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. What is the primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting?

• A. To provide direct patient care
• B. To manage healthcare facilities
• C. To oversee administrative tasks
• D. To conduct clinical research

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To oversee administrative tasks.' Nurse managers in healthcare settings are primarily responsible for managing the administrative aspects of a unit, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency. Choice A is incorrect because providing direct patient care is usually the responsibility of staff nurses, not nurse managers. Choice B is incorrect as managing healthcare facilities involves a broader scope of responsibilities beyond the role of a nurse manager. Choice D is also incorrect as conducting clinical research is typically not a primary responsibility of a nurse manager in a healthcare setting.

3. Which of the following is NOT considered a withdrawal behavior?

• A. Turnover
• B. Strategies
• C. Stress
• D. Punctuality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Strategies.' Withdrawal behaviors are actions employees take to mentally escape the work environment. Turnover, stress, and punctuality are examples of withdrawal behaviors. Turnover refers to employees leaving the workplace, stress leads to disengagement, and lack of punctuality can indicate disinterest or withdrawal. 'Strategies' do not fit the definition of withdrawal behaviors, making it the correct answer.

4. A nurse is evaluating teaching for a client who has heart failure. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I am limiting my sodium intake to 2 grams daily.
• B. I have been weighing myself every other morning.
• C. I am trying to decrease my intake of foods with potassium.
• D. I am eating fewer potato chips and more fruit for snacks.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Limiting sodium intake is crucial for clients with heart failure to manage their condition effectively. Excessive sodium can lead to fluid retention and worsen heart failure symptoms. Weighing oneself is important for monitoring fluid retention but does not directly show an understanding of dietary restrictions. Decreasing potassium intake is not typically recommended for heart failure clients unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider. While choosing healthier snacks is beneficial, the focus on sodium intake is more critical for heart failure management.

5. As an RN stands in line for the cafeteria cashier, he overhears the staff in front of him talking about a client the RN took care of earlier in the week. The client’s room number is mentioned along with the diagnosis and prognosis. Which of the following actions should the RN take?

• A. Join in the conversation in case the RN is assigned to care for the client in the future.
• B. Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• C. Correct a statement made by one of the staff members.
• D. Ignore the conversation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Remind the staff members that they are in a public location and sharing this information is a breach of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

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