You're educating a patient about Warfarin (Coumadin) and how it is used to treat blood clots. Which statements by the patient require you to re-educate them about how this medication works? Select all that apply:
- A. This medication will help dissolve the blood clot.
- B. This medication will prevent another blood clot from forming.
- C. This medication will help prevent the blood clot from becoming bigger in size.
- D. This medication starts working immediately after the first dose.
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Warfarin (Coumadin) does NOT dissolve blood clots. It prevents blood clots from forming, and if one is present, it will help prevent it from becoming bigger. If the blood clot becomes bigger it may break off and travel in blood circulation. This can lead to a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. Warfarin (Coumadin) does NOT start working immediately. It takes about 3-5 days of scheduled doses to start achieving a therapeutic INR level. It is very common that a patient will be on Heparin while taking Warfarin until INR levels are therapeutic.
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A patient with severe COPD is having an episode of extreme shortness of breath and requests their inhaler. Which type of inhaler ordered by the physician would provide the FASTEST relief for the patient based on this particular situation?
- A. Spiriva
- B. Salmeterol
- C. Symbicort
- D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Albuterol , a short-acting beta-agonist, provides rapid bronchodilation for acute shortness of breath. Spiriva , Salmeterol , and Symbicort are long-acting or combination drugs for maintenance.
The health-care provider ordered STAT arterial blood gases (ABGs) for the client diagnosed with ARDS. The ABG results are pH 7.38, Pao2 92, Paco2 38, Hco3 24. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Continue to monitor the client without taking any action.
- B. Encourage the client to take deep breaths and cough.
- C. Administer one (1) ampule of sodium bicarbonate IVP.
- D. Notify the respiratory therapist of the ABG results.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Normal ABGs (A) in ARDS indicate stability, requiring monitoring. Deep breathing (B), bicarbonate (C), and notification (D) are unnecessary.
During the preoperative period, which nursing action will be of greatest priority for a person who is to have a laryngectomy?
- A. Establish a means of communication.
- B. Prepare the bowel by administering enemas until clear.
- C. Teach the client to use an artificial larynx.
- D. Demonstrate the technique for suctioning a laryngectomy tube.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Establishing a means of communication is the highest priority preoperatively, as the client will lose the ability to speak post-laryngectomy.
The client admitted for recurrent aspiration pneumonia is at risk for bronchiectasis. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate the health-care provider to order?
- A. Administer intravenous antibiotics for seven (7) days.
- B. Insert a subclavian line and initiate total parenteral nutrition.
- C. Provide a low-calorie and low-sodium restricted diet.
- D. Encourage the client to turn, cough, and deep breathe frequently.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Recurrent aspiration pneumonia predisposes to bronchiectasis due to chronic airway damage. Turning, coughing, and deep breathing (D) prevent secretion stasis and further infections. Antibiotics (A) treat active infection, not prevention. TPN (B) is for malnutrition, not directly related. Dietary restrictions (C) are irrelevant.
The nurse observes the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) removing the nasal cannula from the client diagnosed with COPD while ambulating the client to the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Praise the UAP because this prevents the client from tripping on the oxygen tubing.
- B. Place the oxygen back on the client while sitting in the bathroom and say nothing.
- C. Explain to the UAP in front of the client oxygen must be left in place at all times.
- D. Discuss the UAP's action with the charge nurse so appropriate action can be taken.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: COPD clients need continuous oxygen; replacing it (B) corrects the error safely. Praising (A) is incorrect, explaining in front of client (C) is unprofessional, and escalating (D) is premature.