Nursing Elites

1. While working the night shift, a nurse observes a colleague behaving strangely. What is the best course of action?

• A. Ignore the behavior and continue working
• B. Report the behavior to the supervisor
• C. Ask the colleague if everything is okay
• D. Discuss the behavior with other colleagues

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse observes a colleague behaving strangely, the best course of action is to report the behavior to the supervisor. Unusual behavior by a healthcare professional could compromise patient safety and should be addressed promptly. Ignoring the behavior (Choice A) could potentially lead to negative outcomes for patients. Asking the colleague directly (Choice C) may not be appropriate if the behavior poses a risk. Discussing the behavior with other colleagues (Choice D) may not directly address the issue and could lead to gossip rather than a resolution.

2. A nurse is teaching an older adult client who has left-sided weakness about cane use. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Hold the cane with your left hand
• B. Move the cane forward 18 inches with each step
• C. When walking, move your left foot forward first
• D. Keep your elbow straight when you hold the cane

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with left-sided weakness using a cane is to move the left foot forward first. This technique helps improve stability and safety by ensuring weight-bearing on the stronger side while providing support with the cane. Choice A is incorrect because the cane should be held on the stronger side, which is the right side in this case. Choice B is incorrect as the recommended distance to move the cane forward with each step is about 6 inches, not 18 inches. Choice D is incorrect as it is essential to maintain a slight bend in the elbow while using the cane to absorb shock and provide flexibility.

3. A nurse sees a healthcare provider administer an incorrect medication dose but does not report the error. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Ignore the situation and continue with patient care.
• B. Report the error to the nurse manager immediately.
• C. Speak to the healthcare provider directly about the error.
• D. File an anonymous report to avoid conflict.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse witnesses a healthcare provider administering an incorrect medication dose, the first step should be to report the error to the nurse manager immediately. Reporting medication errors is crucial for patient safety as it allows prompt intervention to prevent harm. Choice A is incorrect as ignoring the situation can jeopardize patient safety. Choice C, while addressing the error directly, may not ensure proper documentation and follow-up. Choice D, filing an anonymous report, is not as effective as directly informing the nurse manager who can take appropriate action and follow-up on the incident.

4. A nurse observes a colleague ignoring proper hand hygiene protocols. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Speak to the colleague directly.
• B. Ignore the situation, as it doesn't involve direct patient care.
• C. Report the colleague to the nursing manager.
• D. File an incident report immediately.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take in this situation is to file an incident report immediately. By doing so, the nurse ensures that the unsafe practice is documented for further investigation and corrective action. Speaking to the colleague directly may not address the root cause of the issue and could lead to potential conflicts. Ignoring the situation is not an appropriate response as it compromises patient safety. Reporting the colleague to the nursing manager should be done after filing an incident report to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to prevent future occurrences of non-compliance with hand hygiene protocols.

5. When caring for a patient with a colostomy, which nursing action is most important?

• A. Monitor the colostomy for signs of infection.
• B. Empty the colostomy bag when it is half full.
• C. Encourage the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
• D. Apply a skin barrier to prevent irritation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Emptying the colostomy bag when it is half full is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a colostomy. This practice helps prevent leakage, reduces the risk of skin irritation, and promotes patient comfort. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice A) is essential but not as crucial as maintaining proper colostomy care. Encouraging the patient to eat smaller, more frequent meals (Choice C) can be beneficial for colostomy patients but is not as critical as ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag. Applying a skin barrier to prevent irritation (Choice D) is important, but ensuring timely emptying of the colostomy bag takes precedence in preventing complications associated with a colostomy.

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