Nokea
Application - The nurse is caring for a patient who has the following labs: Creatinine 2.5mg/dL, WBC 11,000 cells/mL, and Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL. Based on this information, which of these orders would the nurse question?
- A. Administer 30 Units of Lantus Daily
- B. CT of the spine with contrast
- C. X-ray of the abdomen and chest
- D. Administer heparin subcutaneously 5,000 Units every 12 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to question the order for a CT of the spine with contrast. The patient's elevated creatinine level of 2.5mg/dL indicates impaired kidney function. Contrast agents are nephrotoxic and can further compromise kidney function in patients with existing nephropathy. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid contrast-enhanced imaging studies in patients with impaired renal function.
Choice A: Administering 30 Units of Lantus Daily is not contraindicated based on the provided lab values.
Choice C: Ordering an X-ray of the abdomen and chest is not contraindicated based on the provided lab values.
Choice D: Administering heparin subcutaneously at 5,000 Units every 12 hours is not contraindicated based on the provided lab values.
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A patient presents to the office with a pencil that has completely penetrated the palm of her hand. Which of the following treatments would be BEST in this situation?
- A. Assist the doctor while he sedates the patient and removes the pencil from her hand.
- B. Have the patient gently pull the pencil out of her hand and assist the physician with stitches.
- C. Wrap a gauze around the pencil, securing it as much as possible until the patient can get to a local emergency room.
- D. Tell the patient to go to the local emergency room. With a doctor's order, give the patient some aspirin for the pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Penetrating wounds that leave an object behind may have damaged important blood vessels. Removing the object may lead to significant bleeding. The correct approach is to gently wrap the wound with the object in place to help control bleeding and prevent further injury. The patient should be taken promptly to the nearest emergency room where healthcare professionals can safely and appropriately remove the object and provide necessary treatment. Choice A is incorrect because removing the pencil without proper medical evaluation can worsen the injury. Choice B is incorrect because pulling out the object can cause additional damage and bleeding. Choice D is incorrect because giving aspirin without knowing the extent of the injury and causing potential drug interactions can be harmful.
What is the most common complication of chest wall injury?
- A. Hemothorax
- B. Atelectasis
- C. Pneumonia
- D. Pneumothorax
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pneumonia is the most common complication of chest wall injury. Chest wall trauma can lead to impaired lung function, making patients more susceptible to pneumonia due to reduced ability to clear secretions and impaired breathing. While hemothorax and pneumothorax are potential complications of chest wall injury, pneumonia is more commonly encountered. Atelectasis, although a common pulmonary complication, is not typically the most common complication seen in chest wall injuries.
A patient has been taking mood stabilizing medication but is afraid of needles. They ask the nurse what medication would NOT require regular lab testing. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Valproic Acid (Depakote)
- B. Clozapine (Clozaril)
- C. Lithium
- D. Risperidone (Risperdal)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is Risperidone (Risperdal) because it is the only medication among the options that does not require regular lab testing. Risperidone is not associated with the need for routine blood draws to monitor medication levels or potential side effects. Choices A, B, and C (Valproic Acid, Clozapine, Lithium) are all known to require frequent lab monitoring due to various reasons such as potential toxicity, therapeutic drug levels, or adverse effects on certain organ functions. Therefore, considering the patient's fear of needles and the desire to avoid frequent blood tests, Risperidone would be the most suitable option.
A patient is on bedrest 24 hours after a hip fracture. Which regular assessment or intervention is essential for detecting or preventing the complication of Fat Embolism Syndrome?
- A. Performing passive, light range-of-motion exercises on the hip as tolerated.
- B. Assess the patient's mental status for drowsiness or sleepiness.
- C. Assess the pedal pulse and capillary refill in the toes.
- D. Administer a stool softener as ordered.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In detecting or preventing Fat Embolism Syndrome (FES), assessing the patient's mental status for drowsiness or sleepiness is crucial. Decreased level of consciousness is an early sign of FES due to decreased oxygen levels. Performing passive, light range-of-motion exercises on the hip may not directly relate to FES. Assessing pedal pulse and capillary refill in the toes is essential for assessing circulation but not specific to detecting FES. Administering a stool softener, while important for preventing constipation in immobilized patients, is not directly related to detecting or preventing FES.
A newborn is having difficulty maintaining a temperature above 98 degrees Fahrenheit and has been placed in a warming isolette. Which action is a nursing priority?
- A. Protect the neonate's eyes from the heat lamp
- B. Monitor the neonate's temperature
- C. Warm all medications and liquids before administration
- D. Avoid touching the neonate with cold hands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a newborn is placed in a warming isolette due to difficulty maintaining temperature, the priority action is to continuously monitor the neonate's temperature to prevent overheating. Using heat lamps is unsafe as their temperature cannot be regulated, potentially causing harm. Warming medications and fluids before administration is not necessary in this situation. While touching the neonate with cold hands may startle them, it does not pose a safety risk compared to monitoring and controlling the temperature.