HAAD-RN Sample Questions & Answers

The most critical step to prevent a hemolytic transfusion reaction is meticulous patient and blood product identification. This must be done by two licensed professionals at the patient's bedside, comparing the information on the blood bag tag with the patient's wristband and the transfusion order. This two-person check is a universal standard of care. While other actions are part of the process, this verification step is the most crucial safety check.

Immobilizing the injured limb in the position it was found is a critical first aid step for a suspected fracture. This prevents further injury to muscles, nerves, and blood vessels.

Applying a cold pack helps to reduce swelling and pain by causing vasoconstriction. This should be done over a cloth to protect the skin.

Healthy kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that signals the bone marrow to make red blood cells. In ESRD, the damaged kidneys cannot produce enough erythropoietin, leading to anemia. Epoetin alfa is a synthetic form of this hormone that treats the anemia associated with chronic kidney disease.

This response is the most therapeutic. It validates the client's experience as real to them (without reinforcing the hallucination), presents reality calmly, and focuses on the underlying feeling of fear. This approach builds trust and opens the door for further conversation and coping strategies.

Fidelity refers to the principle of being faithful to one's commitments and promises. Nurses have a professional and ethical duty to protect their patients' private information. Breaching confidentiality is a violation of this trust and promise. While nonmaleficence (do no harm) could also apply, fidelity is the most direct principle related to keeping promises, including the implicit promise of confidentiality.

The hallmark of care for known or suspected placenta previa is the absolute contraindication of vaginal examinations. A digital or speculum exam can puncture the placenta, leading to catastrophic hemorrhage for both the mother and fetus. Since the mother and fetus are currently stable, the management will be expectant ('watchful waiting'), which includes bed rest, continuous fetal monitoring, and maintaining IV access, but the most critical priority is to avoid any action that could provoke further bleeding.

Bacterial meningitis, caused by organisms like Neisseria meningitidis or Haemophilus influenzae, is transmitted via large respiratory droplets. Therefore, Droplet Precautions are required. This includes placing the patient in a private room and wearing a surgical mask when within 3 feet (or 1 meter) of the patient. These precautions should be maintained for at least 24 hours after effective antibiotic therapy has been initiated.

This statement indicates a need for further teaching. Crossing the legs at the knee or ankle (adduction) and flexing the hip beyond 90 degrees are major risk factors for prosthetic hip dislocation. The patient must be taught to avoid these positions for several months post-surgery. Using a raised toilet seat and sleeping with an abduction pillow are correct preventive measures.

Caput succedaneum is edema of the fetal scalp that occurs from pressure during labor. A key characteristic is that it crosses the cranial suture lines. It is a benign condition that typically resolves within a few days. In contrast, a cephalohematoma is a collection of blood between the periosteum and a skull bone, which does not cross suture lines and may take weeks to resolve.

For a client on warfarin, the greatest risk is bleeding. A fall can cause significant internal or external bleeding that may be life-threatening. Therefore, assessing and mitigating fall risks in the home environment is the highest safety priority. Throw rugs, clutter, and poor lighting are all major contributors to falls in the elderly.