Nokea
When preparing to administer a medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube, what is the first action the nurse should take?
- A. Check the placement of the NG tube
- B. Flush the tube with saline
- C. Position the client in a semi-Fowler's position
- D. Administer the medication slowly
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action when preparing to administer a medication through a nasogastric (NG) tube is to check the placement of the NG tube. This step is essential to ensure that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach and not in the lungs, preventing potential complications. Flushing the tube with saline may be required, but it should follow the verification of tube placement. Positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position is necessary for comfort during the procedure but is not the initial step. Administering the medication can only be done safely after confirming the correct placement of the NG tube.
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Which is the most important safety measure when administering a medication through a patient's central venous catheter (CVC)?
- A. Using a sterile technique
- B. Ensuring correct placement of the CVC
- C. Flushing the CVC with saline after administration
- D. Monitoring for signs of infection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most important safety measure when administering a medication through a patient's central venous catheter (CVC) is ensuring the correct placement of the CVC. This is crucial to prevent complications such as extravasation, infection, or improper drug delivery. While using a sterile technique, flushing the CVC with saline after administration, and monitoring for signs of infection are all important aspects of CVC care, ensuring the correct placement of the catheter takes precedence as it directly impacts patient safety during medication administration.
The single mother of a child with a head injury is sitting at the child's bedside crying when the PN enters the room. The mother states, 'Why did this happen to my child? I just can't cope with this.' How should the PN respond?
- A. Ask her to share how the injury occurred to her child.
- B. Recommend that she remain calm and positive for her child.
- C. Express that the present situation must be overwhelming.
- D. Determine if someone else can help her cope with this tragedy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Expressing empathy and acknowledging the mother's feelings helps in providing emotional support during a difficult time. This response validates her emotions and offers a comforting presence. Choice A is not appropriate as it focuses on gathering information rather than addressing the mother's emotional distress. Choice B may come off as dismissive of the mother's feelings and oversimplifies the complexity of the situation. Choice D shifts the responsibility to someone else instead of offering immediate support and comfort.
During the immediate postoperative period following a total hip replacement, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?
- A. Encourage the client to use a walker or cane when ambulating
- B. Keep the client's hip aligned with knees abducted
- C. Teach the client to sit on the side of the bed before standing
- D. Monitor urinary flow via an indwelling catheter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Keeping the client's hip aligned with the knees abducted is crucial to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis, which is a priority immediately after total hip replacement surgery. This position helps maintain the stability of the new hip joint. Encouraging the client to use a walker or cane (Choice A) is important but not as critical as ensuring proper hip alignment. Teaching the client to sit on the side of the bed before standing (Choice C) is a good practice but not as essential as maintaining hip alignment. Monitoring urinary flow via an indwelling catheter (Choice D) is not directly related to preventing complications immediately after a total hip replacement.
Before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity, which lab value is most important for the PN to review?
- A. Hemoglobin and Hematocrit
- B. Serum Calcium
- C. Serum Creatinine
- D. WBC
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Serum creatinine is the most important lab value to review before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity. This is because serum creatinine is a key indicator of kidney function. An elevated serum creatinine level may indicate impaired renal function, and administering nephrotoxic drugs in such situations can further damage the kidneys. Monitoring serum creatinine levels helps healthcare providers assess renal function and make informed decisions regarding drug administration. Choices A, B, and D are not as directly related to kidney function and nephrotoxicity, making them less crucial in this scenario. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels assess for anemia, serum calcium levels are more related to bone health and nerve function, and WBC count is associated with immune response, none of which directly reflect kidney function or the risk of nephrotoxicity.
Which laboratory value is most important to monitor for a patient receiving heparin therapy?
- A. Platelet count
- B. Prothrombin time (PT)
- C. Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
- D. International normalized ratio (INR)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Partial thromboplastin time (PTT). PTT is monitored to assess the therapeutic effect of heparin therapy. It helps ensure that the heparin levels are within the desired range to prevent either clotting or excessive bleeding. Platelet count (A) is important but does not directly assess heparin's therapeutic effect. Prothrombin time (PT) (B) and International normalized ratio (INR) (D) are used to monitor patients on warfarin, not heparin therapy.