A patient has been receiving a heparin sodium IV for the last three days. The patient's most current platelet count is 65,000 × 103/uL; while the platelet count on admission was 350,000 × 103/uL. The cardiac-vascular nurse contacts the physician to:
- A. report that the medication level is subtherapeutic.
- B. report that the patient is exhibiting signs of an adverse reaction.
- C. request an increase in the medication infusion rate.
- D. request an order for platelet transfusion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A significant drop in platelets suggests heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, an adverse reaction.
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Which test measures how much and how quickly you can move air out of your lungs?
- A. Spirometry
- B. Peak flow meter
- C. Lung volume test
- D. Arterial blood gas
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Spirometry is the correct answer because it measures the volume of air exhaled in a specific time frame, assessing lung function and capacity. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like asthma and COPD. Peak flow meter measures only the maximum speed of exhalation, not volume. Lung volume test measures the total lung capacity, not the speed of air movement. Arterial blood gas measures oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, not lung function.
The most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia following myocardial infarction is
- A. ventricular fibrillation
- B. premature ventricular contractions
- C. premature atrial contractions
- D. atrial fibrillation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation disrupts cardiac function and requires immediate intervention.
Which of the following adverse effects should a nurse check for when administering lidocaine?
- A. Convulsions
- B. Amnesia
- C. Dyspnea
- D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Convulsions are a serious adverse effect of lidocaine toxicity, requiring vigilant monitoring.
Explain the different modes of ventilator.
- A. Controlled mechanical ventilation
- B. Assist-control mode
- C. Both A and B
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Modes vary depending on the degree of support required by the patient.
Which test measures how well the lungs work by assessing the amount of air the lungs can hold and how quickly air can be exhaled?
- A. Spirometry
- B. Pulse oximetry
- C. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
- D. Chest X-ray
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Spirometry. Spirometry measures lung function by evaluating lung capacity and airflow. It assesses vital parameters like Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), providing valuable insights into lung health. Pulse oximetry (B) measures oxygen saturation, not lung function. Arterial blood gas (C) evaluates blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, not lung capacity. Chest X-ray (D) shows lung structure, not lung function. Therefore, Spirometry is the most appropriate test for assessing lung function.