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. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for additional instruction in administering insulin?

• A. 'I need to rotate injection sites among my arms, legs, and abdomen each day.'
• B. 'I can buy the 0.5 mL syringes because the line markings will be easier to see.'
• C. 'I should draw up the regular insulin first after injecting air into the NPH bottle.'
• D. 'I do not need to aspirate the plunger to check for blood before injecting insulin.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This statement indicates a need for additional instruction because while site rotation is essential, it's important to rotate sites within the same anatomical region (such as staying within the abdomen for several injections before moving to a different region). Rotating too frequently between different regions can cause inconsistent insulin absorption, which can affect blood sugar control.

3. Achieving Magnet Hospital designation offers hospitals the following advantages: (Select all that apply.)

• A. Greater client satisfaction.
• B. Improved nursing recruitment.
• C. Greater client workload.
• D. Nurses who are independent decision makers.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Achieving Magnet Hospital designation offers hospitals advantages such as improved nursing recruitment and greater nursing retention. The empowered, independent problem-solving nurses resulting from this designation contribute to greater client satisfaction and improved nursing care. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Greater client workload' (C). Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because although they are beneficial outcomes of achieving Magnet Hospital designation, they are not advantages specifically mentioned in the provided rationale.

4. Which of the following should be included in a discussion of advance directives with new nurse graduates?

• A. According to the Patient Self-Determination Act, nurses are required to inform clients of their right to create an advance directive.
• B. The advance directive designates an individual who will make financial decisions for the client if he or she is unable to do so.
• C. A living will designates who will make health-care decisions for an individual in the event the individual is unable or incompetent to make his or her own decisions.
• D. The advance directive designates a health-care surrogate who will make known the client�s wishes regarding medical treatment if the client is unable to do so.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: According to the Patient Self-Determination Act, nurses are required to inform clients of their right to create an advance directive.

5. What term refers to the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees?

• A. Salary compression
• B. Salary expectations
• C. Salary range
• D. Salary inflation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Salary compression is the term used to describe the situation where the pay of newer employees is similar to or higher than that of more experienced employees. This can happen when newer employees are paid higher salaries to attract them, leading to a compressed salary structure in the organization. Choice B, 'Salary expectations,' does not specifically refer to the scenario described in the question. Choice C, 'Salary range,' is a broader term referring to the range of salaries offered for a particular job or position, not specifically related to the disparity between new and experienced employees. Choice D, 'Salary inflation,' does not accurately describe the situation of newer employees earning higher salaries than more experienced ones; instead, it refers to a general increase in wages across the board.

Similar Questions