Nursing Elites

1. When should a critical pathway be revised?

• A. When variances show a new trend.
• B. When the variances show a new trend.
• C. When a member of the team retires.
• D. When the client leaves the hospital.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A critical pathway should be revised when variances in the patient's progress indicate a new trend or deviation from the expected course of treatment. This allows healthcare providers to adjust the pathway to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes. Changes in the critical pathway are not typically driven by its length or external factors like team member retirements or client discharges. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is a better phrasing of the correct answer, emphasizing the importance of variances showing a new trend. Choices C and D are irrelevant to the patient's progress and treatment plan, making them incorrect.

2. In which order will the nurse take these steps to prepare NPH 20 units and regular insulin 2 units using the same syringe? (Put a comma and a space between each answer choice [A, B, C, D, E]).

• A. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
• B. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
• C. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw regular insulin, Withdraw 20 units of NPH.
• D. Rotate NPH vial, Inject 20 units of air into NPH vial, Withdraw 20 units of NPH, Inject 2 units of air into regular insulin vial, Withdraw regular insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct order to prepare NPH 20 units and regular insulin 2 units using the same syringe is to start by rotating the NPH vial, then injecting 20 units of air into the NPH vial. Next, inject 2 units of air into the regular insulin vial, followed by withdrawing the regular insulin. Finally, withdraw 20 units of NPH. This sequence ensures proper mixing and preparation of the insulin doses. Choices A, B, and D have incorrect sequences that may lead to incorrect dosages or inadequate mixing of the insulins.

3. Which nursing action can the nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working in the diabetic clinic?

• A. Measure the ankle-brachial index.
• B. Check for changes in skin pigmentation.
• C. Assess for unilateral or bilateral foot drop.
• D. Ask the patient about symptoms of depression.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Measure the ankle-brachial index. This task involves using a Doppler ultrasound device to assess blood flow, which can be safely delegated to UAP. Choices B, C, and D require a higher level of assessment and interpretation that should be performed by licensed nursing staff. Checking for changes in skin pigmentation (B) and assessing for foot drop (C) involve more complex assessments that require nursing judgment. Asking about symptoms of depression (D) involves a psychosocial assessment, which should be performed by licensed personnel qualified to address mental health concerns.

4. What is the primary role of a nurse in an interdisciplinary team?

• A. To lead the healthcare team
• B. To advocate for the patient
• C. To provide emotional support to the patient
• D. To ensure compliance with regulations

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To advocate for the patient.' Nurses play a crucial role in interdisciplinary teams by ensuring that the patient's needs and preferences are considered in the care plan. While leadership (Choice A) can be a part of a nurse's responsibilities in certain situations, the primary role is patient advocacy. Providing emotional support (Choice C) is important but not the primary role in an interdisciplinary team. Ensuring compliance with regulations (Choice D) is important but not the primary focus when working within an interdisciplinary team.

5. A few weeks after an 82-year-old with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy and taught about appropriate diet and exercise, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the healthcare provider?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%.
• B. Last eye exam was 18 months ago.
• C. Glomerular filtration rate is decreased.
• D. Patient has questions about the prescribed diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important finding to discuss with the healthcare provider is the decreased glomerular filtration rate. In patients on metformin therapy, monitoring kidney function is crucial as metformin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. A decreased glomerular filtration rate can lead to metformin accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious adverse effect. The hemoglobin A1C level being 7.9% indicates poor diabetes control but can be addressed through medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications. The patient needing an eye exam after 18 months is important but not as urgent as discussing the decreased glomerular filtration rate. Patient questions about the prescribed diet can be addressed during the visit without the need for immediate healthcare provider intervention.

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