Nursing Elites

1. A 26-year-old female with type 1 diabetes develops a sore throat and runny nose after caring for her sick toddler. The patient calls the clinic for advice about her symptoms and a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL despite taking her usual glargine (Lantus) and lispro (Humalog) insulin. The nurse advises the patient to

• A. use only the lispro insulin until the symptoms are resolved
• B. limit calorie intake until the glucose is less than 120 mg/dL
• C. monitor blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise
• D. decrease carbohydrate intake until glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should advise the patient to monitor her blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise. This is important because the patient is experiencing symptoms of an illness (sore throat and runny nose) that can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. By monitoring frequently, any significant rise in blood glucose can be detected early, enabling prompt intervention. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping glargine (Lantus) insulin can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Choice B is incorrect as limiting calorie intake is not the appropriate immediate action for managing high blood glucose levels. Choice D is also incorrect as adjusting carbohydrate intake based on glycosylated hemoglobin levels is not the immediate action needed in this acute situation.

2. A few weeks after an 82-year-old with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy and taught about appropriate diet and exercise, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the healthcare provider?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%.
• B. Last eye exam was 18 months ago.
• C. Glomerular filtration rate is decreased.
• D. Patient has questions about the prescribed diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important finding to discuss with the healthcare provider is the decreased glomerular filtration rate. In patients on metformin therapy, monitoring kidney function is crucial as metformin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. A decreased glomerular filtration rate can lead to metformin accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious adverse effect. The hemoglobin A1C level being 7.9% indicates poor diabetes control but can be addressed through medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications. The patient needing an eye exam after 18 months is important but not as urgent as discussing the decreased glomerular filtration rate. Patient questions about the prescribed diet can be addressed during the visit without the need for immediate healthcare provider intervention.

3. A nurse is assessing a client's readiness to learn about insulin self-administration. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an indication that the client is ready to learn?

• A. "I can concentrate best in the morning."
• B. "It is difficult to read the instructions because my glasses are at home."
• C. "I'm wondering why I need to learn this."
• D. "You will have to talk to my partner about this."

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, "You will have to talk to my partner about this." This response indicates that the client is willing to involve their partner in the learning process, showing readiness to take responsibility and engage in the education. Choices A, B, and C demonstrate potential barriers to learning: A indicates a preference for learning time but does not show active involvement, B focuses on external factors hindering learning, and C reflects a lack of understanding or motivation for the learning.

4. Which of the following best describes the purpose of benchmarking in healthcare?

• A. To compare performance metrics across organizations
• B. To identify best practices and implement them
• C. To ensure compliance with standards
• D. To develop new clinical guidelines

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To identify best practices and implement them.' Benchmarking in healthcare aims to compare performance metrics across organizations to identify the most effective practices and implement them. This helps healthcare providers improve their performance and outcomes by adopting proven successful strategies. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because while benchmarking may involve comparing performance metrics and ensuring standards compliance, its primary purpose is to identify and implement best practices.

5. Which of the following is an example of voluntary absenteeism?

• A. Staying home for a sick child
• B. Staying home for a funeral
• C. Staying home to run errands or finish housework
• D. Staying home for sickness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Staying home to run errands or finish housework.' Voluntary absenteeism refers to absences that are within the employee's control. Running errands or completing housework are choices an employee makes, unlike being absent due to sickness or a funeral, which are events beyond the employee's control. Choices A, B, and D involve reasons for absence that are not voluntary as they are influenced by external circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies.

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