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 of the following is an example of an effective conflict resolution strategy?

• A. Ignoring the conflict
• B. Assigning blame to one party
• C. Encouraging open communication
• D. Enforcing strict rules

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Encouraging open communication is an effective conflict resolution strategy because it promotes transparency, understanding, and collaboration among individuals involved in the conflict. By encouraging open communication, parties can express their perspectives, concerns, and needs, leading to the identification of common ground and potential solutions. This approach fosters a positive and constructive environment for resolving conflicts and can help prevent misunderstandings and escalation of issues. Choices A, B, and D are not effective conflict resolution strategies. Ignoring the conflict can lead to unresolved issues, assigning blame can escalate tensions and hinder problem-solving, and enforcing strict rules may not address the underlying causes of the conflict or promote mutual understanding.

3. Which of the following laws govern nursing practice?

• A. Statutory laws
• B. Common laws
• C. Administrative laws
• D. Constitutional laws

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statutory laws govern nursing practice. These laws are enacted by legislative bodies and regulate various aspects of nursing practice, including licensure requirements, scope of practice, and patient care standards. Common laws, administrative laws, and constitutional laws may also impact nursing practice, but statutory laws specifically outline the legal framework for nursing professionals to follow. Common laws are based on court decisions and precedents, not specific to nursing practice. Administrative laws deal with regulations set by administrative agencies. Constitutional laws relate to the fundamental rights and principles outlined in the constitution, not specifically governing nursing practice.

4. What is the primary focus of a patient-centered care model?

• A. Cost reduction
• B. Healthcare provider satisfaction
• C. Patient satisfaction
• D. Quality assurance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary focus of a patient-centered care model is on patient satisfaction. This approach emphasizes providing care that is personalized to meet the unique needs and preferences of each patient, fostering a collaborative and respectful partnership between healthcare providers and patients to achieve better health outcomes. While cost reduction (choice A) can be a byproduct of improved outcomes, it is not the primary focus. Healthcare provider satisfaction (choice B) is important but not the primary focus in patient-centered care. Quality assurance (choice D) is crucial but is secondary to patient satisfaction in a patient-centered care model.

5. Quality management and benchmarking are two approaches used to improve the quality of care. The major difference between these two approaches is which of the following?

• A. Quality management is not useful in the outpatient setting
• B. Benchmarking compares outcomes in a variety of settings and disciplines
• C. Quality management is used only in the primary care setting
• D. Benchmarking looks only at outcomes specific to nursing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The major difference between quality management and benchmarking is that benchmarking compares outcomes in a variety of settings and disciplines. Choice A is incorrect because quality management can be applied in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Choice C is incorrect as quality management is not limited to primary care and can be implemented across various healthcare settings. Choice D is incorrect as benchmarking does not solely focus on nursing outcomes but rather compares outcomes across different disciplines and settings.

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