What should the nurse monitor when caring for a client receiving anticoagulant therapy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor INR levels. INR (International Normalized Ratio) is a crucial parameter to monitor for clients on anticoagulant therapy, as it measures the effectiveness of the medication in preventing blood clots. By monitoring INR levels, the nurse can ensure the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent both bleeding and clotting complications. Choice A (Monitor platelet count) is incorrect because anticoagulant therapy does not directly affect platelet count, and monitoring platelets is more relevant for clients on antiplatelet therapy. Choice C (Monitor bleeding) is partially correct, but focusing solely on monitoring bleeding may not provide a comprehensive assessment of the client's response to anticoagulant therapy. Choice D (Monitor renal function) is incorrect as anticoagulant therapy primarily affects coagulation factors and not renal function. Renal function monitoring may be necessary for certain medications but is not a primary consideration for anticoagulant therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform a CT scan. This is the priority action because it helps determine if the stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic, guiding treatment decisions. Monitoring blood pressure (B) is important but not the priority. Administering aspirin (C) can be considered after confirming the type of stroke. Administering thrombolytics (D) is indicated for ischemic stroke but should only be done after ruling out hemorrhagic stroke with a CT scan.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct first action is A: Apply pressure and elevate the limb. This is because applying pressure helps control bleeding and elevating the limb reduces blood flow to the area, minimizing further blood loss. This immediate intervention is crucial in managing the traumatic amputation and preventing complications. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Stopping bleeding and controlling shock can be important but not the first action. C: Placing the client in a Trendelenburg position (feet elevated higher than the head) is contraindicated in cases of traumatic amputation as it can increase bleeding. D: Placing the client in a sitting position is not appropriate as it can worsen bleeding and lead to further complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should prioritize collecting data based on the client's acuity to address immediate needs and ensure patient safety. Step 2: Acuity determines the urgency and intensity of care required, guiding the assessment focus. Step 3: Time available or client cooperation may influence the depth of assessment but do not dictate the data collected. Step 4: The onset of symptoms is important for history-taking but not the primary factor in determining assessment data.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: Using the inhaler when feeling an asthma attack coming on allows for prompt relief by opening airways. Waiting for symptoms to worsen (B) can lead to a severe attack. Using the inhaler only when short of breath (C) may delay treatment. Skipping the inhaler when feeling fine (D) can be dangerous if an attack occurs suddenly. Answer A ensures timely intervention for effective asthma management.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Level of consciousness and cognitive abilities. In this scenario, the individual is experiencing delirium due to fluid and electrolyte imbalance, which can affect his level of consciousness and cognitive abilities. Assessing these aspects is crucial in determining the severity of the condition and guiding appropriate interventions. Option A (Affect and mood) is incorrect as the primary concern is the individual's cognitive functioning. Option B (Memory and affect) is incorrect as it does not cover the assessment of consciousness. Option C (Thought processes and memory) is incorrect as it does not specifically address the evaluation of the individual's level of consciousness.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics. Antibiotics are crucial in treating sepsis as they help to fight the underlying infection causing the condition. Administering antibiotics promptly can prevent the infection from spreading and worsening. Fluids (choices B and C) are important for treating sepsis to maintain blood pressure and support organ function, but antibiotics are the primary intervention to target the infection. Administering oxygen (choice D) may be necessary to support respiratory function in septic patients, but it is not the most effective action to address the underlying infection.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. In acute renal failure, the priority is to maintain adequate hydration to support kidney function. IV fluids help improve renal perfusion and urine output. Monitoring vital signs is important but not the priority. Performing a kidney function test can provide valuable information but does not address the immediate need for fluid resuscitation. Administering IV antibiotics may be necessary if there is an infection contributing to renal failure, but hydration takes precedence. In summary, administering IV fluids is crucial to support kidney function in acute renal failure, making it the top priority among the choices given.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct technique to determine the presence of crepitus during a physical examination is palpation. Crepitus is a crackling or grating sensation that is felt when there is air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue. Palpation involves using the hands to feel for abnormalities such as crepitus. Percussion involves tapping on the body to produce sounds that can help assess underlying structures, not to determine the presence of crepitus. Auscultation is listening to sounds within the body using a stethoscope, which is not relevant for detecting crepitus.