Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Numbness of the extremities
• D. Abdominal cramping

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to abdominal cramping. Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of hyponatremia due to an imbalance in electrolytes. While other options like Chvostek's sign, bradycardia, and numbness of the extremities can be associated with other electrolyte imbalances, they are not typically seen with low sodium levels. Chvostek's sign is related to hypocalcemia, bradycardia can be seen in hyperkalemia, and numbness of the extremities can be a symptom of hypocalcemia or hypokalemia, but not directly related to hyponatremia.

2. Which of the following are essential components of strategic planning?

• A. Values
• B. Vision & Mission statements
• C. Reengineering
• D. A & B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In strategic planning, values and vision and mission statements play crucial roles. Values guide the organization's culture and decision-making processes, while vision and mission statements outline its long-term goals and purpose. Reengineering, on the other hand, is a separate process focused on restructuring business processes for improved performance efficiency. Therefore, the correct components of strategic planning are values and vision and mission statements, making option D the correct answer. Choices A and B are correct because they are directly related to setting the direction and purpose of the organization in a strategic planning process, while choice C, reengineering, is not typically considered a core element of strategic planning.

3. Many patient classification systems have some type of shortcoming. Among these are:

• A. The client's condition changes before the next shift.
• B. The staffing needs are predicted on a short-term basis.
• C. The potential admissions cannot be accounted for.
• D. The staffing mix changes because of illness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patient classification systems have limitations in accounting for changes in a client's condition, unexpected influx of new admissions, and changes in staffing due to illness. These systems often focus on short-term staffing needs rather than utilizing demand management, which considers client outcomes to predict staffing needs over a longer period. Not being able to account for potential admissions can lead to challenges in effectively managing staff allocation and resources. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific limitation of patient classification systems related to accounting for potential admissions.

4. A unit director at a local hospital knows even leadership may face ethical dilemmas. Which of the following should the director take into consideration when dealing with an employee who is incompetent?

• A. The situation should be tolerated for as long as possible because of the amount of time and paperwork required to terminate an incompetent nurse.
• B. Incompetence only impacts the individual nurse.
• C. The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.
• D. Most nurse practice acts direct how to handle incompetent nurses.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The director should follow her institution�s formal process for reporting and handling practices that jeopardize patient safety.

5. The nurse is assessing a 22-year-old patient experiencing the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?

• A. "Are you anorexic?"
• B. "Is your urine dark colored?"
• C. "Have you lost weight lately?"
• D. "Do you crave sugary drinks?"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight loss is a common symptom in the onset of type 1 diabetes due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy. The lack of insulin leads the body to break down fat and muscle for fuel, causing unintentional weight loss. This is a more relevant question compared to the others, as it directly relates to the metabolic changes associated with type 1 diabetes.

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