Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following describes an effective method of communication?

• A. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to discuss what is going well and areas for improvement.
• B. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to explain departmental policies.
• C. A unit manager meets with staff after several safety events to introduce new policies aimed at preventing further safety events.
• D. A unit manager describes safety events that have occurred on the unit to another nurse manager and discusses ideas for policy improvement with the other manager.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because it describes an effective method of communication where a unit manager meets with a new nurse to discuss what is going well and areas for improvement. This approach fosters open dialogue, provides constructive feedback, and promotes professional growth. Choice B is incorrect as it only involves the explanation of departmental policies without engaging in a two-way communication process. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on policy introduction after safety events rather than individual feedback. Choice D is incorrect as it involves discussing safety events with another manager and policy improvement, but it does not directly address individual performance feedback, which is essential for effective communication and professional development.

2. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following laboratory findings would be expected?

• A. Decreased blood glucose levels
• B. Decreased urine ketones
• C. Increased serum bicarbonate
• D. Increased anion gap

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), there is an excess of ketone bodies produced due to the breakdown of fatty acids for energy, leading to metabolic acidosis. An increased anion gap is a characteristic laboratory finding in DKA. The increased anion gap is a result of the accumulation of ketoacids and lactic acid in the blood, contributing to metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is an increased anion gap. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in DKA, blood glucose levels are typically elevated, urine ketones are increased due to the breakdown of fatty acids, and serum bicarbonate is usually decreased as it is consumed in an attempt to buffer the acidosis.

3. A client with Cushing's syndrome has been prescribed a diet low in sodium. The nurse knows that the client should avoid which of the following foods?

• A. Bananas
• B. Spinach
• C. Processed meats
• D. Oatmeal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Processed meats. Clients with Cushing's syndrome who are on a low-sodium diet should avoid processed meats because they are typically high in sodium. Bananas, spinach, and oatmeal are generally low in sodium and can be included in a low-sodium diet. Bananas are a good source of potassium, spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, and oatmeal is a healthy whole grain option. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the best options to avoid for a client with Cushing's syndrome following a low-sodium diet.

4. A client with DM is being taught about the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor blood glucose:

• A. Before meals and at bedtime.
• B. Only after meals.
• C. Only in the morning.
• D. Only when feeling unwell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime. This timing allows for a comprehensive understanding of how the body responds to food intake and to assess fasting glucose levels. Monitoring blood glucose only after meals (Choice B) may miss important pre-meal fluctuations. Checking glucose levels only in the morning (Choice C) overlooks the impact of meals throughout the day. Monitoring blood glucose only when feeling unwell (Choice D) is reactive and does not provide consistent data for managing diabetes effectively. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose before meals and at bedtime helps in maintaining good glucose control and preventing complications.

5. Nurse Ruth is assessing a client after a thyroidectomy. The assessment reveals muscle twitching and tingling, along with numbness in the fingers, toes, and mouth area. The nurse should suspect which complication?

• A. Tetany
• B. Hemorrhage
• C. Thyroid storm
• D. Laryngeal nerve damage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tetany.' Tetany is characterized by muscle twitching, tingling, and numbness, which are indicative of hypocalcemia. After a thyroidectomy, accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands can lead to decreased calcium levels, resulting in tetany. Choice B, 'Hemorrhage,' is incorrect as it typically presents with symptoms such as sudden swelling, increased pain, or drop in blood pressure. Choice C, 'Thyroid storm,' is incorrect as it involves a sudden exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, leading to symptoms like fever, tachycardia, and confusion. Choice D, 'Laryngeal nerve damage,' is incorrect as it would manifest with voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in the scenario.

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