Nokea
The client with a mechanical heart valve reports a fever. What should the nurse do first?
- A. Administer acetaminophen.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Check the client's temperature again in 4 hours.
- D. Encourage fluid intake.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Fever may indicate endocarditis in a client with a mechanical valve, requiring immediate medical evaluation.
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The nurse is admitting a client diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease. Which data support a diagnosis of venous insufficiency?
- A. The client has bright red skin on the lower extremities.
- B. The client has a brownish purple area on the lower legs.
- C. The client complains of pain after ambulating for short distances.
- D. The client has nonhealing wounds on the toes and ankles.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Brownish purple skin (B) indicates hemosiderin from venous stasis. Red skin (A) is nonspecific, pain with walking (C) is arterial, and toe/ankle wounds (D) are arterial.
The client is four (4) hours postoperative abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Which nursing intervention should be implemented for this client?
- A. Assist the client to ambulate.
- B. Assess the client's bilateral pedal pulses.
- C. Maintain a continuous IV heparin drip.
- D. Provide a clear liquid diet to the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing pedal pulses (B) monitors graft patency post-AAA repair, critical at 4 hours. Ambulation (A) is premature, heparin (C) is not routine, and diet (D) awaits bowel function.
The nurse is assessing a client with dilated cardiomyopathy. Which finding is expected?
- A. Jugular vein distension
- B. Hypertension
- C. Dry skin
- D. Tachypnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dilated cardiomyopathy causes reduced cardiac output, leading to jugular vein distension from fluid backup.
The client receiving low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) subcutaneously to prevent DVT following hip replacement surgery complains to the nurse that there are small purple hemorrhagic areas on the upper abdomen. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Notify the HCP immediately.
- B. Check the client’s PTT level.
- C. Explain this results from the medication.
- D. Assess the client’s vital signs.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Small hemorrhagic areas (C) are expected with LMWH due to subcutaneous bleeding. Notifying HCP (A), checking PTT (B) (not used for LMWH), or vitals (D) are unnecessary unless severe bleeding occurs.
The nurse is administering heparin to a client with a DVT. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. International normalized ratio (INR)
- B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- C. Platelet count
- D. Red blood cell count
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Heparin's anticoagulant effect is monitored using aPTT to ensure therapeutic dosing and prevent bleeding.