Nursing Elites

1. A nurse discovers a discrepancy in the narcotics log. What is the appropriate next step?

• A. Correct the log and notify the pharmacy.
• B. Report the discrepancy to the nurse manager.
• C. Re-administer the narcotic.
• D. Dispose of the narcotic and note the discrepancy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse discovers a discrepancy in the narcotics log, the appropriate next step is to report the discrepancy to the nurse manager. This is important to ensure that the issue is properly investigated and addressed. Choice A is incorrect because simply correcting the log and notifying the pharmacy may not address the root cause of the discrepancy. Choice C is incorrect as re-administering the narcotic without clarification could lead to potential harm or legal issues. Choice D is incorrect as disposing of the narcotic without following proper protocols and documentation could result in further complications.

2. A patient has a new prescription for allopurinol to treat gout. What should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Decrease protein intake
• B. Limit salt intake
• C. Increase fluid intake
• D. Limit alcohol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct answer: Increasing fluid intake is essential when taking allopurinol to prevent kidney stones and aid in uric acid excretion. This helps reduce the risk of developing complications associated with gout. Decreasing protein intake (Choice A) is not directly related to allopurinol therapy. Limiting salt intake (Choice B) and alcohol consumption (Choice D) are important for overall health but are not specific recommendations when taking allopurinol for gout.

3. A nurse manager notes that a nurse is not following safety protocols. What should the manager do first?

• A. Confront the nurse about the behavior.
• B. Notify the hospital's safety committee.
• C. Document the observation without addressing it.
• D. Follow up with the nurse at a later time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse manager is to notify the hospital's safety committee. This action is crucial to ensure that the appropriate measures are taken promptly to address the non-compliance with safety protocols. Confronting the nurse directly may not be the best initial approach as involving the safety committee can provide a systematic and comprehensive response to the issue. Documenting the observation without addressing it or following up at a later time may delay the necessary actions to maintain a safe environment, making these choices less effective as the first course of action.

4. While working the night shift, a nurse observes a colleague behaving strangely. What is the best course of action?

• A. Ignore the behavior and continue working
• B. Report the behavior to the supervisor
• C. Ask the colleague if everything is okay
• D. Discuss the behavior with other colleagues

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse observes a colleague behaving strangely, the best course of action is to report the behavior to the supervisor. Unusual behavior by a healthcare professional could compromise patient safety and should be addressed promptly. Ignoring the behavior (Choice A) could potentially lead to negative outcomes for patients. Asking the colleague directly (Choice C) may not be appropriate if the behavior poses a risk. Discussing the behavior with other colleagues (Choice D) may not directly address the issue and could lead to gossip rather than a resolution.

5. Which of the following is a critical nursing action when managing a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Keep the chest tube clamped at all times.
• B. Ensure the chest tube is connected to a closed drainage system.
• C. Empty the chest tube drainage system every 2 hours.
• D. Disconnect the chest tube when the patient is ambulating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Ensure the chest tube is connected to a closed drainage system." This is a critical nursing action when managing a patient with a chest tube because it is essential for proper drainage and to prevent complications such as air leaks or infections. Option A is incorrect because keeping the chest tube clamped at all times would prevent proper drainage and could lead to complications. Option C is incorrect as emptying the chest tube drainage system should be done based on assessment findings rather than a fixed time interval. Option D is incorrect because disconnecting the chest tube when the patient is ambulating can lead to complications like a pneumothorax.

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