A complete blood count is commonly performed before Joe goes into surgery. What does this test seek to identify? A. Potential hepatic dysfunction indicated by decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. B. Low levels of urine constituents normally excreted in the urine. C. Abnormally low hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (Hb)… Read More »
Which of the following measures best determines that a patient who had a pneumothorax no longer needs a chest tube? A. You see a lot of drainage from the chest tube. B. Arterial blood gas (ABG) levels are normal. C. The chest X-ray continues to show the lung is 35% deflated. D. The… Read More »
A pregnant client with a history of alcohol addiction is scheduled for a nonstress test. The nonstress test: A. Determines the lung maturity of the fetus B. Measures the activity of the fetus C. Shows the effect of contractions on the fetal heart rate D. Measures the neurological well-being of the… Read More »
While monitoring a client for the development of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), the nurse should take note of what assessment parameters? A. Platelet count, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time B. Platelet count, blood glucose levels, and white blood cell (WBC) count C. Thrombin time, calcium levels, and potassium levels D.… Read More »
After undergoing a cardiac catheterization, Tracy has a large puddle of blood under his buttocks. Which of the following steps should the nurse take first? A. Call for help. B. Obtain vital signs. C. Ask the client to “lift up”. D. Apply gloves and assess the groin site. … Read More »
The nurse is monitoring a client following a lung resection. The hourly output from the chest tube was 300mL. The nurse should give priority to: A. Turning the client to the left side B. Milking the tube to ensure patency C. Slowing the intravenous infusion D. Notifying the physician … Read More »
Which of the following blood tests is most indicative of cardiac damage? A. Lactate dehydrogenase B. Complete blood count C. Troponin I D. Creatine kinase Correct Answer: C. Troponin I Troponin I levels rise rapidly and are detectable within 1 hour of myocardial injury. Troponin I levels aren’t detectable… Read More »
The nurse prepares the client for the insertion of a pulmonary artery catheter (Swan-Ganz catheter). The nurse teaches the client that the catheter will be inserted to provide information about: A. Stroke volume B. Cardiac output C. Venous pressure D. Left ventricular functioning Correct Answer: D. Left… Read More »
A nurse is evaluating a postoperative patient and notes a moderate amount of serous drainage on the dressing 24 hours after surgery. Which of the following is the appropriate nursing action? A. Notify the surgeon about evidence of infection immediately. B. Leave the dressing intact to avoid disturbing the wound site. C.… Read More »
A patient returns to the emergency department less than 24 hours after having a fiberglass cast applied for a fractured right radius. Which of the following patient complaints would cause the nurse to be concerned about impaired perfusion to the limb? A. Severe itching under the cast. B. Severe pain in the right… Read More »