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A client with a history of closed head injury has a radial artery catheter in place and complains of numbness and pain distal to the insertion site. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Monitor the site for further complications.
- B. Promptly remove the catheter from the radial artery.
- C. Elevate the client's arm above the heart.
- D. Notify the healthcare provider and prepare for surgery.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A weak pulse and numbness distal to a radial artery catheter may indicate occlusion or damage to the artery, and immediate removal of the catheter is necessary to prevent complications. Therefore, promptly removing the catheter from the radial artery (Choice B) is the correct action. Monitoring the site (Choice A) would delay necessary intervention, elevating the client's arm (Choice C) may not address the underlying issue, and notifying the healthcare provider for surgery (Choice D) without removing the catheter promptly could lead to further complications.
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A client is admitted with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and is receiving heparin therapy. What is the most important laboratory value to monitor during heparin therapy?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT)
- B. International normalized ratio (INR)
- C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- D. Platelet count
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the most important laboratory value to monitor during heparin therapy. It measures the intrinsic pathway of coagulation and is used to assess the effectiveness of heparin as an anticoagulant. Keeping the aPTT within the therapeutic range is crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or clot formation. Prothrombin time (PT) and International normalized ratio (INR) are used to monitor warfarin therapy, not heparin. Platelet count is important to assess for thrombocytopenia, a potential side effect of heparin, but it is not the primary laboratory value to monitor the effectiveness of heparin therapy.
The nurse leading a medical-surgical unit care team assigns client care to a PN and a UAP. Which task should the nurse delegate to the UAP?
- A. Assess a client's pain level post-surgery
- B. Turn and reposition a client with a total hip replacement
- C. Administer a dose of insulin per sliding scale
- D. Change a postoperative dressing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Turning and repositioning a client is within the scope of practice of a UAP. This task helps prevent pressure ulcers and assists in maintaining the client's comfort and mobility. Assessing pain level post-surgery requires clinical judgment and interpretation, making it appropriate for a PN or RN. Administering medication like insulin involves critical thinking and potential adjustments based on the client's condition, which is the responsibility of a licensed nurse. Changing postoperative dressings involves wound assessment, infection control, and knowledge of aseptic techniques, tasks that fall under the purview of a PN or RN.
A 4-year-old child falls off a tricycle and is admitted for observation. How can the nurse best facilitate the child's cooperation during the assessment?
- A. Ask the parent to hold the child during the assessment.
- B. Allow the child to play with a syringe without a needle.
- C. Ask the child to blow out the penlight as if to simulate success.
- D. Explain the function of each organ during the assessment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Engaging the child in blowing out the penlight simulates play and can reduce fear, helping with cooperation during the assessment. Choice A is not recommended as it may increase anxiety by separating the child from the parent. Choice B is not appropriate as it involves playing with a syringe, which may not be safe or suitable. Choice D is not ideal for a 4-year-old child as understanding organ functions may be beyond their developmental level.
A client is admitted with a suspected gastrointestinal bleed. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Bright red blood in the vomit.
- B. Elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
- C. Coffee ground emesis.
- D. Dark, tarry stools.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dark, tarry stools indicate the presence of digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract, signifying a higher gastrointestinal bleed. This finding requires immediate intervention due to the potential severity of the bleed. Bright red blood in the vomit may indicate active bleeding but is not as concerning as digested blood. Elevated blood pressure and heart rate are common responses to bleeding but do not provide direct evidence of the source or severity of the bleed. Coffee ground emesis is indicative of partially digested blood and is a concern but not as urgent as dark, tarry stools.
A client is recovering from a hip replacement surgery. What is the priority nursing intervention to prevent complications?
- A. Encourage bed rest to prevent strain on the hip
- B. Assist the client with early ambulation
- C. Provide continuous passive motion therapy
- D. Administer pain medication before activity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assist the client with early ambulation. Early ambulation is a key intervention to prevent complications like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and promote circulation after hip replacement surgery. It also helps with overall recovery and reduces the risk of complications related to immobility, such as muscle atrophy and pressure ulcers. Choice A is incorrect as bed rest should be avoided to prevent complications associated with immobility. Choice C, continuous passive motion therapy, is not the priority intervention immediately post-hip replacement surgery. Choice D, administering pain medication before activity, is important but not the priority intervention to prevent complications in this case.