Nursing Elites

1. A 54-year-old patient is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis. Which admission order should the nurse implement first?

• A. Infuse 1 liter of normal saline per hour.
• B. Give sodium bicarbonate 50 mEq IV push.
• C. Administer regular insulin 10 U by IV push.
• D. Start a regular insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis, the initial priority is to address dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Infusing 1 liter of normal saline per hour helps correct hypovolemia and restore electrolyte balance, making it the first essential step in managing diabetic ketoacidosis. Sodium bicarbonate is not routinely recommended in treating diabetic ketoacidosis and should not be given routinely as it may worsen the acidosis. Administering regular insulin and starting an insulin infusion are important but should come after fluid resuscitation to stabilize the patient's condition.

2. What is the primary role of a nurse mentor?

• A. To supervise nursing staff
• B. To provide emotional support
• C. To guide new nurses in their roles
• D. To enforce policy compliance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary role of a nurse mentor is to guide new nurses in their roles. This involves providing support, sharing knowledge and expertise, offering guidance for professional development, and assisting new nurses in adjusting to their roles and responsibilities. Option A, supervising nursing staff, is more aligned with a nurse manager's responsibilities rather than a mentor's. Option B, providing emotional support, is a part of the mentorship role but not the primary focus. Option D, enforcing policy compliance, is essential but not the primary role of a mentor, as mentoring focuses more on nurturing and developing new nurses.

3. What is the primary goal of infection control practices in healthcare settings?

• A. To reduce the length of hospital stays
• B. To ensure patient safety and prevent infections
• C. To control the spread of infections within the healthcare setting
• D. To comply with healthcare regulations

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To control the spread of infections within the healthcare setting.' The primary goal of infection control practices is to prevent the transmission and spread of infections among patients, healthcare workers, and visitors. Choice A is incorrect because while infection control practices may indirectly contribute to shorter hospital stays by preventing additional complications, reducing the length of hospital stays is not their primary goal. Choice B is incorrect as ensuring patient safety and preventing infections are important outcomes of infection control practices but not the primary goal. Choice D is incorrect because compliance with healthcare regulations is a requirement that supports the implementation of infection control practices but is not the primary goal of these practices.

4. What is dysfunctional turnover?

• A. Retaining all employees.
• B. Losing employees consistently.
• C. Losing highly skilled employees who are hard to replace.
• D. Hiring new employees.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dysfunctional turnover refers to the loss of valuable, skilled employees who are challenging to replace. This turnover can be detrimental to an organization's performance and productivity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because dysfunctional turnover specifically involves losing high-quality employees, not retaining all employees, losing employees consistently, or hiring new employees.

5. Which of the following best describes the role of an informatics nurse specialist?

• A. Managing electronic health records
• B. Providing technical support
• C. Educating nursing staff
• D. Improving patient care through technology

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An informatics nurse specialist focuses on improving patient care through technology by implementing, optimizing, and leveraging healthcare information systems. While managing electronic health records and providing technical support may be part of their responsibilities, the primary goal is to enhance patient outcomes and healthcare delivery through the strategic use of technology. Educating nursing staff, although important, is typically not the core role of an informatics nurse specialist.

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