Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
• B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
• C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
• D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

2. Your values do not coincide with your colleagues. When you report for your shift on nights and staff are not responding to patient requests for pain medication, you, as the nurse responsible for collecting data about patient quality of care, should:

• A. Explain to the nurse manager that quality problems are because of staff apathy.
• B. Issue a memo to staff to assess patients and document their response to the pain medication.
• C. Explain to staff that improving quality is one of your annual goals and you expect them to follow through.
• D. Schedule meetings to engage with staff to monitor pain management.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: As the nurse responsible for collecting data about patient quality of care, it is important to address the issue of staff not responding to patient requests for pain medication. Scheduling meetings to engage with staff to monitor pain management is the most appropriate course of action in this scenario. By enlisting support from staff, reviewing patient satisfaction data, and quality reports about pain management, you can effectively address the issue and improve patient care. Choices A, B, and C are not as effective as they do not involve actively engaging with staff, reviewing data, and working collaboratively to address the problem.

3. In a multiple-car accident with multiple trauma clients being sent to an Emergency Department, which type of leadership would be most effective in this situation?

• A. Democratic
• B. Bureaucratic
• C. Laissez-faire
• D. Autocratic

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a high-stress situation like a multiple-car accident with multiple trauma clients arriving at the Emergency Department, autocratic leadership is most effective. This type of leadership allows for clear direction and quick decision-making, crucial in managing emergencies. Democratic leadership may slow down the decision-making process due to the need for consensus. Bureaucratic leadership focuses on following established rules and procedures, which may not be flexible enough in an emergency. Laissez-faire leadership, characterized by a hands-off approach, is not suitable in urgent situations where immediate action is required.

4. What is the main purpose of a nursing code of ethics?

• A. To protect the rights and dignity of patients
• B. To ensure compliance with healthcare laws
• C. To set standards for clinical practice
• D. To provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main purpose of a nursing code of ethics is to provide a framework for ethical decision-making in nursing practice. While choice A is important, the primary focus of a nursing code of ethics is not solely to protect the rights and dignity of patients but to guide nurses in making ethical decisions. Choice B is more related to legal requirements, not the ethical aspects covered by a code of ethics. Choice C, setting standards for clinical practice, is important but distinct from the primary purpose of a code of ethics, which is centered on ethical decision-making.

5. What is the focus of a continuous quality improvement program?

• A. Family
• B. Client
• C. Nurse
• D. Physician

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Client. Continuous quality improvement programs are primarily focused on improving services and outcomes for clients or patients. While families, nurses, and physicians are essential in healthcare, in the context of quality improvement, the main focus is on enhancing the experience and results for the clients receiving care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the primary goal of a continuous quality improvement program, which is to enhance client satisfaction, safety, and outcomes.

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