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. 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.

3. Which of the following would a nurse suggest are significant benefits to an organization that is considering adoption of a practice partnership model? (Select one that does not apply.)

• A. Clients express greater satisfaction.
• B. It is more expensive to implement than other models.
• C. Continuity of care is facilitated.
• D. Leadership is well accepted.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Practice partnership models are shown to be the most cost-effective of the nursing care delivery systems, contrary to being more expensive. Clients express greater satisfaction due to the collaborative and holistic approach of this model. Continuity of care is improved when the healthcare team works together cohesively. While leadership acceptance is beneficial, it is not the most significant benefit highlighted in the context of practice partnership models.

4. A client is admitted to a medical-surgical unit after six hours in the emergency room. He requests that his AM care be delayed to allow him to rest. The nurse complies with his request. This is an example of which type of management philosophy?

• A. Continuous quality improvement
• B. Total quality management
• C. Six Sigma
• D. Quality management

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Total Quality Management (TQM) emphasizes meeting customer needs and satisfaction. In this scenario, by honoring the client's request to delay care to allow for rest, the nurse is aligning with the customer-focused approach of TQM. TQM seeks to continuously improve processes and services to enhance customer experiences and outcomes. Continuous Quality Improvement focuses on incremental improvements in processes and outcomes over time. Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to process improvement that aims to reduce defects and errors. Quality Management is a broader concept that encompasses various strategies to ensure quality standards are met.

5. The nurse is taking a health history from a 29-year-old pregnant patient at the first prenatal visit. The patient reports no personal history of diabetes but has a parent who is diabetic. Which action will the nurse plan to take first?

• A. Teach the patient about administering regular insulin.
• B. Schedule the patient for a fasting blood glucose level.
• C. Discuss an oral glucose tolerance test for the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy.
• D. Provide teaching about an increased risk for fetal problems with gestational diabetes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Given the family history of diabetes, the initial action the nurse should take is to schedule the patient for a fasting blood glucose level. This will help in assessing if the patient has developed gestational diabetes. Choice A is incorrect because teaching about administering regular insulin is premature without confirming the diagnosis. Choice C is incorrect as an oral glucose tolerance test is typically done earlier in pregnancy. Choice D is incorrect as discussing fetal problems related to gestational diabetes should come after a confirmed diagnosis.

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