Nursing Elites

1. A 26-year-old female with type 1 diabetes develops a sore throat and runny nose after caring for her sick toddler. The patient calls the clinic for advice about her symptoms and a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL despite taking her usual glargine (Lantus) and lispro (Humalog) insulin. The nurse advises the patient to

• A. use only the lispro insulin until the symptoms are resolved
• B. limit calorie intake until the glucose is less than 120 mg/dL
• C. monitor blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise
• D. decrease carbohydrate intake until glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should advise the patient to monitor her blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise. This is important because the patient is experiencing symptoms of an illness (sore throat and runny nose) that can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. By monitoring frequently, any significant rise in blood glucose can be detected early, enabling prompt intervention. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping glargine (Lantus) insulin can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Choice B is incorrect as limiting calorie intake is not the appropriate immediate action for managing high blood glucose levels. Choice D is also incorrect as adjusting carbohydrate intake based on glycosylated hemoglobin levels is not the immediate action needed in this acute situation.

2. A Manager decides that setting goals will assist her in better utilizing her time. Which of the following are true regarding goal setting in the Manager role?

• A. Goals need to be measurable, realistic, and achievable to be effective.
• B. Writing goals will increase the stress level of the Manager.
• C. Goals should be vague, so they are more likely to be met.
• D. Setting goals is a time waster in the Manager role.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Setting goals is beneficial for a Manager as they provide direction and save time. Therefore, goals need to be measurable, realistic, and achievable to be effective. Choice B is incorrect as writing goals does not increase stress but rather helps in time management. Choice C is incorrect because vague goals can lead to confusion and lack of clarity. Choice D is also incorrect as setting goals is a productive activity that aids in time management and achievement.

3. What is the main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey?

• A. To improve patient outcomes
• B. To evaluate nursing performance
• C. To measure patient satisfaction
• D. To assess healthcare facilities

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey is to measure patient satisfaction. These surveys aim to gather feedback directly from patients regarding their experiences and perceptions of the healthcare services they have received. While patient satisfaction may impact outcomes indirectly, the primary goal of the survey is not to directly improve patient outcomes, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because patient satisfaction surveys are not primarily focused on evaluating nursing performance specifically. Choice D is also incorrect because the main focus of the survey is on the satisfaction of patients rather than assessing healthcare facilities.

4. 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.

5. When using an open irrigation technique to irrigate a client's indwelling urinary catheter, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the client in a side-lying position.
• B. Perform the irrigation using a 20-mL syringe.
• C. Instill 15 mL of irrigation fluid into the catheter with each flush.
• D. Measure and record the amount of irrigant used.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When irrigating an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse should use a 20-mL syringe for the procedure. This syringe size helps to provide adequate pressure for effective irrigation. Placing the client in a side-lying position is not necessary for this procedure. Instilling a specific amount of irrigation fluid into the catheter is not mentioned in the scenario. Subtracting the amount of irrigant used from the client's urine output is not a standard practice in catheter irrigation.

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