Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. Your values do not coincide with your colleagues. When you report for your shift on nights and staff are not responding to patient requests for pain medication, you, as the nurse responsible for collecting data about patient quality of care, should:

• A. Explain to the nurse manager that quality problems are because of staff apathy.
• B. Issue a memo to staff to assess patients and document their response to the pain medication.
• C. Explain to staff that improving quality is one of your annual goals and you expect them to follow through.
• D. Schedule meetings to engage with staff to monitor pain management.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: As the nurse responsible for collecting data about patient quality of care, it is important to address the issue of staff not responding to patient requests for pain medication. Scheduling meetings to engage with staff to monitor pain management is the most appropriate course of action in this scenario. By enlisting support from staff, reviewing patient satisfaction data, and quality reports about pain management, you can effectively address the issue and improve patient care. Choices A, B, and C are not as effective as they do not involve actively engaging with staff, reviewing data, and working collaboratively to address the problem.

3. What is the main focus of the Magnet Recognition Program?

• A. Nurse satisfaction
• B. Patient outcomes
• C. Financial performance
• D. Nursing excellence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main focus of the Magnet Recognition Program is nursing excellence. While nurse satisfaction and patient outcomes are important aspects influenced by the program, the primary goal is to recognize and promote nursing excellence. Financial performance is not the main focus of this program.

4. How will working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims affect staff?

• A. Feelings of extreme overload.
• B. Fear of failure.
• C. A pessimistic sense about the world.
• D. Inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Working in a high-volume, noisy emergency room in an urban area with a high incidence of assault victims can lead to feelings of extreme overload, a pessimistic sense about the world, and an inability to separate intense work situations from personal situations. Fear of failure is not specifically mentioned in the context of the question, so it is the correct answer. The constant noises and intense emotional situations can create tension, stress, and negative reactions among staff. Managers can help by assessing the environment, labeling situations, and debriefing with staff to make them more aware of how stressors impact their behaviors.

5. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
• B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
• C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
• D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

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