A client with a history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following laboratory values?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT)
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- D. White blood cell count (WBC)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Prothrombin time (PT). Prothrombin time is monitored to assess the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting the synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, including factors II, VII, IX, and X. Monitoring the PT helps ensure that the client's blood is clotting within the desired therapeutic range to prevent complications such as recurrent DVT or excessive bleeding. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because serum potassium, blood urea nitrogen, and white blood cell count are not directly related to monitoring warfarin therapy in a client with a history of DVT.
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A female adult walks into a local community health clinic and tells the nurse that she is homeless and cannot seem to find help. Which statement indicates to the nurse that a client is feeling separated from society and helpless?
- A. "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared."
- B. "I feel like I cannot get enough food to live any longer."
- C. "I know that I will always be poor so what's the use of trying?"
- D. "People like me are never respected, no matter how well we do."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The statement "I'm feeling really isolated from everyone and scared" indicates a sense of separation from society and helplessness. This choice reflects feelings of loneliness and fear, which are common among individuals who feel disconnected and helpless. Choices B, C, and D do not directly convey a sense of isolation and helplessness. Choice B focuses on food insecurity, choice C on a resigned attitude towards poverty, and choice D on lack of respect, none of which directly address the feelings of being separated from society and helpless as indicated in the scenario.
A community health nurse is conducting a home visit to assess a family's health needs. What is the first step in this process?
- A. Develop a care plan
- B. Conduct a physical examination
- C. Establish rapport with the family
- D. Provide health education
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Establishing rapport with the family is crucial in the initial stages of a home visit. It helps build trust, open communication channels, and allows the nurse to gain insight into the family's health needs and concerns. Developing a care plan (Choice A) comes after the assessment phase, where information is gathered. Conducting a physical examination (Choice B) is a part of the assessment but typically follows establishing rapport. Providing health education (Choice D) is important but usually occurs after the assessment and care planning stages.
The client with acute hypocalcemia is admitted to the unit. Nursing action should include:
- A. Implement seizure precautions
- B. Assess for hypoglycemia
- C. Monitor for visual changes
- D. Observe for muscle weakness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for a client with acute hypocalcemia is to implement seizure precautions. Hypocalcemia can lead to tetany and seizures due to neuromuscular irritability. Assessing for hypoglycemia (choice B) is not directly related to hypocalcemia. Monitoring for visual changes (choice C) is more indicative of conditions like hyperglycemia or retinal disorders. Observing for muscle weakness (choice D) is a common symptom of hypocalcemia but does not address the immediate risk of seizures, which is why implementing seizure precautions is the priority nursing action.
The nurse is evaluating the growth and development of a toddler with AIDS. The nurse would anticipate finding that the child has
- A. Achieved developmental milestones at an erratic rate
- B. Delay in musculoskeletal development
- C. Displayed difficulty with speech development
- D. Delay in achievement of most developmental milestones
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Children with AIDS often experience delays in achieving developmental milestones, affecting their overall growth and development. This delay can impact various areas of development, not limited to a specific aspect like musculoskeletal or speech development. While some children may achieve milestones at varying rates (choice A), the general trend is a delay in multiple milestones (choice D). Musculoskeletal development (choice B) and speech development (choice C) may be affected but are not as comprehensive as the delay in most developmental milestones.
A client with peptic ulcer disease is receiving ranitidine (Zantac). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Constipation
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Diarrhea. Ranitidine, which is used to treat peptic ulcer disease, can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Hypertension and hypotension are not common side effects of ranitidine. Constipation is also not a typical side effect associated with ranitidine use.