Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate response by the nurse is, "If I were you, I will get a second opinion." This response acknowledges the seriousness of the situation and the life-changing decision the patient has been told to make. Suggesting the patient seek a second opinion is essential as it encourages the patient to explore all options and ensures they have considered all possibilities before proceeding with a major surgery like an above-the-knee amputation. It shows the nurse's support for the patient while also advocating for the patient's right to make an informed decision about their healthcare.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The past medical history section typically includes information about a person's medical background before the current point in time. This would involve details such as prenatal history, birth history, childhood illnesses, surgeries, and medical conditions that have occurred in the past. "Current history" would be more appropriate for the present medical status and ongoing health issues, hence it does not belong in the past medical history section.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the International Normalized Ratio (INR) closely during anticoagulant therapy for the prevention of VTE. The INR measures the clotting ability of the blood and is used to monitor the effectiveness of anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin. Maintaining the INR within the target therapeutic range is crucial to prevent both excessive bleeding due to over-anticoagulation and clotting events due to under-anticoagulation. Close monitoring of the INR helps healthcare providers adjust the anticoagulant dosage as needed to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes and minimize risks. Platelet count, serum sodium levels, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) are important laboratory parameters to monitor for other medical conditions but are not specific to anticoagulant therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Showing positive interpersonal relationships is the best evidence of a family coping well when their family coping index on therapeutic competence is rated as coping well. Positive interpersonal relationships indicate that family members are effectively communicating, supporting each other, and resolving conflicts in a healthy manner. This reflects strong family dynamics, emotional resilience, and adaptability which are important aspects of effective coping. While the other options (B, C, D) are beneficial activities or behaviors, positive interpersonal relationships directly demonstrate the family's ability to cope well together, making it the most relevant evidence for a high therapeutic competence rating.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize checking the patency of the NG tube by aspirating gastric contents before initiating tube feeding. This is important to ensure that the NG tube is in the correct position and that it is functioning properly. By aspirating gastric contents, the nurse can confirm that the tube is in the stomach and not in the lungs or surrounding tissues. If no gastric contents are obtained upon aspiration, it may indicate that the tube is not properly placed or may be occluded, which would require further assessment and intervention before proceeding with tube feeding. Checking the patency of the NG tube is a crucial step in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of enteral nutrition delivery.