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. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative. When the nurse prepares to change the client's dressing, they say, 'Every time you change my bandage, it hurts so much.' Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Encourage the client to relax and take deep breaths during the dressing change
• B. Educate the client about the importance of the dressing change to prevent infection
• C. Administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client's dressing
• D. Assist the client to a comfortable position for the dressing change

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client's dressing. This intervention is the priority action because the client is experiencing pain during the dressing change. Providing pain relief beforehand can help minimize the discomfort and improve the overall experience for the client. Encouraging relaxation techniques (choice A) or educating about dressing change importance (choice B) are valuable but addressing pain is the priority. Assisting the client to a comfortable position (choice D) is essential for the procedure but does not directly address the client's pain.

3. Which of the following best describes the role of a nurse navigator?

• A. Provide direct patient care
• B. Coordinate complex care
• C. Assist with administrative tasks
• D. Manage clinical trials

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A nurse navigator's primary role is to coordinate complex care for patients, guiding them through the healthcare system. Choice A is incorrect because nurse navigators do not provide direct patient care like nurses in clinical settings. Choice C is incorrect as nurse navigators focus on patient care coordination rather than administrative tasks. Choice D is incorrect as managing clinical trials is typically not within the scope of a nurse navigator's responsibilities.

4. The staff nurse is experiencing what type of conflict when the babysitter calls to cancel on the day of an important committee meeting?

• A. Intergroup conflict
• B. Perceived conflict
• C. Role conflict
• D. Structural conflict

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Role conflict. Role conflict arises when one has conflicting responsibilities or obligations, such as being scheduled to work while also needing to care for children. In this scenario, the staff nurse faces a conflict between their role as a parent needing childcare and their role as a professional scheduled to present at a committee meeting. Intergroup conflict (A) involves disputes between different groups, not conflicting roles within an individual. Structural conflict (D) stems from issues within the organizational structure, not conflicting responsibilities. Perceived conflict (B) refers to misunderstandings or misinterpretations between parties, not conflicting roles.

5. Which of the following is a key aspect of transformational leadership?

• A. Maintaining the status quo
• B. Encouraging innovation
• C. Focus on short-term goals
• D. Top-down communication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging innovation. Transformational leadership is characterized by inspiring and motivating team members to think creatively, embrace change, and strive for continuous improvement. Choice A is incorrect as transformational leaders seek to challenge the status quo rather than maintain it. Choice C is incorrect because transformational leadership emphasizes long-term vision and goals rather than short-term objectives. Choice D is incorrect as transformational leadership promotes open, two-way communication rather than top-down communication.

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