Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a prescription for a narcotic medication. After administering, the nurse is left with an unused portion. What should the nurse do?

• A. Store the unused medication for later use
• B. Discard the medication in a regular trash bin
• C. Discard the medication with another nurse as a witness
• D. Report the unused portion to the provider

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to discard the medication with another nurse as a witness. Controlled substances, such as narcotic medications, must be properly disposed of to prevent misuse or diversion. Having another nurse witness the disposal ensures accountability and follows proper protocols. Storing the unused medication for later use (Choice A) is unsafe and could lead to misuse. Discarding the medication in a regular trash bin (Choice B) is inappropriate as it does not ensure proper disposal of a controlled substance. Reporting the unused portion to the provider (Choice D) is not the immediate action needed for proper medication disposal.

2. A newly licensed nurse tells a charge nurse he is unsure about accepting telephone medication prescriptions. Which of the following providers should the charge nurse identify as having the legal ability to give telephone medication prescriptions?

• A. Nurse midwives
• B. Physical therapists
• C. Pharmacists
• D. Physician assistants

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Physician assistants are healthcare providers who are licensed to prescribe medications. They have the legal ability to give telephone orders for medications. Nurse midwives primarily focus on providing prenatal care and assisting during labor and delivery. Physical therapists specialize in rehabilitation services. Pharmacists dispense medications and provide medication counseling. Therefore, among the options provided, physician assistants are the correct choice for giving telephone medication prescriptions.

3. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a dopamine infusion via a peripheral IV. Which of the following actions should the nurse take if the IV site appears infiltrated?

• A. Stop the infusion.
• B. Slow the infusion.
• C. Apply a warm compress to the site.
• D. Apply a cold compress to the site.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: If infiltration is suspected, the nurse should immediately stop the dopamine infusion to prevent further damage to the surrounding tissue. Choice A is the correct answer because continuing the infusion can lead to tissue damage and compromise the client's care. Slowing the infusion (Choice B) is not sufficient to prevent harm and may still cause damage. Applying a warm compress (Choice C) or a cold compress (Choice D) is not the recommended action for infiltration; stopping the infusion is crucial to prevent complications.

4. During a change-of-shift assessment, a nurse is evaluating four clients. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider first?

• A. Client with cystic fibrosis who has a thick productive cough and reports thirst
• B. Client with gastroenteritis who is lethargic and confused
• C. Client with diabetes mellitus who has a morning fasting glucose of 185 mg/dL
• D. Client with sickle cell anemia who reports pain 15 minutes after receiving analgesic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should report the client with gastroenteritis who is lethargic and confused to the provider first. Lethargy and confusion in a client with gastroenteritis may indicate dehydration or electrolyte imbalance, both of which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. The other options indicate important assessments that require intervention but do not pose an immediate life-threatening risk compared to the client with signs of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

5. A client is reviewing information about advance directives with a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I understand that I can change my mind at any time.
• B. I have a living will that outlines my wishes when I am unable to make a decision.
• C. I need to inform my family about my wishes.
• D. I don’t need to worry about advance directives right now.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because having a living will indicates that the client understands and has documented their wishes regarding medical treatment when they are unable to make decisions. Choice A is incorrect because while it's true that clients can change their minds about advance directives, it doesn't specifically indicate an understanding of the teaching provided. Choice C is important but doesn't directly show if the client understands advance directives. Choice D is incorrect because it dismisses the importance of advance directives, indicating a lack of understanding.

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