Nursing Elites

1. The nurse belongs to a professional nursing organization that provides social, educational, and political venues for nurses. The nurse has been active in this organization for almost two years, during which time she meets and works with nurses from several different nursing agencies and health care institutions to achieve a variety of goals, including obtaining advice regarding a personal career choice. This is an example of:

• A. professional nurturing.
• B. networking.
• C. mentoring.
• D. collegiality.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Networking involves the process of developing and using contacts throughout one's professional career for information, advice, and support. In this scenario, the nurse is actively engaging with other professionals from various institutions to achieve common goals and seek career advice, which aligns with the concept of networking. Professional nurturing and mentoring focus on providing support and guidance to colleagues, while collegiality refers to the camaraderie and rapport established among individuals through shared experiences, which is not the primary focus of the nurse's interaction in the given situation.

2. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works on an adult medical/surgical unit and has been pulled to work on the burn unit, which cares for clients of all ages. What should the LPN do?

• A. The LPN should take the assignment, but make it clear they will only care for adult clients.
• B. The LPN should take the assignment, but explain the situation to the charge nurse and ask for a quick orientation before starting.
• C. The LPN should refuse to take the assignment, as caring for the infant and child population is not within their scope of practice.
• D. The LPN should take the assignment, but ask to be paired with a more experienced LPN.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, it is crucial for the LPN to demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to adapt to the new assignment that involves caring for clients of all ages. While the LPN may have expertise in a specific nursing area, it is essential to be able to provide care to diverse client populations. Accepting the assignment reflects a commitment to teamwork and patient care. However, to ensure safe and competent care, the LPN should communicate with the charge nurse about the situation. Requesting a quick orientation will help the LPN familiarize themselves with the burn unit's specific requirements, equipment, and protocols. This proactive approach allows the LPN to address any concerns, ask questions, and seek necessary support, ultimately ensuring the best care for all clients in the burn unit. Choice A is incorrect because limiting care to only adult clients may not be feasible in a unit that cares for clients of all ages. Choice C is incorrect as refusing the assignment outright may not be the best approach without considering alternatives. Choice D is not the most effective option as asking to be paired with a more experienced LPN does not address the need for a quick orientation to the new unit.

3. The nurse notes that a healthcare provider has documented the following prescription in a client's record: Furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg stat once. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Administering the medication
• B. Drawing up the medication in a syringe
• C. Planning to have the nurse on the next shift administer the medication
• D. Contacting the healthcare provider

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to contact the healthcare provider. The prescription provided lacks crucial information such as the route of administration. Before administering any medication, the nurse must clarify any missing details with the provider, especially for a stat prescription that requires immediate administration. Drawing up or administering the medication without verifying the route of administration is unsafe and can lead to errors. Planning for the next shift nurse to administer the medication is not appropriate in this scenario as the stat order necessitates immediate action. Therefore, the best course of action is to contact the healthcare provider to obtain clarification on the prescription.

4. A nurse is planning task assignments for the day. Which assignment is the least appropriate for the nursing assistant?

• A. Assisting a client with dysphagia in eating
• B. Ambulating a client with Parkinson's disease
• C. Providing hygiene to a client with dementia
• D. Assisting a client with an above-the-knee amputation in showering

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The least appropriate assignment for a nursing assistant would be assisting a client with dysphagia in eating. This task requires specialized skills and knowledge to prevent complications such as choking and aspiration. Ambulating a client with Parkinson's disease, providing hygiene to a client with dementia, and assisting a client with an above-the-knee amputation in showering are tasks that a nursing assistant can safely perform without significant risk of complications. Assisting a client with dysphagia in eating involves higher risks and requires specific training, making it the least appropriate choice for a nursing assistant.

5. Which of the following medications should be held 24-48 hours prior to an electroencephalogram (EEG)?

• A. Lasix (furosemide)
• B. Cardizem (diltiazem)
• C. Lanoxin (digoxin)
• D. Dilantin (phenytoin)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Anticonvulsants like Dilantin should be held 24-48 hours before an EEG to prevent interference with the test results. Medications such as tranquilizers, barbiturates, and other sedatives should also be avoided. Lasix, Cardizem, and Lanoxin do not belong to these categories and are not known to interfere with EEG results.

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