takes a few days to become effective. Discontinuing the heparin drip prior to initiating Coumadin could leave the patient without anticoagulation coverage during the period when warfarin's effects are not yet established. Checking the client's INR prior to beginning Coumadin is important but not the immediate action to take when both medications are ordered together. Clarifying the order with the health care provider is unnecessary in this scenario as it is common practice to give heparin and warfarin concurrently in the transition period.

3. What is the FIRST step in providing health care for a patient?

• A. Obtain and interpret vital signs
• B. Determine the needs of the patient
• C. Develop a plan of care
• D. Obtain lab work and x-rays

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step in providing health care for a patient is to determine the needs of the patient. Understanding the patient's requirements, concerns, and medical history is crucial before proceeding with any further steps. Option A, 'Obtain and interpret vital signs,' may be necessary but typically follows assessing the patient's needs. Option C, 'Develop a plan of care,' comes after identifying the patient's needs. Option D, 'Obtain lab work and x-rays,' is usually done based on the patient's needs and the developed plan of care, making it a later step in the process.

4. The nurse cares for a client receiving furosemide (Lasix). The nurse determines that teaching is effective if the client selects which of the following foods?

• A. One medium baked potato
• B. One slice of white bread
• C. One medium apple
• D. One scrambled egg

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: One medium baked potato. Potatoes are high in potassium, which is essential for clients on Lasix to prevent hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium depletion, so consuming potassium-rich foods like baked potatoes can help maintain normal potassium levels. Choices B, C, and D do not provide a significant source of potassium, which is crucial for clients on furosemide therapy.

5. Which of the following is NOT one of the major duties of the M6 practical nurse?

• A. Performing preventive, therapeutic, and emergency nursing care procedures
• B. Managing other paraprofessional personnel
• C. Managing ward or unit operations
• D. Implementing Level II through Level IV CSH operations

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Implementing Level II through Level IV CSH operations is not a major duty of the M6 practical nurse. The M6 practical nurse is primarily responsible for performing preventive, therapeutic, and emergency nursing care procedures (A), managing other paraprofessional personnel (B), and managing ward or unit operations (C). The duties mentioned in choices A, B, and C align with the roles typically assigned to a practical nurse, making them incorrect answers for this question.

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