Nursing Elites

1. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer intravenous insulin
• B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first intervention in a client with DKA is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline for fluid resuscitation. This is crucial to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion, addressing the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA. Administering insulin without addressing the dehydration can lead to further complications. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important but is not the first priority; potassium levels can shift with fluid resuscitation. Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) is helpful in assessing acid-base status but is not the initial priority compared to fluid resuscitation.

2. Which instruction about insulin administration should Nurse Kate give to a client?

• A. Always follow the same order when drawing up different insulins into the syringe.
• B. Shake the vials before withdrawing the insulin.
• C. Store unopened vials of insulin in the refrigerator at recommended temperatures.
• D. Discard the intermediate-acting insulin if it appears cloudy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Consistently following the same order when drawing up different insulins helps to prevent medication errors. Option B is incorrect because shaking insulin vials could cause bubbles to form, leading to inaccurate dosing. Option C is incorrect as insulin should be stored in the refrigerator, not the freezer, to maintain its effectiveness. Option D is incorrect because cloudy appearance in intermediate-acting insulin may indicate the presence of insulin crystals, which can affect its potency, but this does not necessarily mean it should be discarded without consulting a healthcare provider.

3. Why might an RN need professional liability insurance?

• A. Protection against frivolous lawsuits without incurring expenses.
• B. Immunity from being sued by the institution if guilty of malpractice.
• C. Coverage for charges of libel, slander, assault, and HIPAA violations.
• D. Exclusively doctors face malpractice lawsuits.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Having professional liability insurance is crucial for Registered Nurses due to various reasons. Choice A is incorrect because there are expenses associated with defending against frivolous lawsuits. Choice B is incorrect as institutions can still sue a nurse found guilty of malpractice. Choice D is incorrect because malpractice lawsuits can be filed against healthcare professionals, including nurses. Therefore, the correct answer is C, as liability policies can provide coverage for charges involving libel, slander, assault, and breaches of patient confidentiality like HIPAA violations, offering essential protection for RNs in their practice.

4. A nurse manager works hard to keep employee morale high with the thought that this will lead to effective employees doing the best work they can. Which of the following theories does this best describe?

• A. Theory X
• B. Theory Y
• C. Servant leadership
• D. Scientific management

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Theory Y, as proposed by Douglas McGregor, emphasizes that employees are intrinsically motivated and seek responsibility. It suggests that high morale leads to high productivity, aligning with the nurse manager's actions. Theory X, on the other hand, assumes employees are inherently lazy and need to be closely monitored and controlled. Servant leadership focuses on serving others first and prioritizing their needs, which is not directly related to the scenario described. Scientific management, developed by Frederick Taylor, emphasizes efficiency and standardization through systematic study and organizational control, which is not the primary focus of the nurse manager's approach to boosting employee morale.

5. Nurse Perry is caring for a female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is still conscious. The nurse should first administer:

• A. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
• B. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
• C. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
• D. 10 U of fast-acting insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a conscious client with hypoglycemia, the initial treatment should involve administering 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. This helps rapidly raise the client's blood glucose levels. Choices A and D are incorrect as administering glucagon or fast-acting insulin is not the first-line treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious client. Choice B, an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%, is a more invasive and aggressive intervention that is not typically indicated for a conscious client with hypoglycemia.

Similar Questions