Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional to take when a medication error occurs?

• A. Document the error in the patient's medical record.
• B. Report the error to the healthcare provider immediately.
• C. Apologize to the patient and explain what happened.
• D. Continue administering the medication and monitor the patient closely.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a medication error occurs, the most appropriate action for a healthcare professional is to report the error to the healthcare provider immediately. This is crucial for ensuring prompt corrective action to mitigate any potential harm to the patient. Documenting the error is important but should come after reporting it to the relevant authorities. Apologizing to the patient is important for maintaining trust and communication but should not take precedence over reporting and addressing the error. Continuing to administer the medication without addressing the error is unsafe and goes against patient safety protocols.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should avoid taking acetaminophen while taking this medication
• B. I will take this medication at the same time each day
• C. I will need to get my blood tested regularly while taking this medication
• D. I should increase my intake of leafy green vegetables

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Warfarin therapy requires regular blood testing to monitor INR levels and ensure therapeutic dosing. Option A is incorrect because acetaminophen can be taken with warfarin. Option B is not specific to warfarin administration. Option D is incorrect as it does not address the key monitoring requirement of blood testing while on warfarin.

3. What are the instructions for a behind-the-ear hearing aid?

• A. Remove before sleeping
• B. Remove before shower
• C. Keep on during all activities
• D. Replace every week

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to remove a behind-the-ear hearing aid before showering to prevent water damage. Choice A is incorrect because it is safe to wear the hearing aid while sleeping as it does not pose a risk of damage. Choice C is incorrect because it is advisable to remove the hearing aid during certain activities to prevent damage or loss. Choice D is incorrect as hearing aids do not need to be replaced weekly unless there is an issue with the device.

4. A healthcare provider writes a medication order that seems excessively high for the patient's condition. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication immediately.
• B. Hold the medication and consult the provider.
• C. Reduce the dose without consulting the provider.
• D. Administer the medication after double-checking with another nurse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for the nurse when encountering a medication order that appears excessively high for the patient's condition is to hold the medication and consult the provider. Administering the medication immediately (Choice A) without clarification could pose a risk to the patient's safety. Reducing the dose without consulting the provider (Choice C) is not recommended as it may lead to suboptimal treatment. Administering the medication after double-checking with another nurse (Choice D) is not sufficient; consulting the provider directly is crucial to ensure the accuracy and safety of the medication order.

5. Which finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate intervention by the nurse?

• A. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.
• B. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
• C. Crackles heard in the lung bases.
• D. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a postoperative patient, an oxygen saturation level of 88% on room air indicates a significant drop below the normal range, suggesting potential respiratory distress. This finding requires immediate intervention by the nurse to ensure the patient receives adequate oxygenation. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute is within the normal range, making it a less concerning finding. A blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg falls within the normal range for blood pressure and does not require immediate intervention. Crackles heard in the lung bases may indicate fluid accumulation but may not always require immediate intervention unless accompanied by other concerning signs or symptoms.

Similar Questions