Nursing Elites

1. When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Educate the family not to push the button for the client while the client is asleep.
• B. Explain to the client that vital signs will be monitored regularly due to being on a PCA pump.
• C. Instruct the client to push the button only when pain is above a 7 on a scale of 0 to 10.
• D. Adjust the basal rate and decrease the lock-out interval time if the client's pain level is too high.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client is receiving pain medication through a PCA pump, it is essential to adjust the settings if their pain level is not adequately controlled. Increasing the basal rate and shortening the lock-out interval time can help manage the client's pain more effectively. This adjustment should be made by the healthcare provider based on the client's pain assessment and response to the current settings. It is crucial to individualize the PCA pump settings to optimize pain management for each client. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because educating the family not to push the button, explaining vital sign monitoring, and setting a specific pain level for button pushing are not direct actions the nurse should take to adjust the PCA pump settings for effective pain management.

2. Which information will the nurse include when teaching a 50-year-old patient who has type 2 diabetes about glyburide (Micronase, DiaBeta, Glynase)?

• A. Glyburide decreases glucagon secretion from the pancreas.
• B. Glyburide stimulates insulin production and release from the pancreas.
• C. Glyburide should be taken even if the morning blood glucose level is low.
• D. Glyburide should not be used for 48 hours after receiving IV contrast media.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glyburide stimulates insulin production and release from the pancreas. Glyburide belongs to the sulfonylurea class of antidiabetic medications, which work by stimulating the pancreas to produce and release more insulin. This helps to lower blood glucose levels. Choice A is incorrect because glyburide does not decrease glucagon secretion; instead, it acts on insulin. Choice C is incorrect because taking glyburide when blood glucose is low can lead to hypoglycemia. Choice D is incorrect as there is no specific interaction between glyburide and IV contrast media that requires avoiding its use for 48 hours.

3. A nurse manager is interested in solving a serious conflict that exists among the nursing staff. He uses a strategy that involves allowing the group to explore a number of solutions and come to a consensus on a solution. What strategy for conflict resolution has the manager used?

• A. Integrative decision-making
• B. Win-win
• C. Competing
• D. Confrontation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Integrative decision-making. Integrative decision-making involves allowing a group to explore various solutions and work together to reach a consensus. This strategy focuses on collaboration and finding a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. 'Win-win' is another term for integrative decision-making, 'Competing' involves pursuing one's own interests at the expense of others, and 'Confrontation' implies a direct conflict rather than a collaborative approach to resolution.

4. Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between ethical principles and laws?

• A. The government enforces ethics.
• B. Laws guide decision making by setting standards.
• C. Ethics are highly detailed.
• D. Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement 'Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws' is correct. Ethical principles act as a standard for evaluating actions and behaviors. While ethical principles may influence the creation of laws, they are not laws themselves. Choice A is incorrect as ethics are usually upheld through societal norms and personal values rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws do provide standards, but those standards are legal rather than ethical. Choice C is incorrect as ethics are broad guidelines for behavior, not highly detailed rules.

5. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

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