What is the most important action when caring for a client on intravenous heparin?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor aPTT levels. This is crucial in intravenous heparin therapy to ensure the therapeutic range is maintained for anticoagulation without causing bleeding. Monitoring aPTT helps adjust heparin dosage to prevent clot formation or excessive bleeding. B: Monitoring for bleeding is important but not the most important action compared to monitoring aPTT levels for appropriate dosing. C: Checking platelet count is important for some anticoagulants like heparin, but aPTT monitoring is more directly related to heparin's anticoagulant effect. D: Administering a heparin antidote (protamine sulfate) is necessary in case of heparin overdose or in emergency situations but is not the primary action in routine care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer D is correct: 1. Empathy and respect: By saying "I respect your decision to choose surgery," you acknowledge her autonomy and decision-making. 2. Supportive approach: This response shows understanding and non-judgmental support for her choice. 3. Person-centered care: Recognizing her individual needs and choices is crucial in providing quality healthcare. Summary: A: Irrelevant and insensitive to her medical needs. B: Disregards her current situation and overlooks the complexity of weight loss. C: Implies a one-size-fits-all approach without considering her specific circumstances. D: Demonstrates respect, understanding, and support for her decision-making.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Monitor urine output. This is the most important action because it helps assess the client's fluid status and kidney function. Monitoring urine output can indicate if the client's body is effectively eliminating excess fluid. Elevating the head of the bed (B) helps with respiratory function but is not the priority in fluid overload. Administering diuretics (C) may be necessary but should be based on urine output monitoring. Encouraging deep breathing (D) is important for respiratory function but not directly related to managing fluid overload.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because moving the wheelchair close and pivoting on the unaffected extremity is the safest way to transfer a client with hemiparesis. This method minimizes strain on the affected side and reduces the risk of falls. First, ensure the wheelchair is positioned close to the bed. Then, assist the client to pivot by placing weight on the unaffected side and using proper body mechanics. This technique maintains stability and prevents injury. Choice A is incorrect because standing and walking the client to the wheelchair puts excessive strain on the affected side, increasing the risk of falls. Choice C is incorrect as pivoting on the affected extremity can lead to injury and instability. Choice D is incorrect as having the client stand and push to the wheelchair can be dangerous and may cause further harm.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for a client with DVT in the leg is to apply compression and elevate the leg (Choice B). Compression helps prevent blood clots from moving and causing further complications. Elevating the leg reduces swelling and improves blood flow. Choice A is incorrect because applying heat can actually worsen DVT by promoting inflammation and increasing blood flow. Choice C is incorrect as massage can dislodge blood clots and lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Choice D is incorrect as massaging the leg can be dangerous in DVT as mentioned before.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer bronchodilators. During an acute asthma attack, the priority intervention is to immediately open the airways to improve breathing. Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, work rapidly to dilate the bronchioles and relieve bronchospasms, making it the most effective initial treatment. Corticosteroids (B) are used for long-term control, not immediate relief. Applying oxygen and administering albuterol (C) is close, but bronchodilators should be given first for quicker relief. Applying a cold compress (D) is not appropriate for managing an asthma attack.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antiepileptic drugs. This is the most important nursing action for a client with a history of seizures because antiepileptic drugs help prevent or reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. By ensuring the client receives their prescribed medication, the nurse can help manage the condition effectively. Placing the client on their side (B) is important to prevent aspiration if a seizure occurs, but administering antiepileptic drugs is more crucial for long-term management. Checking the airway (C) is important during and after a seizure but does not address the underlying cause. Monitoring for hypoglycemia (D) is important as a potential trigger for seizures, but administering antiepileptic drugs takes precedence in managing the condition.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. In the case of shock, the first priority is to restore circulating volume to improve tissue perfusion. IV fluids help increase blood volume and improve oxygen delivery to vital organs, addressing the underlying cause of shock. Choice B (Administer oxygen) can be important but is not the first priority. Choice C (Place the client in a supine position) may worsen certain types of shock. Choice D (Monitor blood pressure) is important but not the first action needed to address shock. Administering IV fluids promptly can stabilize the client's condition and prevent further deterioration.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer glucose. The nurse's first action in treating hypoglycemia is to increase the client's blood glucose levels to prevent further complications. Administering glucose helps quickly raise blood sugar levels, addressing the immediate issue. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as administering insulin would further decrease blood sugar levels, administering oxygen is not the primary intervention for hypoglycemia, and administering antipyretics is used for reducing fever, not treating hypoglycemia.