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. The nurse is preparing to teach a 43-year-old man who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about home management of the disease. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the patient’s family to participate in the diabetes education program.
• B. Assess the patient’s perception of what it means to have diabetes mellitus.
• C. Demonstrate how to check glucose using capillary blood glucose monitoring.
• D. Discuss the need for the patient to actively participate in diabetes management.

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

3. An RN is working through an ethical dilemma involving a patient on his unit. He has just identified the decision makers involved. Which step best describes the current stage the RN is working through?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Planning. In the planning phase of addressing an ethical dilemma, the goals of treatment are established, decision makers are identified, and all available options are reviewed. The assessment phase involves collecting data and information, the diagnosis phase involves analyzing the information to identify the problem, and the implementation phase involves carrying out the chosen plan of action. Therefore, in this scenario, where decision makers are being identified, the RN is in the planning stage.

4. What is dysfunctional turnover?

• A. Retaining all employees.
• B. Losing employees consistently.
• C. Losing highly skilled employees who are hard to replace.
• D. Hiring new employees.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Dysfunctional turnover refers to the loss of valuable, skilled employees who are challenging to replace. This turnover can be detrimental to an organization's performance and productivity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because dysfunctional turnover specifically involves losing high-quality employees, not retaining all employees, losing employees consistently, or hiring new employees.

5. What is the primary goal of a nursing informatics specialist?

• A. Manage patient care
• B. Implement new technology
• C. Improve healthcare delivery
• D. Support clinical decisions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary goal of a nursing informatics specialist is to improve healthcare delivery. While managing patient care, implementing new technology, and supporting clinical decisions are important aspects of their role, the overarching objective is to enhance healthcare delivery by leveraging technology to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and optimize care. Therefore, the correct answer is to improve healthcare delivery.

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