Nursing Elites

1. An unresponsive patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department and diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). The nurse will anticipate the need to

• A. give a bolus of 50% dextrose.
• B. insert a large-bore IV catheter.
• C. initiate oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. administer glargine (Lantus) insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common. To address these issues, the priority intervention is to insert a large-bore IV catheter for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement. Giving a bolus of 50% dextrose would worsen the hyperglycemia. Initiating oxygen via nasal cannula may be beneficial for respiratory support but is not the priority in this scenario. Administering glargine (Lantus) insulin is not the initial treatment for HHS as it does not address the underlying severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following best describes the ethical concept of values?

• A.
• B. Values are learned through family systems.
• C. Values are organized ways of thinking about the meaning of life.
• D. Values determine the rightness or wrongness of behavior.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Values are organized ways of thinking about the meaning of life.

4. When seeking their first nursing job, what is the most important factor that nursing graduates look for?

• A. Location
• B. Money
• C. Orientation
• D. Vacation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Orientation. Nursing graduates prioritize the orientation program when seeking their first job as it helps them transition smoothly into their new role. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. While location, salary, and vacation time are important considerations, nursing graduates specifically value a comprehensive orientation program to support their initial professional development.

5. A nurse is considering employment at a long-term care facility that has a functional nursing delivery system. Knowing this, the nurse could expect that:

• A. Each RN would coordinate care for a group of clients.
• B. One RN would pass meds for all clients on a unit.
• C. Each RN would deliver total care to an assigned group of clients.
• D. One RN, one LPN, and one unlicensed assistive personnel would share responsibility for a group of clients.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a functional nursing delivery system, tasks are divided among the staff based on their roles. One of these roles is medication administration, where one RN may pass medications for all clients on a unit. Option A is incorrect because coordinating care for a group of clients is more aligned with team nursing. Option C is incorrect as it describes total care nursing, not functional nursing. Option D is incorrect as it reflects team nursing with a mix of different roles sharing responsibility.

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