Nursing Elites

1. A Nurse Manager completes an interruption log and identifies two staff members who take an inordinate amount of time with drop-in issues that are not urgent. What are some methods to address this behavior in an attempt to better manage time? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Designate specific time slots for drop-in visits.
• B. Position the desk chair so it is not facing the hallway.
• C. Communicate with staff about using e-mail for non-urgent matters to improve time management.
• D. When staff members drop in, the manager should stand and remain standing during the conversation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Designating specific time slots for drop-in visits helps in managing interruptions effectively by consolidating them into designated periods. This approach allows the Nurse Manager to allocate focused time for addressing these issues without disrupting workflow. Option B, repositioning the desk chair, is not a standard strategy for managing time or interruptions. Option C, promoting the use of e-mail for non-urgent matters, may help in some cases but may not entirely address the behavior of extended drop-in visits. Option D, standing during conversations, may not be practical for longer discussions and does not provide a structured approach to address time management issues.

2. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who has a new prescription for wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Pad the client's wrists before applying the restraints.
• B. Evaluate the client's circulation every 8 hours after application.
• C. Secure the restraint ties to the bed's side rails.
• D. Remove the restraints every 4 hours to evaluate the client's status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When applying wrist restraints, it is crucial to secure the restraint ties to the bed's side rails to ensure the client's safety and prevent injury. Padding the client's wrists (Choice A) is not a standard practice and may compromise the effectiveness of the restraints. Evaluating the client's circulation (Choice B) is important but should be done more frequently than every 8 hours to ensure prompt detection of any circulation issues. Removing the restraints every 4 hours (Choice D) is unnecessary and may increase the risk of injury or agitation in the client.

3. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

4. What is the primary focus of transitional care?

• A. To improve clinical outcomes
• B. To manage chronic diseases
• C. To facilitate smooth transitions between care settings
• D. To support family caregivers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary focus of transitional care is to facilitate smooth transitions between care settings. While improving clinical outcomes and managing chronic diseases are important aspects of healthcare, the main goal of transitional care is to ensure patients move smoothly between different care settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home care. Supporting family caregivers is also essential but not the primary focus of transitional care.

5. What is the main purpose of a healthcare proxy?

• A. To manage financial affairs
• B. To make medical decisions on behalf of the patient
• C. To provide legal representation
• D. To oversee patient discharge planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a healthcare proxy is to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so. Choice A is incorrect as managing financial affairs is typically handled by a power of attorney for finances. Choice C is incorrect as a healthcare proxy is not meant to provide legal representation. Choice D is incorrect as overseeing patient discharge planning is a responsibility of healthcare providers, not a healthcare proxy.

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