Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following is an essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program?

• A. Blame and punishment
• B. Employee satisfaction
• C. Continual monitoring
• D. Strict adherence to policies

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The essential element of a quality improvement (QI) program is continual monitoring. Continual monitoring allows for the ongoing assessment of processes, identification of areas for improvement, and tracking of progress. Option A, 'Blame and punishment,' is incorrect as QI programs focus on systemic issues rather than individual blame. Option B, 'Employee satisfaction,' while important for organizational culture, is not an essential element of QI programs. Option D, 'Strict adherence to policies,' is valuable but not the core essential element, which is continual monitoring to drive improvement.

2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
• B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
• C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
• D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

3. A client with limited mobility in their lower extremities is at risk for skin breakdown. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent skin breakdown?

• A. Place the client in high-Fowler's position.
• B. Increase the client's intake of carbohydrates.
• C. Massage areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding skin tissue with unscented lotion.
• D. Have the client use a trapeze bar when changing position

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increase the client's intake of carbohydrates. Adequate nutrition, including carbohydrates, is essential for tissue repair and preventing skin breakdown. Placing the client in high-Fowler's position (choice A) may help with respiratory function but does not directly prevent skin breakdown. Massaging areas of darker skin (choice C) can cause further damage to the skin. Using a trapeze bar (choice D) may assist with changing positions but does not directly address skin breakdown prevention.

4. Which of the following types of HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) contracts with two or more IPAs (Independent Practice Associations)?

• A. Staff model
• B. Point of service model
• C. Network model
• D. Group model

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, the Network model. This type of HMO contracts with two or more IPAs. In a Network model, multiple IPAs work together to provide healthcare services to the members. Choice A, the Staff model, involves physicians who are employees of the HMO. Choice B, the Point of Service model, allows members to seek care outside the network at a higher cost. Choice D, the Group model, does not specifically contract with IPAs.

5. The nurse is interviewing a new patient with diabetes who receives rosiglitazone (Avandia) through a restricted access medication program. What is most important for the nurse to report immediately to the health care provider?

• A. The patient's blood pressure is 154/92.
• B. The patient has a history of emphysema
• C. The patient's blood glucose is 86 mg/dL.
• D. The patient has chest pressure when walking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Chest pressure while walking may indicate heart-related issues such as angina or a heart attack. Rosiglitazone (Avandia) has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events like heart failure. Given these risks, chest pressure is an urgent symptom that must be reported immediately to prevent potentially life-threatening complications.

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