What is a strategy for preventing thromboembolism in pat ients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants?
- A. Administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours.
- B. Infusion of thrombolytics.
- C. Insertion of a vena cava filter.
- D. Subcutaneous heparin administration every 12 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Insertion of a vena cava filter. This is a strategy for preventing thromboembolism in patients at risk who cannot take anticoagulants. The vena cava filter prevents blood clots from traveling to the lungs by trapping them in the inferior vena cava. It is a mechanical device that does not interfere with the body's clotting process.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
A: Administration of two aspirin tablets every 4 hours is not an effective strategy for preventing thromboembolism in high-risk patients. Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent and may not be sufficient for preventing blood clots in these patients.
B: Infusion of thrombolytics is used for breaking down blood clots that have already formed, not for prevention. It is not a suitable option for preventing thromboembolism in at-risk patients.
D: Subcutaneous heparin administration every 12
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Which is likely the most common recollection from a patie nt who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation?
- A. Difficulty communicating
- B. Inability to get comfortable
- C. Pain
- D. Sleep disruption
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Difficulty communicating. When a patient undergoes endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, they are unable to speak normally. This leads to frustration and anxiety due to the inability to communicate effectively with healthcare providers and loved ones. The lack of communication can also impact their emotional well-being. Choices B, C, and D are less likely as the most common recollection because patients might not remember feeling uncomfortable, experiencing pain, or having sleep disruption during sedation and ventilation. Additionally, the inability to communicate is a primary concern for patients in this situation.
The nurse cites evidence-based practice as a rationale for a patient care decision. What isthe best description of evidence-based practice?
- A. Decisions based on expert legal testimony
- B. Use of best available research data
- C. Evolution of nursing practice over time
- D. Individual optimization of patient outcomes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use of best available research data. Evidence-based practice involves integrating the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about patient care. It emphasizes using scientifically proven data to guide practice and improve patient outcomes. Expert legal testimony (A) is not necessarily evidence-based. Evolution of nursing practice over time (C) does not specifically focus on research data. Individual optimization of patient outcomes (D) is a goal of evidence-based practice, but it does not fully encompass the concept.
In the critically ill patient, an incomplete assessment and/or management of pain or anxiety may be hampered by which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Administration of neuromuscular blocking agents
- B. Delirium
- C. Effective nurse communication and assessment skills
- D. Nonverbal patients
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Administration of neuromuscular blocking agents can hinder pain or anxiety assessment as it paralyzes the patient, preventing them from communicating discomfort.
2. Delirium may affect the patient's ability to express pain or anxiety, but it does not directly impede assessment and management.
3. Effective nurse communication and assessment skills facilitate, rather than hamper, pain or anxiety assessment.
4. Nonverbal patients can still communicate pain or anxiety through nonverbal cues, so they do not necessarily hinder assessment.
Which of the following professional organizations best supports critical care nursing practice?
- A. American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
- B. American Heart Association
- C. American Nurses Association
- D. Society of Critical Care Medicine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN). This organization focuses exclusively on critical care nursing, offering specialized education, resources, and certifications for critical care nurses. AACN advocates for high standards of care in critical care settings. The other choices do not specifically cater to critical care nursing practice. The American Heart Association focuses on cardiovascular health, the American Nurses Association is a general nursing organization, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine is more physician-centric. Therefore, A is the best choice for supporting critical care nursing practice.
The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient with chroni c obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which assessment would be a cue to the patient developing postoperative pneumonia?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Change in sputum characteristics
- C. Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis
- D. Pursed-lip breathing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Change in sputum characteristics. This is a cue for postoperative pneumonia in a COPD patient because it can indicate an infection in the lungs. Postoperative pneumonia is a common complication in patients with COPD due to impaired lung function and weakened immune system. Other choices are incorrect: A) Bradycardia is not a specific indicator of postoperative pneumonia. C) Hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis can be seen in patients with COPD but are not specific to postoperative pneumonia. D) Pursed-lip breathing is a coping mechanism for patients with COPD and is not directly related to postoperative pneumonia.