Nursing Elites

1. The nurse on the postsurgical unit received a client who was transferred from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and is planning care for this client. The nurse understands that staff should begin planning for this client’s discharge at which point during the hospitalization?

• A. Is admitted to the surgical unit
• B. Is transferred from the PACU to the postsurgical unit
• C. Is able to perform activities of daily living independently
• D. Has been assessed by the healthcare provider for the first time after surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Discharge planning should begin as soon as the patient is admitted to the surgical unit to ensure a smooth transition. It is important to start early to address any potential barriers to discharge, coordinate resources, and provide adequate education and support. Choices B, C, and D are not the appropriate points to start discharge planning as they do not mark the beginning of the hospitalization phase related to the surgical unit.

2. The client is admitted to the emergency department complaining of acute epigastric pain and reports vomiting a large amount of bright red blood at home. Which interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Assess the client’s vital signs
• B. Start an IV with an 18-gauge needle
• C. Begin iced saline lavage
• D. A, B

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct interventions for a client presenting with acute epigastric pain and vomiting bright red blood are to assess the client’s vital signs and start an IV with an 18-gauge needle. Assessing vital signs helps in determining the client's current condition and response to treatment, while starting an IV is crucial for administering medications and fluids. Beginning iced saline lavage is not appropriate in this situation as the priority is to stabilize the client and address potential bleeding. Therefore, options A and B are correct choices, making option D the most appropriate answer.

3. A client with type 1 diabetes is diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and initially treated with intravenous fluids followed by an IV bolus of regular insulin. The nurse anticipates that the practitioner will prescribe a continuous infusion of insulin of:

• A. Novolin L insulin
• B. Novolin R insulin
• C. Novolin N insulin
• D. Novolin U insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Novolin R (Regular insulin) because it is used for continuous infusion to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Novolin R has a rapid onset of action, making it suitable for this acute situation. Novolin L insulin (Choice A) is not typically used for continuous infusion in diabetic ketoacidosis. Novolin N insulin (Choice C) is an intermediate-acting insulin and is not ideal for rapid correction needed in diabetic ketoacidosis. Novolin U insulin (Choice D) is an ultra-long-acting insulin and is not appropriate for the immediate correction required in this scenario.

4. What is the initial step in providing healthcare for a patient?

• A. Obtain and interpret vital signs
• B. Determine the needs of the patient
• C. Develop a plan of care
• D. Obtain lab work and x-rays

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The initial step in providing healthcare for a patient is to determine the needs of the patient. This step involves assessing the patient's condition, listening to their concerns, and understanding what care or treatment they require. Obtaining and interpreting vital signs (Choice A) is a crucial step but typically follows the assessment of the patient's needs. Developing a plan of care (Choice C) and obtaining lab work and x-rays (Choice D) come after understanding the patient's needs and assessing their condition.

5. For a patient on lithium therapy, which dietary recommendation is essential?

• A. Increase caffeine intake
• B. Increase sodium intake
• C. Increase protein intake
• D. Increase fiber intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase sodium intake. Maintaining consistent sodium levels is crucial for patients on lithium therapy to prevent fluctuations in drug levels. Increasing caffeine intake (Choice A) is not recommended as it can interfere with lithium levels. While protein intake (Choice C) is important, it is not the essential dietary recommendation for patients on lithium therapy. Similarly, increasing fiber intake (Choice D) is not a key recommendation for these patients.

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