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. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

3. When a Nurse Manager leaves the facility, and one of the remaining managers is given that assignment in addition to her current load without the open position being filled, this is an example of which of the following?

• A. Job enlargement
• B. Proactive management
• C. Time log
• D. Prioritizing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, job enlargement. Job enlargement involves adding more tasks to a job without changing the level of skill required. In this scenario, the manager is given additional responsibilities without the position being filled, resulting in combining positions and increasing the number of employees to supervise. Choice B, proactive management, is incorrect as it does not relate to the situation described. Choice C, time log, is not relevant to the scenario. Choice D, prioritizing, is also incorrect as it does not reflect the concept of combining positions and increasing supervisory responsibilities.

4. What is the main purpose of a healthcare proxy?

• A. To manage financial affairs
• B. To make medical decisions on behalf of the patient
• C. To provide legal representation
• D. To oversee patient discharge planning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main purpose of a healthcare proxy is to make medical decisions on behalf of the patient when they are unable to do so. Choice A is incorrect as managing financial affairs is typically handled by a power of attorney for finances. Choice C is incorrect as a healthcare proxy is not meant to provide legal representation. Choice D is incorrect as overseeing patient discharge planning is a responsibility of healthcare providers, not a healthcare proxy.

5. When is the time to make people think about the routines that have been previously followed and to consider what might be a better plan of action?

• A. Collection of data
• B. Planning
• C. Analyzing data
• D. Identification

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'Planning.' Planning is the phase where individuals reflect on current routines and explore alternative courses of action. This stage involves considering new strategies and approaches, making it the most suitable time to challenge existing norms. Choice A, 'Collection of data,' focuses on gathering information rather than actively reconsidering routines. Choice C, 'Analyzing data,' involves assessing the gathered data rather than proposing new plans. Choice D, 'Identification,' does not specifically address the process of reviewing routines and suggesting improvements, making it less relevant to the question.

Similar Questions