The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT)
- B. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- C. International normalized ratio (INR)
- D. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Heparin primarily affects the intrinsic pathway of coagulation.
2. International Normalized Ratio (INR) is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy.
3. INR is more specific for monitoring heparin therapy compared to other options.
4. Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) are not as accurate for heparin monitoring.
5. Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) is used to monitor heparin therapy, but INR is a more precise indicator of heparin's effect.
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The nurse is administering total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central line at 75 ml/hour to a client who had a bowel resection 4 days ago. Which laboratory finding requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Blood glucose of 140 mg/dL
- B. White blood cell count of 8000/mm³
- C. Serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L
- D. Serum calcium of 7.8 mg/dL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Serum calcium of 7.8 mg/dL. This finding indicates hypocalcemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Low calcium levels can be caused by TPN administration or poor calcium absorption following bowel resection. Immediate intervention may include administering IV calcium gluconate.
A: Blood glucose of 140 mg/dL is within the normal range and not an immediate concern.
B: White blood cell count of 8000/mm³ is within the normal range and does not require immediate intervention.
C: Serum potassium of 3.8 mEq/L is within the normal range and does not pose an immediate threat.
A client with an electrical burn on the forearm asks the nurse why there is no feeling of pain from the burn. During the dressing change, the nurse determines that the burn is dry, waxy, and white. What information should the nurse provide this client?
- A. The depth of tissue destruction is minor
- B. Pain is interrupted due to nerve compression
- C. The full thickness burn has destroyed the nerves
- D. Second-degree burns are not usually painful
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because full-thickness burns destroy nerve endings, resulting in the absence of pain sensation. The dry, waxy, and white appearance indicates tissue destruction extending through the epidermis and dermis. Choices A and D are incorrect because dry, waxy, and white appearance signifies a deeper burn, not a minor or superficial burn, and second-degree burns typically involve pain sensation. Choice B is incorrect as nerve compression does not explain the lack of pain sensation in a full-thickness burn.
A 9-year-old received a short arm cast for a right radius. To relieve itching under the child's cast, which instructions should the nurse provide to the parents?
- A. Blow cool air from a hair dryer under the cast
- B. Twist the cast back and forth
- C. Shake powder into the cast
- D. Push a pencil under the cast edge
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blow cool air from a hair dryer under the cast. This method helps to relieve itching by providing airflow without causing damage to the cast or skin. It is safe and effective.
Choice B: Twisting the cast back and forth may cause discomfort or injury to the child's arm.
Choice C: Shaking powder into the cast can create a mess and may lead to skin irritation or infection.
Choice D: Pushing a pencil under the cast edge can cause damage to the skin or lead to complications.
A male client with diabetes mellitus takes Novolin 70/30 insulin before meals and azithromycin (Zithromax) PO daily, using medication he brought from home. When the nurse delivers his breakfast tray, the client tells the nurse that he took his insulin but forgot to take his daily dose of the Zithromax an hour before breakfast as instructed. What action should the nurse implement?
- A. Offer to obtain a new breakfast tray in an hour so the client can take the Zithromax
- B. Instruct the client to eat his breakfast and take the Zithromax two hours after eating
- C. Tell the client to skip that day's dose and resume taking the Zithromax the next day
- D. Provide a PRN dose of an antacid to take with the Zithromax right after breakfast
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Instruct the client to eat his breakfast and take the Zithromax two hours after eating. This is the correct action because azithromycin is best absorbed when taken on an empty stomach, but if the client has already eaten, it is recommended to wait at least 2 hours after a meal before taking it. This ensures optimal absorption and effectiveness of the medication.
Choice A is incorrect because it does not address the timing issue of taking azithromycin on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect as skipping a dose of an antibiotic can lead to treatment failure. Choice D is incorrect as antacids can interfere with the absorption of azithromycin and should not be taken together.
A client who has a flaccid bladder is placed on a bladder training program. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's teaching plan?
- A. Use manual pressure to express urine
- B. Perform the Crede maneuver
- C. Apply an external urinary drainage device
- D. Take a warm sitz bath twice a day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform the Crede maneuver. This is the appropriate instruction for a client with a flaccid bladder on a bladder training program. The Crede maneuver involves applying manual pressure on the bladder to assist with urine elimination. This technique helps to promote bladder emptying and prevent urinary retention.
A: Using manual pressure to express urine is not recommended as it can lead to urinary tract infections and damage to the bladder.
C: Applying an external urinary drainage device is not part of bladder training and does not address the issue of bladder emptying.
D: Taking a warm sitz bath twice a day does not directly address the client's flaccid bladder and is not a component of bladder training.
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