Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client with pneumonia who has a new prescription for antibiotics. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer the antibiotic immediately
• B. Obtain a sputum culture
• C. Notify the provider of the prescription
• D. Check the client's allergy history

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with pneumonia who has a new prescription for antibiotics is to obtain a sputum culture. This is important to identify the specific bacteria causing the pneumonia before administering antibiotics. Administering the antibiotic immediately (Choice A) may not be appropriate without knowing the specific pathogen. Notifying the provider of the prescription (Choice C) is important but not the first action to be taken. Checking the client's allergy history (Choice D) is relevant but not the priority in this situation.

2. A healthcare professional in a clinic sees a client who has an acute asthma exacerbation. Which of the following medications should reduce the symptoms?

• A. Cromolyn via metered dose inhaler
• B. Budesonide via dry powder inhaler
• C. Montelukast orally
• D. Albuterol via jet nebulizer

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Albuterol via jet nebulizer is the correct choice in this scenario as it is a short-acting bronchodilator that quickly relieves bronchospasm during an asthma exacerbation. Cromolyn (Choice A) is a mast cell stabilizer used for prevention, not quick relief. Budesonide (Choice B) is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term control, not for acute symptom relief. Montelukast (Choice C) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for maintenance therapy, not for immediate symptom relief during an exacerbation.

3. When assessing a client with terminal cancer receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate, what should the nurse check first?

• A. Check for respiratory depression.
• B. Assess pain control.
• C. Check the infusion site for complications.
• D. Monitor the client's blood pressure.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for respiratory depression first when assessing a client receiving a continuous intravenous infusion of morphine sulfate. Respiratory depression is the most common life-threatening side effect associated with morphine administration. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial as it can quickly deteriorate, leading to serious complications or even respiratory arrest. Assessing pain control (choice B) is important but ensuring adequate ventilation takes precedence. Checking the infusion site for complications (choice C) and monitoring blood pressure (choice D) are also essential aspects of care but are secondary to evaluating respiratory status when administering morphine.

4. A newly licensed nurse tells a charge nurse that 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. Anesthesiologists
• B. Physician assistants
• C. Hospital pharmacists
• D. Nurse practitioners

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anesthesiologists. Anesthesiologists are licensed providers who have the legal authority to give telephone medication prescriptions. Physician assistants (choice B), hospital pharmacists (choice C), and nurse practitioners (choice D) do not typically have the legal ability to provide medication prescriptions over the phone. In this scenario, the charge nurse should inform the newly licensed nurse that anesthesiologists are one of the providers who can legally give telephone medication prescriptions.

5. A charge nurse is discussing HIPAA with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following actions should the charge nurse include in the teaching as an example of a HIPAA violation?

• A. Posting the name of the nurse providing care on a client's communication board
• B. Discussing the client's new medication with a hospital pharmacist
• C. Faxing requested medical information for a client who is transferring to another facility
• D. Emailing the client's positive hepatitis results from an unencrypted server

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Emailing client information through an unencrypted server is a HIPAA violation because it can lead to data breaches. Choices A, B, and C do not violate HIPAA. Posting the name of the nurse providing care on a client's communication board does not disclose sensitive health information. Discussing the client's new medication with a hospital pharmacist is a routine healthcare practice. Faxing requested medical information for a client who is transferring to another facility is a secure way to transmit healthcare data.

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