The nurse is caring for a diabetic patient who will be doing ...

[Diane]

The nurse is caring for a diabetic patient who will be doing fingerstick blood glucose testing at home. What is the best way for the nurse to ensure that the patient can perform the procedure correctly?
 
  a. Quiz the patient on the steps of the procedure.
  b. Have the patient perform the procedure in front of the nurse.
  c. Ask the patient if he has any questions about the test.
  d. Use terminology that the patient can easily understand.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient who is anemic. Which CBC test results demonstrate that the patient's treatment plan is effective and the anemia is resolving? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Red blood cell count (RBC) 5.8 million/mm3
  b. Hematocrit (HCT) 25
  c. Hemoglobin (HGB) 14 g/dL
  d. White blood cell count (WBC) 4500/mm3
  e. Platelet count (PLT) 255,000/mm3

[cdmart10]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Having the patient successfully perform the procedure in front of the nurse is an excellent way for the nurse to ensure that the patient knows how to do it correctly. Quizzing the patient about the procedure, asking the patient if he/she has questions, and using understandable terminology are fine, but only a return demonstration will assess the patient's ability to perform the procedure successfully and correctly.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C
Red blood cell count of 5.8 million and hemoglobin value of 14 g/dL are both normal. Hematocrit level of 25 is very low and indicative of ongoing anemia. White blood cell and platelet counts are not checked for anemia.

[Diane]

Excellent

[Liddy]

Gracias!