Nursing Elites

1. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

2. When a nurse observes a fellow nurse preparing an incorrect dose of medication, what is the best action to take?

• A. Ignore the error
• B. Administer the medication anyway
• C. Correct the error without informing the nurse
• D. Report the error to the supervisor immediately

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best action to take when a nurse observes a fellow nurse preparing an incorrect dose of medication is to report the error to the supervisor immediately. Reporting the error is crucial to ensure patient safety and prevent any potential harm. Ignoring the error (Choice A) is not appropriate as it puts the patient at risk. Administering the medication anyway (Choice B) could harm the patient. Correcting the error without informing the nurse (Choice C) does not address the root cause of the issue, which should be brought to the attention of the supervisor for proper investigation and resolution.

3. A client experiences an air emboli, resulting in a stroke, during an IV start. This can be classified as which type of risk?

• A. Patient dissatisfaction
• B. Medical-legal incident
• C. Medication error
• D. Diagnostic procedure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, 'Diagnostic procedure.' When a client experiences an air emboli leading to a stroke during an IV start, it falls under the category of a diagnostic procedure risk. This incident occurred during a procedure intended for diagnosis or evaluation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Patient dissatisfaction refers to a client's discontent with care, service, or outcomes; a medical-legal incident involves legal issues related to healthcare practices; and a medication error pertains to mistakes in medication administration.

4. The nurse is taking a health history from a 29-year-old pregnant patient at the first prenatal visit. The patient reports no personal history of diabetes but has a parent who is diabetic. Which action will the nurse plan to take first?

• A. Teach the patient about administering regular insulin.
• B. Schedule the patient for a fasting blood glucose level.
• C. Discuss an oral glucose tolerance test for the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy.
• D. Provide teaching about an increased risk for fetal problems with gestational diabetes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Given the family history of diabetes, the initial action the nurse should take is to schedule the patient for a fasting blood glucose level. This will help in assessing if the patient has developed gestational diabetes. Choice A is incorrect because teaching about administering regular insulin is premature without confirming the diagnosis. Choice C is incorrect as an oral glucose tolerance test is typically done earlier in pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect as discussing fetal problems related to gestational diabetes should come after a confirmed diagnosis.

5. When trying to facilitate change in the staff, it is necessary to build trust and recognize the need for change. This type of action is known as which of the following, according to Lewin's Force-Field Model?

• A. Moving the system to a new level
• B. Unfreezing the system
• C. Refreezing the system
• D. Institutionalization

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Unfreezing the system.' In Lewin's Force-Field Model, unfreezing is the stage where the existing equilibrium is disrupted to motivate participants and prepare them for change. Building trust and recognizing the need for change are essential components of this stage. Choice A, 'Moving the system to a new level,' does not specifically address the initial stage of disruption. Choice C, 'Refreezing the system,' comes after change has been implemented, not before. Choice D, 'Institutionalization,' refers to the stage where the change becomes the new norm, which is different from unfreezing.

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