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. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Ensuring the chest tube is secured properly and functioning
• B. Checking for air leaks and ensuring drainage is working
• C. Ensuring chest tube drainage is below chest level
• D. Ensuring proper documentation of chest tube output

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Proper documentation of chest tube output is crucial in the care of a patient with a chest tube. While ensuring the chest tube is secured and functioning, checking for air leaks, and maintaining drainage below chest level are important aspects of care, documentation of output is essential for monitoring the patient's condition, assessing the effectiveness of treatment, and ensuring appropriate interventions if needed.

3. A client with a DNR order has requested resuscitation during a visit from the family. What is the nurse's best course of action?

• A. Follow the family's request and perform CPR.
• B. Explain to the family that the DNR must be honored.
• C. Call the healthcare provider to cancel the DNR order.
• D. Delay resuscitation until further clarification can be made.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct course of action for the nurse is to explain to the family that the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order must be honored. It is essential for the nurse to uphold the client's wishes as documented in the DNR order. Performing CPR against the client's expressed wishes in the DNR order would violate ethical and legal standards. Calling the healthcare provider to cancel the DNR order without the client's consent is inappropriate and goes against the client's autonomy. Delaying resuscitation can be detrimental in an emergency situation and may not align with the client's wishes as outlined in the DNR order.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative. Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Elevated temperature
• B. Low blood pressure
• C. Decreased urine output
• D. Increased heart rate

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a postoperative client, decreased urine output is a crucial finding as it can indicate impaired kidney function or inadequate fluid balance. Prioritizing assessment and intervention for decreased urine output is essential to prevent complications like acute kidney injury. Elevated temperature, low blood pressure, and increased heart rate are also important, but they may not be as urgent or directly related to kidney function in a postoperative client.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a patient's fluid balance. What is the most reliable indicator of fluid status?

• A. Monitor the patient's vital signs.
• B. Check the patient's weight daily.
• C. Measure the patient's intake and output.
• D. Monitor the patient's urine color.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Checking the patient's weight daily is the most reliable indicator of fluid status because weight changes can directly reflect fluid retention or loss. Monitoring vital signs (Choice A) can provide some information but is not as specific as weight changes. Measuring intake and output (Choice C) is crucial but may not always accurately reflect fluid balance. Monitoring urine color (Choice D) can give some insights into hydration levels, but it is not as reliable as daily weight checks for assessing overall fluid status.

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