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The client is receiving a continuous heparin infusion. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- D. International normalized ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Heparin’s anticoagulant effect is monitored by aPTT, with a therapeutic range of 1.5–2.5 times the control value. Platelet count is monitored for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, but PT and INR are for warfarin.
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A client with a renal failure is prescribed a low potassium diet. Which food choice would be best for this client?
- A. 1 cup beef broth
- B. 1 baked potato with the skin
- C. 1/2 cup raisins
- D. 1 cup rice
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low potassium diet is essential for clients with renal failure to prevent hyperkalemia. Among the options, 1 cup of rice has the lowest potassium content (approximately 50–100 mg per cup), making it the best choice. Beef broth contains moderate potassium (around 200 mg per cup), a baked potato with skin is high in potassium (about 900 mg), and raisins are also high (around 500 mg per half cup).
A pregnant client comes to the office for her first prenatal examination at 10 weeks. She has been pregnant twice before; the first delivery produced a viable baby girl at 39 weeks 3 years ago; the second pregnancy produced a viable baby boy at 36 weeks 2 years ago. Both children are living and well. Using the gravida and para system to record the client's obstetrical history, the nurse should record:
- A. Gravida 3 para 1
- B. Gravida 3 para 2
- C. Gravida 2 para 1
- D. Gravida 2 para 2
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gravida=3 (current pregnancy), Para=2 (two births after 20 weeks).
The client is diagnosed with pancreatitis. Which laboratory value is most indicative of this condition?
- A. Elevated amylase
- B. Decreased bilirubin
- C. Elevated hemoglobin
- D. Decreased white blood cell count
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated amylase is a key indicator of pancreatitis, as it is released from damaged pancreatic tissue. Bilirubin, hemoglobin, and white blood cell counts are less specific, though leukocytosis may occur.
Four days after admission for cirrhosis of the liver, the nurse observes the following when assessing a male client: increased irritability, asterixis, and changes in his speech pattern. Which of the following foods would be appropriate for his bedtime snack?
- A. Fresh fruit
- B. A milkshake
- C. Saltine crackers and peanut butter
- D. A ham and cheese sandwich
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While fresh fruit is low in protein, a milkshake is a better choice as it provides carbohydrates and some protein in a form that is easier to digest, which is crucial for clients with cirrhosis to avoid ammonia buildup. A milkshake is appropriate as it provides carbohydrates, which are needed to prevent protein catabolism, and has lower protein content compared to options like peanut butter or ham, reducing the risk of ammonia accumulation. (C, D) Both saltine crackers with peanut butter and a ham and cheese sandwich are high in protein, which can increase ammonia levels, exacerbating hepatic encephalopathy.
A 40-year-old client is admitted to the coronary care unit with chest pain and shortness of breath. The physician diagnosed an anterior wall myocardial infarction. What tests should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Reticulocyte count, creatinine phosphokinase (CPK)
- B. Aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase
- C. Sedimentation rate, WBC count
- D. Lactic dehydrogenase, CPK
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lactic dehydrogenase and CPK are enzymes released from injured myocardial tissue.