A patient's complete blood count (CBC) shows a hemoglobin of 19 g/dL and a hematocrit of 54%. Which question should the nurse ask to determine possible causes of this finding?
- A. Have you had a recent weight loss?
- B. Do you have any history of lung disease?
- C. Have you noticed any dark or bloody stools?
- D. What is your dietary intake of meats and protein?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Do you have any history of lung disease? A high hemoglobin and hematocrit could indicate polycythemia, which can be secondary to chronic hypoxia from lung disease. Asking about lung disease helps determine if there is an underlying cause of the elevated levels.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Recent weight loss is more relevant for anemia.
C: Dark or bloody stools are more indicative of gastrointestinal bleeding and iron deficiency anemia.
D: Dietary intake of meats and protein is not directly related to the elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.
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A patient who is suspected of having acute viral hemorrhagic fever reveals history of tick bite. Which of the following is the most possible causative agent?
- A. Hantavirus
- B. Rift Valley virus
- C. Crimean Congo virus
- D. Marburg virus
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Crimean Congo virus. This is because Crimean Congo virus is a tick-borne virus known to cause acute viral hemorrhagic fever. Tick bite history increases suspicion for this virus. A: Hantavirus is transmitted through rodent feces and urine. B: Rift Valley virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. D: Marburg virus is transmitted through contact with infected animals.
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic stable angina. The nurse should identify that which of the following drugs inhibits the action of adenosine diphosphate receptors (ADP) on platelets and can be prescribed to reduce the client's risk for myocardial infarction?
- A. Clopidogrel
- B. Heparin
- C. Warfarin
- D. Alteplase
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Clopidogrel is the correct answer because it inhibits the action of ADP receptors on platelets, reducing platelet aggregation and the risk of myocardial infarction. Heparin works by inhibiting clotting factors, Warfarin interferes with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and Alteplase is a thrombolytic drug that dissolves blood clots. None of these drugs target ADP receptors specifically like Clopidogrel does.
A patient with advanced leukemia is responding poorly to treatment. The nurse finds the patient tearful and trying to express his feelings, but he is clearly having difficulty. What is the nurse's most appropriate action?
- A. Tell him that you will give him privacy and leave the room.
- B. Offer to call pastoral care.
- C. Ask if he would like you to sit with him while he collects his thoughts.
- D. Tell him that you can understand how he's feeling.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Ask if he would like you to sit with him while he collects his thoughts. This is the most appropriate action because it shows empathy and support for the patient's emotional distress. By offering to sit with the patient, the nurse acknowledges the patient's feelings and provides a comforting presence. This can help the patient feel understood and supported during a difficult time.
Choices A and D are incorrect because they do not actively offer emotional support or show empathy towards the patient. Choice A may make the patient feel abandoned, and choice D may come across as insincere or dismissive of the patient's emotions.
Choice B, offering to call pastoral care, is also not the most appropriate action in this scenario because the patient may need immediate emotional support from the nurse. Pastoral care can be considered later if the patient expresses a desire for spiritual or religious support.
A nurse is administering epoetin intravenously to a client who has renal failure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Shake the vial before using.
- B. Administer via IV bolus over 1 to 3 min.
- C. Dilute the drug first with D5W.
- D. Save the used vial for the next dose.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer via IV bolus over 1 to 3 min. This is the correct action because epoetin is typically administered intravenously over a specified time frame to prevent adverse reactions such as rapid changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Shaking the vial before using (option A) is unnecessary and may lead to frothing. Diluting the drug with D5W (option C) is not recommended for administration as an IV bolus. Saving the used vial for the next dose (option D) is incorrect and violates medication safety protocols. Administering via IV bolus over 1 to 3 min ensures safe and effective delivery of the medication.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for leukemia in the hospital. The patient was able to maintain her nutritional status for the first few weeks following her diagnosis but is now exhibiting early signs and symptoms of malnutrition. In collaboration with the dietitian, the nurse should implement what intervention?
- A. Arrange for total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
- B. Facilitate placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube.
- C. Provide the patient with several small, soft-textured meals each day.
- D. Assign responsibility for the patient's nutrition to the patient's friends and family.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Provide the patient with several small, soft-textured meals each day. This intervention is appropriate because it focuses on improving the patient's nutritional intake through easily digestible meals, which can help address early signs of malnutrition. Small, soft-textured meals are easier for the patient to eat, especially if they are experiencing symptoms like mouth sores or difficulty swallowing. This approach also promotes regular intake of nutrients throughout the day, which can be more beneficial than relying solely on one large meal.
Incorrect answers:
A: Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) is typically reserved for patients who cannot tolerate oral or enteral nutrition. It is not the first-line intervention for early signs of malnutrition.
B: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement is usually considered for patients who are unable to eat orally in the long term. It is not indicated for early signs of malnutrition.
D: Assigning responsibility for the patient's nutrition to friends and