Nursing Elites

1. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?

• A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
• C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
• D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a toddler who has a new diagnosis of asthma. The parent states she is unable to afford the nebulizer prescribed for the child. Which of the following referrals should the nurse recommend?

• A. Social worker
• B. Pharmacist
• C. Respiratory therapist
• D. Child protective services

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Social worker. A social worker can assist the parent in finding resources to afford the nebulizer. While a pharmacist may provide information about medications and devices, they may not have direct resources to address financial concerns. A respiratory therapist focuses on respiratory care but may not specialize in financial assistance. Referring to child protective services is not appropriate in this scenario as the parent's inability to afford a nebulizer does not indicate neglect or abuse.

3. A nurse in the emergency department is performing triage for a group of clients who were in a train crash. Which of the following clients should the nurse tag as emergent?

• A. A client who has an open fracture of the femur
• B. A client who has periorbital ecchymosis
• C. A client who has asymmetrical thorax
• D. A client who has a deep-partial thickness burn on the lower extremities

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a triage situation, an asymmetrical thorax suggests a potentially life-threatening condition such as a pneumothorax or hemothorax, requiring immediate attention. This client should be tagged as emergent. Periorbital ecchymosis and deep-partial thickness burns, while concerning, may not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. An open fracture of the femur, although serious, can be prioritized after addressing emergent cases.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a left leg below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following client statements indicates the potential need for a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I hope I can adjust to using crutches while I am recovering.
• B. I am worried about taking care of my toddler at home.
• C. I just don't think I can handle looking at my leg.
• D. I am not sure how I will pay for all the therapy I will need.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The client's statement about adjusting to using crutches while recovering suggests a potential need for occupational therapy referral. Occupational therapists assist individuals in regaining independence in activities of daily living, including mobility aids and adaptations. Choices B, C, and D are more indicative of emotional or financial concerns and may require referrals to other healthcare professionals like counselors or financial advisors, rather than occupational therapists.

5. Which of the following is a key benefit of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare?

• A. Increased professional isolation
• B. Improved patient outcomes
• C. Reduced need for communication
• D. Longer treatment times

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Improved patient outcomes are a key benefit of interprofessional collaboration in healthcare. Collaboration among healthcare professionals leads to better coordination of care, reduced medical errors, and improved overall patient satisfaction. The other choices are incorrect because interprofessional collaboration aims to decrease professional isolation, enhance communication among team members, and streamline treatment processes to reduce time spent on patient care.

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