Nursing Elites

1. A 48-year-old male patient screened for diabetes at a clinic has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L). The nurse will plan to teach the patient about

• A. self-monitoring of blood glucose
• B. using low doses of regular insulin
• C. lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose
• D. effects of oral hypoglycemic medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L), indicating prediabetes, the initial approach is focused on lifestyle modifications to lower blood glucose levels. These changes may include dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and weight management. Self-monitoring of blood glucose, insulin therapy, and oral hypoglycemic medications are not typically the first-line interventions for patients with prediabetes. Educating the patient about lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose is the most appropriate action at this stage.

2. Most evaluations are based on absolute judgment. This is:

• A. A standard set by an external source.
• B. The manager and staff's perceived notion.
• C. Internal standards.
• D. The manager's personal opinion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The internal standard used in evaluations is the criteria set by the manager, reflecting what they perceive as reasonable and acceptable performance for the employee. Choice A is incorrect because the standard is internal, not set by an external source. Choice B is incorrect as it refers to the collective perception of the manager and staff, rather than the internal standard. Choice D is incorrect as it refers to the manager's personal opinion, which may not always align with the internal standards set for evaluations.

3. Which of the following clients would most likely be selected for case management?

• A. An adolescent with a gunshot wound who is in the ER.
• B. A young adult with a fractured pelvis.
• C. An elderly client awaiting a hip replacement.
• D. A 41-year-old client admitted for outpatient tonsillectomy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, an elderly client awaiting a hip replacement. This choice is most likely selected for case management because hip replacements are common surgical procedures with high volume in hospitals, making it appropriate for case management. Choices A, B, and D involve acute care conditions but do not typically require the same level of coordination and management that a hip replacement case would. Therefore, they are less likely to be selected for case management.

4. Which of the following best describes the purpose of a root cause analysis (RCA)?

• A. Identify the person responsible for an error
• B. Determine who should be disciplined
• C. Discover the underlying causes of an error
• D. Evaluate the effectiveness of a new policy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Discover the underlying causes of an error.' Root cause analysis (RCA) focuses on identifying the fundamental reason(s) that led to an error or problem rather than placing blame on individuals. Choice A and B are incorrect as RCA is not about pinpointing a specific person to blame or determining disciplinary actions. Choice D is also incorrect as the primary goal of RCA is not to evaluate policy effectiveness but to uncover the root causes of issues for effective problem-solving.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is exhibiting signs of hemorrhagic shock. The nurse notifies the surgeon, who tells the nurse to continue to measure the client's vital signs every 15 min and to report back in 1 hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Document the surgeon's instructions in the client's medical record.
• B. Complete an incident report.
• C. Consult the charge nurse.
• D. Notify the nursing manager.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify the nursing manager next. The surgeon's instructions are related to the client's condition, and it is crucial to inform the nursing manager about the situation. Option A is incorrect because documenting the surgeon's instructions in the medical record is not the immediate next step. Option B is also incorrect as completing an incident report is not warranted in this situation. Option C is not the best choice as consulting the charge nurse may cause a delay in escalating the situation to higher management, which is necessary in cases of emergency like hemorrhagic shock.

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