Nursing Elites

1. Many patient classification systems have some type of shortcoming. Among these are:

• A. The client's condition changes before the next shift.
• B. The staffing needs are predicted on a short-term basis.
• C. The potential admissions cannot be accounted for.
• D. The staffing mix changes because of illness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patient classification systems have limitations in accounting for changes in a client's condition, unexpected influx of new admissions, and changes in staffing due to illness. These systems often focus on short-term staffing needs rather than utilizing demand management, which considers client outcomes to predict staffing needs over a longer period. Not being able to account for potential admissions can lead to challenges in effectively managing staff allocation and resources. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the specific limitation of patient classification systems related to accounting for potential admissions.

2. While caring for a client with tuberculosis, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Use antimicrobial sanitizer for hand hygiene.
• B. Wear a surgical mask when providing client care.
• C. Limit each visitor to 2-hour increments.
• D. Wear gloves when assisting the client with oral care.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with tuberculosis is to use antimicrobial sanitizer for hand hygiene. Tuberculosis is primarily spread through the air, so wearing a surgical mask when providing care (choice B) would be more appropriate for diseases transmitted via droplets. Limiting visitors (choice C) and wearing gloves for oral care (choice D) are important infection control measures but are not specifically tailored to tuberculosis transmission.

3. When a patient with type 2 diabetes is admitted for a cholecystectomy, which nursing action can the nurse delegate to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN)?

• A. Communicate the blood glucose level and insulin dose to the circulating nurse in surgery.
• B. Discuss the reason for the use of insulin therapy during the immediate postoperative period.
• C. Administer the prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery.
• D. Plan strategies to minimize the risk for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia during the postoperative period.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the administration of prescribed lispro (Humalog) insulin before transporting the patient to surgery is a task that can be safely delegated to a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN). This action is within the scope of practice of an LPN/LVN and does not require independent nursing judgment. Choices A and B involve communicating and discussing important medical information, which are higher-level nursing actions typically performed by registered nurses. Choice D involves planning strategies to manage blood glucose levels postoperatively, which requires critical thinking and assessment skills usually performed by a registered nurse.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who received an IV fluid bolus for dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of fluid volume excess?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Distended neck veins
• C. Slow capillary refill
• D. Weak, thready pulse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Distended neck veins.' Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid volume excess, indicating an overload of fluids in the body. This can be caused by excessive fluid administration. Hypotension (choice A) is more commonly associated with fluid volume deficit. Slow capillary refill (choice C) and a weak, thready pulse (choice D) are also signs of decreased fluid volume, not fluid volume excess.

5. What is the primary focus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)?

• A. Patient safety
• B. Cost reduction
• C. Healthcare innovation
• D. Research funding

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary focus of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) is patient safety. IHI is renowned for its efforts in developing and implementing evidence-based practices to enhance patient safety and improve the quality of care in healthcare settings. While cost reduction, healthcare innovation, and research funding are important aspects of healthcare, the core mission of the IHI revolves around prioritizing patient safety. Patient safety involves reducing medical errors, improving care processes, and creating a safer environment for patients, which are all fundamental to the work of the IHI.

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