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. When planning care for a client with vision loss, which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care to assist the client with feeding?

• A. Arrange food in a consistent pattern on the client's plate
• B. Thicken liquids on the client's tray
• C. Provide small-handled utensils for the client
• D. Assign a staff member to feed the client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client has vision loss, arranging food in a consistent pattern on the plate can help them locate and identify different food items more easily. This intervention promotes independence and allows the client to feed themselves with greater ease. Thicking liquids on the tray, providing small-handled utensils, or assigning a staff member to feed the client may not directly address the client's need for assistance with feeding due to vision loss. Thicking liquids is more related to swallowing difficulties, providing small-handled utensils can be helpful for clients with limited dexterity, and assigning a staff member to feed the client may not promote independence.

3. 12. A patient receives aspart (NovoLog) insulin at 8:00 AM. At which time will it be most important for the nurse to monitor for symptoms of hypoglycemia?

• A. 10:00 AM
• B. 12:00 PM
• C. 2:00 PM
• D. 4:00 PM

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After receiving aspart (NovoLog) insulin, which has a rapid onset, it is crucial to monitor the patient for symptoms of hypoglycemia during the peak action time. Typically, the peak action of aspart insulin occurs around 2 hours after administration. Therefore, the nurse should be most vigilant for hypoglycemia symptoms at 10:00 AM. Choice B (12:00 PM) is incorrect as it falls after the expected peak action time. Choices C (2:00 PM) and D (4:00 PM) are also incorrect because the peak action time of aspart insulin typically occurs earlier, around 2 hours post-administration.

4. What is the main goal of a nursing quality improvement (QI) program?

• A. To enhance patient safety
• B. To reduce healthcare costs
• C. To ensure regulatory compliance
• D. To maintain high patient satisfaction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main goal of a nursing quality improvement (QI) program is to enhance patient safety. While reducing healthcare costs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining high patient satisfaction are important aspects of healthcare delivery, the primary focus of a QI program in nursing is to improve patient safety through practices such as error reduction, risk management, and enhancing the quality of care provided.

5. Within the fast-paced, changing healthcare environment, job satisfaction will influence your success. What other characteristic is an asset?

• A. Being friendly
• B. Humility
• C. Ability to anticipate consequences
• D. Flexibility

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the fast-paced and evolving healthcare setting, flexibility is a crucial asset. Shaffer (2006) emphasizes the importance of being adaptable to change for professional growth. While being friendly and having humility are positive traits, they may not directly address the need to adapt to the dynamic healthcare environment. Anticipating consequences is valuable but may not encompass the breadth of skills needed to navigate rapid changes effectively.

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