Nursing Elites

1. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

2. Which of the following clients would most likely be selected for case management?

• A. An adolescent with a gunshot wound who is in the ER.
• B. A young adult with a fractured pelvis.
• C. An elderly client awaiting a hip replacement.
• D. A 41-year-old client admitted for outpatient tonsillectomy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, an elderly client awaiting a hip replacement. This choice is most likely selected for case management because hip replacements are common surgical procedures with high volume in hospitals, making it appropriate for case management. Choices A, B, and D involve acute care conditions but do not typically require the same level of coordination and management that a hip replacement case would. Therefore, they are less likely to be selected for case management.

3. What is the main purpose of a clinical audit?

• A. To measure patient satisfaction
• B. To evaluate the effectiveness of clinical practices
• C. To identify areas for improvement
• D. To standardize patient care protocols

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of a clinical audit is to identify areas for improvement in clinical practices. While patient satisfaction might be a component evaluated during an audit, the primary goal is to ensure that care is safe, effective, and patient-centered, rather than solely focusing on satisfaction. Evaluating the effectiveness of clinical practices is a related but more specific goal compared to the broader aim of identifying areas for improvement. Standardizing patient care protocols can be a result of a clinical audit, but it is not the main purpose, which is to pinpoint areas needing enhancement.

4. What is the primary objective of healthcare accreditation programs?

• A. To increase financial profitability
• B. To ensure patient safety and quality care
• C. To streamline healthcare operations
• D. To reduce hospital readmissions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary objective of healthcare accreditation programs is to ensure patient safety and quality care by meeting established standards. Choice A is incorrect because while financial aspects may be indirectly impacted, the main focus is on patient care. Choice C is incorrect as the primary goal is not operational efficiency but rather quality of care. Choice D is incorrect as reducing hospital readmissions is a specific goal that may be influenced by accreditation but not the primary objective.

5. An unresponsive patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department and diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). The nurse will anticipate the need to

• A. give a bolus of 50% dextrose.
• B. insert a large-bore IV catheter.
• C. initiate oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. administer glargine (Lantus) insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common. To address these issues, the priority intervention is to insert a large-bore IV catheter for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement. Giving a bolus of 50% dextrose would worsen the hyperglycemia. Initiating oxygen via nasal cannula may be beneficial for respiratory support but is not the priority in this scenario. Administering glargine (Lantus) insulin is not the initial treatment for HHS as it does not address the underlying severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Similar Questions