Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider orders a medication dose three times higher than usual. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication but monitor the patient closely.
• B. Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider.
• C. Administer a lower dose to minimize the risk.
• D. Hold the medication and wait for further clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider. When faced with an unusual medication dose, the nurse's initial action should be to confirm the order with the healthcare provider who prescribed it. This step is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, administering a lower dose without approval, or holding the medication without consulting the provider can all pose risks to the patient's well-being.

2. A nurse is presenting educational materials for a group of middle-aged clients about menopausal hormone therapy following a total hysterectomy. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

• A. Take at different times of the day
• B. Prevents from having a cerebral hemorrhage
• C. Prevents osteoporotic fractures
• D. Take an extra dose if missed a day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct information the nurse should include is that menopausal hormone therapy helps prevent osteoporotic fractures by maintaining bone density. Option A is incorrect as hormone therapy should be taken consistently at the same time each day for optimal effectiveness. Option B is incorrect as menopausal hormone therapy is not primarily aimed at preventing cerebral hemorrhage. Option D is incorrect because taking an extra dose is not recommended if a dose is missed; instead, the missed dose should be taken as soon as remembered, unless it is close to the time for the next dose.

3. A nurse is developing a plan of care for an older adult who is at risk for falls. Which of the following actions should the nurse include?

• A. Lock beds and wheelchairs when not in use
• B. Administer a sedative at bedtime
• C. Provide information about home safety checks
• D. Teach balance and strengthening exercises

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to include in the plan of care for an older adult at risk for falls is to lock beds and wheelchairs when not in use. This measure is crucial for preventing falls and ensuring patient safety in healthcare settings. Administering sedatives at bedtime (Choice B) is not recommended as it does not address the underlying risk factors for falls and may increase the risk of injury. Providing information about home safety checks (Choice C) is important for fall prevention in the home environment but is not directly related to healthcare settings. Teaching balance and strengthening exercises (Choice D) is beneficial for fall prevention but may not be suitable for all older adults at risk for falls, especially in acute care settings.

4. When preparing to give a report during a shift change, what information is most critical to communicate?

• A. Include a full family medical history.
• B. Focus on changes in the patient's condition.
• C. Summarize the patient's treatment plan.
• D. Provide updates on the patient's lab results.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a shift change report, the most critical information to communicate is focusing on changes in the patient's condition. This helps ensure that all healthcare providers are aware of any significant developments or deterioration in the patient's health status, allowing for timely and appropriate interventions. Choices A, C, and D are not as crucial during a shift report. While a full family medical history and treatment plan are important aspects of patient care, they are not the primary focus during a shift change report. Providing updates on lab results may be important but may not be as time-sensitive or immediately impactful as changes in the patient's condition.

5. A healthcare professional suspects a colleague of diverting narcotics. What is the first step the healthcare professional should take?

• A. Confront the colleague directly
• B. Report the suspicion to the supervisor
• C. Ignore the issue and continue working
• D. Notify the pharmacy about the colleague's behavior

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for a healthcare professional who suspects a colleague of diverting narcotics is to report the suspicion to the supervisor. This action is essential to protect patient safety, uphold ethical standards, and comply with legal obligations. Confronting the colleague directly may not only escalate the situation but also jeopardize the investigation process. Ignoring the issue and continuing to work could potentially harm patients and violate professional responsibilities. Notifying the pharmacy, while important, should come after informing the appropriate supervisor or authority within the healthcare facility.

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