Nursing Elites

1. A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
• B. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
• C. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
• D. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.

2. What is the main focus of the Magnet Recognition Program?

• A. Nurse satisfaction
• B. Patient outcomes
• C. Financial performance
• D. Nursing excellence

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main focus of the Magnet Recognition Program is nursing excellence. While nurse satisfaction and patient outcomes are important aspects influenced by the program, the primary goal is to recognize and promote nursing excellence. Financial performance is not the main focus of this program.

3. After her evaluation, a staff nurse exclaims: 'I'm not sure if my manager knows much about my performance, really. He only had three specific examples to give me, two good performance examples and one to work on, and they all happened in the last month. I don't feel like he can see the whole picture.' What kind of performance appraisal rating does this statement exemplify?

• A. Recency error
• B. Leniency error
• C. Halo error
• D. Absolute judgment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The statement exemplifies a recency error. Recency error occurs when a manager assesses an employee's performance primarily based on recent events, rather than considering the entire evaluation period. In this case, the staff nurse feels that her manager focused only on recent examples, leading to an incomplete assessment of her overall performance. Choice B, Leniency error, refers to a rater consistently giving high ratings to all employees regardless of performance, which is not evident in this scenario. Choice C, Halo error, involves allowing one positive attribute of an individual to overshadow other characteristics during appraisal, which is not the case here. Absolute judgment, Choice D, is when a rater evaluates an employee without reference to any specific criteria, which is not reflected in the staff nurse's feedback.

4. During a home safety assessment, a nurse is evaluating a client who is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which observation should the nurse identify as a proper safety protocol?

• A. The client has a weekly inspection checklist for oxygen equipment.
• B. The client stores an extra oxygen tank on its side under their bed.
• C. The client identifies the location of a fire extinguisher.
• D. The client uses a wool blanket on their bed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because having a weekly inspection checklist for oxygen equipment ensures that the client can monitor the safety and functionality of the oxygen equipment regularly. This is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Choice B is incorrect because storing an extra oxygen tank on its side under the bed can pose a safety hazard, as tanks should be stored upright. Choice C is a good safety practice, but it is not directly related to oxygen use. Choice D is incorrect because wool blankets are flammable and should not be used by clients receiving supplemental oxygen due to the increased risk of fire.

5. What is the primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting?

• A. To provide direct patient care
• B. To manage healthcare facilities
• C. To oversee administrative tasks
• D. To conduct clinical research

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To oversee administrative tasks.' Nurse managers in healthcare settings are primarily responsible for managing the administrative aspects of a unit, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency. Choice A is incorrect because providing direct patient care is usually the responsibility of staff nurses, not nurse managers. Choice B is incorrect as managing healthcare facilities involves a broader scope of responsibilities beyond the role of a nurse manager. Choice D is also incorrect as conducting clinical research is typically not a primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting.

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