Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The staff nurse delegates AM care for two patients to the UAP (Unlicensed Assistive Person). What principle of delegation is the nurse following?

• A. Delegation requires a situation with clearly defined superiors.
• B. Delegation can only exist with a subordinate.
• C. Delegation is a tool used by various healthcare professionals.
• D. You can delegate only those tasks.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'You can delegate only those tasks.' Delegation in nursing involves transferring responsibility for the performance of a task while retaining accountability for the outcome. The principle of delegation does not require a situation with clearly defined superiors (choice A). Delegation can exist not only with a subordinate but also with colleagues or other healthcare team members (choice B). Delegation is not exclusive to nurses and is a tool used by various healthcare professionals (choice C). Therefore, the best choice is D as it accurately reflects the principle of delegation in nursing.

3. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for additional instruction in administering insulin?

• A. 'I need to rotate injection sites among my arms, legs, and abdomen each day.'
• B. 'I can buy the 0.5 mL syringes because the line markings will be easier to see.'
• C. 'I should draw up the regular insulin first after injecting air into the NPH bottle.'
• D. 'I do not need to aspirate the plunger to check for blood before injecting insulin.'

Correct answer: A

Rationale: This statement indicates a need for additional instruction because while site rotation is essential, it's important to rotate sites within the same anatomical region (such as staying within the abdomen for several injections before moving to a different region). Rotating too frequently between different regions can cause inconsistent insulin absorption, which can affect blood sugar control.

4. Constant reports of inadequate pain control in clients indicate which of the following?

• A. Improper administration of medications
• B. Potential substance abuse by the healthcare provider
• C. Poorly written prescriptions
• D. Inadequate scheduling by healthcare providers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Constant reports of inadequate pain control may suggest potential substance abuse by the healthcare provider, as they might be diverting narcotics for personal use instead of administering them to clients. The incorrect choices include: A) Improper administration of medications may cause inadequate pain control but does not necessarily involve substance abuse. C) Poorly written prescriptions could lead to medication errors but are less likely to be related to substance abuse. D) Inadequate scheduling by healthcare providers might affect pain management but does not directly suggest substance abuse.

5. Professionalism has historically been difficult to define. Early definitions of professionalism included which of the following characteristics?

• A. Expertise
• B. Empathy
• C. Ethical and moral values
• D. Honesty

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Expertise.' Historically, professionalism was defined by one's knowledge and expertise in a particular field. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because early definitions of professionalism did not focus on qualities like empathy, ethical and moral values, or honesty, but rather on the individual's level of skill and competence in their area of work.

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