Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is teaching a client about sleep and gives background information on normal sleep patterns. Which of the following substances promotes sleep?

• A. serotonin
• B. cortisol
• C. alcohol
• D. narcotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Serotonin is a substance found in the body that promotes sleep. It plays a role in the synthesis of a hypnogenic factor that directly induces sleep. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can disrupt sleep patterns. Alcohol can disrupt REM sleep and negatively impact sleep quality. Narcotics, like alcohol, can interfere with sleep architecture and lead to poor quality sleep. Therefore, the correct answer is serotonin as it is associated with promoting sleep, while the other substances listed can have negative effects on sleep patterns.

2. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Temperature
• B. Respiratory status
• C. Pulse
• D. Urine output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving morphine sulfate via continuous intravenous infusion, the nurse's priority should be checking the client's respiratory status first. Morphine sulfate can lead to respiratory depression, emphasizing the need for close monitoring of breathing. While temperature, pulse, and urine output are all essential components of the assessment, ensuring adequate respiratory function takes precedence due to the potential risk of respiratory depression associated with morphine sulfate. Promptly assessing respiratory status enables early identification of any signs of respiratory distress or depression, allowing for immediate intervention if needed.

3. A client scheduled for a left mastectomy and axillary lymph node dissection is wearing a wedding band on her left ring finger. The nurse should take which action?

• A. Tape the wedding band in place
• B. Ask the client to sign a release freeing the hospital of responsibility if the wedding band is lost during surgery
• C. Explain to the client why the wedding band must be removed
• D. Ask the client whether she would like to remove the wedding band or wear it to surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In most situations, a wedding band may be taped in place and worn during a surgical procedure. However, if there is a possibility that the client will experience swelling of the hand or fingers, the wedding band should be removed. On admission to a healthcare facility, the client is usually asked to sign a form that releases the agency from responsibility if a client's valuables are lost. After a mastectomy with axillary lymph node dissection, the client is at risk for lymphedema, which can result in swelling of the arm and hand on the affected side. Therefore, the appropriate nursing action is to ask the client to remove the wedding band and explain why. This ensures the client's safety and prevents potential complications. Option A is incorrect because taping the wedding band may not be sufficient if swelling occurs. Option B is incorrect as it does not address the immediate need to remove the wedding band. Option D is incorrect because it fails to provide the client with the necessary information about the potential risks of wearing the wedding band during surgery.

4. When planning task assignments for five clients on the skilled nursing unit in a long-term care facility, which task should a licensed practical nurse (LPN) assign to another LPN?

• A. Bathing a client who is confused and requires assistance with a shower
• B. Administering regular insulin in accordance with a sliding-dosage scale every 4 hours to a client with diabetes mellitus
• C. Assisting a client requiring a bed bath and frequent ambulation with a cane
• D. Transporting a client who must be accompanied to physical therapy twice during the shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, the nurse must consider the skills and educational level of the nursing staff. The nursing assistant may be assigned tasks like caring for a confused client, assisting with a shower or a bed bath, ambulating a client with a cane, and accompanying a client to physical therapy. The LPN is educated to administer medications like regular insulin in accordance with a sliding scale. This task requires a higher level of training and knowledge than the tasks that can be delegated to a nursing assistant. Administering insulin involves assessing blood glucose levels, calculating dosages, and understanding the effects of insulin therapy on the client's condition. Therefore, the correct answer is administering regular insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. Choices A, C, and D involve tasks that are within the scope of practice of a nursing assistant, not an LPN.

5. A new nurse employed at a community hospital is reading the organization's mission statement. The new nurse understands that this statement is written for which purpose?

• A. To outline what the organization plans to accomplish
• B. To identify the policies and procedures of the organization
• C. To describe the benefits available to employees
• D. To define the rules of the organization that the employees must follow

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'To outline what the organization plans to accomplish.' A mission statement expresses the purpose or reason for an organization's existence, outlining what it aims to achieve. It often includes statements of philosophy, purpose, and goals. This statement serves as a benchmark for evaluating the organization's performance. The mission statement is not meant to identify policies and procedures (Choice B) or describe employee benefits (Choice C). Choice B specifies the administrative guidelines and protocols of the organization, while Choice C pertains to the perks available to employees. Choice D is incorrect as the rules of the organization that employees must follow are usually detailed in employee handbooks or codes of conduct, not in the mission statement.

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