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 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.

3. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Functional.' In a functional structure, organizations group employees into departments based on specialty, where similar tasks are performed by the same group. In this scenario, the hospital organizing its departments by specialty such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy aligns with the characteristics of a functional structure. Choice A, 'Parallel,' does not fit the scenario described; parallel structures involve separate, independent units operating in parallel with little interaction. Choice C, 'Service-integrated,' does not align with the scenario either as it involves integrating services across departments. Choice D, 'Matrix,' is not the correct answer as it involves a complex organizational structure where employees report to multiple managers simultaneously, which is not the case in the scenario provided.

4. A nurse needs to know how to increase her power base. Which of the following are ways nurses can generate power as described by Umiker?

• A. Using body language, standing when talking
• B. Listening for feelings
• C. Using words, avoiding clichés
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'All of the above.' Umiker describes four ways to generate power: using words, through delivery, by listening, and through body language. Choice A is correct as it mentions using body language. Choice B is correct as it mentions listening. Choice C is correct as it pertains to using words effectively and avoiding clichés. Therefore, all the choices are ways nurses can generate power as described by Umiker.

5. Through which of the following methods are values learned?

• A. Reading books
• B. Formal degrees
• C. Continuous reinforcement
• D. Meeting diverse individuals

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Values are learned through continuous reinforcement, where behaviors are positively reinforced to instill values. Reading books (choice A) may expose individuals to different perspectives but doesn't necessarily lead to internalizing values. Formal degrees (choice B) provide education but may not directly teach values. Meeting diverse individuals (choice D) can broaden perspectives but doesn't guarantee learning specific values through reinforcement.

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