Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who is unconscious following a motor-vehicle crash. The client requires immediate surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Transport the client to the operating room without verifying informed consent
• B. Ask the anesthesiologist to sign the consent
• C. Obtain telephone consent from the facility administrator before the surgery
• D. Delay the surgery until the nurse can obtain informed consent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery, implied consent applies. Implied consent allows healthcare providers, including nurses, to proceed with necessary treatment or surgery without formally verifying informed consent. Choice A is correct because the priority in this scenario is to ensure the client receives timely medical intervention to address life-threatening conditions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because in emergencies, waiting to obtain formal consent can delay critical treatment, risking the client's health and well-being.

2. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's laboratory report and notes that the serum calcium level is 4.0 mg/dL. The healthcare professional understands that which condition most likely caused this serum calcium level?

• A. Prolonged bed rest
• B. Renal insufficiency
• C. Hyperparathyroidism
• D. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prolonged bed rest can lead to hypocalcemia due to decreased mobility and bone resorption. In this scenario, the low serum calcium level of 4.0 mg/dL is likely a result of decreased bone activity and calcium release due to prolonged bed rest. Renal insufficiency would more likely lead to hypercalcemia due to impaired excretion of calcium by the kidneys. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased calcium levels as a result of excess parathyroid hormone. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia by increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.

3. The doctor has ordered 1,000 cc of intravenous fluid every 8 hours. You will be using intravenous tubing that delivers 20 cc/drop. At what rate will you adjust the intravenous fluid flow? _____ gtts per minute.

• A. 38 gtts/min
• B. 42 gtts/min
• C. 50 gtts/min
• D. 40 gtts/min

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To calculate the rate: 1000 cc/8 hours = 125 cc/hour. 125 cc/hour * 1 drop/20 cc * 1 hour/60 minutes = 40 gtts/min. Therefore, the correct answer is 40 gtts/min. Choice A (38 gtts/min) is incorrect as it doesn't match the calculation result. Choice B (42 gtts/min) is incorrect as it is not the calculated rate. Choice C (50 gtts/min) is incorrect as it is not the calculated rate either.

4. Who should document care?

• A. The LPNs should document the care that they provided and the care that was given by unlicensed assistive staff.
• B. The registered nurse must document all of the care that is provided by the nursing assistants because they are accountable for all care.
• C. All staff members should document all of the care that they have provided.
• D. All staff should document all of the care that they have provided but the registered nurse, as the only independent practitioner, signs it.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: All staff members should document the care they provided as part of their accountability and to ensure accurate and comprehensive records. In healthcare settings, it is essential for all staff to document the care they deliver for continuity of care and legal purposes. The registered nurse may sign off on the documentation for oversight purposes, but the responsibility of documenting care extends to all staff involved in patient care. Choices A and B incorrectly limit the responsibility to specific roles, while choice D inaccurately suggests that only the registered nurse signs off on the documentation, overlooking the importance of comprehensive documentation by all staff members involved.

5. Insulin forces which of the following electrolytes out of the plasma and into the cells?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Phosphorus
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Insulin forces potassium out of the plasma and into the cells, which can cause hypokalemia. This is because insulin enhances the activity of the sodium-potassium pump in cell membranes, promoting the movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into the cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as insulin does not directly influence the movement of calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus in the same manner as it does with potassium.

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