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: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Place in a safe environment. This is the first priority to ensure the safety of the confused post-operative client. Placing the client in a safe environment prevents harm from falls or accidents. Reorienting the client (choice A) can come after ensuring safety. Administering pain relief (choices C and D) should be done based on assessment but is not the first priority when the client is confused.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer oxygen. This is the most important intervention for a client with an obstructed airway because it helps to ensure that the patient is receiving adequate oxygen supply to prevent hypoxia. Oxygen therapy can help maintain oxygen saturation levels and support proper gas exchange in the lungs. Monitoring respiratory rate (B) is important but not as critical as ensuring oxygen supply. Administering morphine (C) is contraindicated as it can depress respiratory function further. Administering fluids (D) is not the priority in managing an obstructed airway.

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.

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: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Open the airway. This is the first intervention because ensuring a clear airway is crucial for adequate oxygenation. If the airway is obstructed, oxygen administered or suctioning performed may not be effective. Checking for breathing should follow airway opening. Administering oxygen can be done once the airway is established. Suctioning is not the priority unless there is evidence of airway obstruction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The proper hand position for chest percussion is to cup the hands, creating a hollow space to allow for effective transmission of percussion vibrations. Cupping the hands helps to produce the desired percussion sound and ensures proper force distribution. Using the side of the hands (B) may not provide enough surface area for effective percussion. Flattening the hands (C) may not generate the desired percussive effect, and spreading the fingers of both hands (D) can result in uneven force application. Therefore, cupping the hands is the most appropriate hand position for chest percussion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer epinephrine. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for an allergic reaction as it helps to reverse severe symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. Administering epinephrine promptly can prevent the allergic reaction from escalating into a life-threatening situation. Antihistamines (choice B) may be given after epinephrine for symptom relief but are not as immediate in action. Monitoring vital signs (choice C) is important, but administering epinephrine takes precedence in managing the allergic reaction. Providing a cold compress (choice D) may help with local swelling but does not address the systemic effects of the allergic reaction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess vital signs. This is the first intervention because it provides immediate information on the client's condition and helps determine the severity of the pain. Monitoring vital signs can reveal signs of shock, dehydration, or other serious complications. Performing a CT scan (B) is not the first priority as it requires time and resources. Monitoring urine output (C) may be important but not as immediate as assessing vital signs. Monitoring for signs of shock (D) can be included in assessing vital signs but is not the primary intervention.