Nursing Elites

1. A charge nurse notices that two staff nurses are not taking meal breaks during their shifts. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Discuss time management strategies with the nurses
• B. Provide coverage for the nurses' breaks
• C. Determine the reasons the nurses are not taking scheduled breaks
• D. Review policies for taking scheduled breaks

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to determine the reasons the nurses are not taking scheduled breaks. This action is crucial as it allows the charge nurse to understand the underlying causes for the behavior. By identifying the reasons, the nurse can then address the root of the issue effectively. Option A is incorrect because discussing time management strategies may not address the specific reasons for not taking breaks. Option B is incorrect as providing coverage for breaks does not address the underlying cause of the issue. Option D is also incorrect as reviewing policies should come after understanding the reasons for the behavior.

2. What is the purpose of a healthcare audit?

• A. To increase paperwork
• B. To assess and improve quality of care
• C. To reduce patient satisfaction
• D. To limit healthcare services

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To assess and improve quality of care.' Healthcare audits are conducted to evaluate the quality and efficiency of healthcare services provided. Choice A, 'To increase paperwork,' is incorrect as audits aim to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary paperwork. Choice C, 'To reduce patient satisfaction,' is incorrect as audits are meant to identify areas for improvement to enhance patient satisfaction. Choice D, 'To limit healthcare services,' is also incorrect as audits help in optimizing healthcare services rather than limiting them.

3. While administering penicillin intravenously, you notice that the patient becomes hypotensive with a bounding, rapid pulse rate. What is the first action you should take?

• A. Decrease the rate of the intravenous medication flow.
• B. Increase the rate of the intravenous medication flow.
• C. Call the doctor.
• D. Stop the intravenous flow.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action to take when a patient becomes hypotensive with a bounding, rapid pulse rate after administering penicillin intravenously is to stop the intravenous flow immediately. This can help prevent further complications by discontinuing the administration of the medication that might be causing the adverse effects. Decreasing or increasing the rate of medication flow may not address the underlying issue of the patient's adverse reaction. While it's important to involve the healthcare provider in such situations, the immediate priority is to halt the administration of the medication.

4. What is a cavity containing pus surrounded by inflamed tissue?

• A. Cellulitis.
• B. An abscess.
• C. Extravasation.
• D. An adhesion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An abscess is defined as a cavity containing pus surrounded by inflamed tissue. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection causing redness and swelling, not a cavity. Extravasation is the leakage of fluid from a vessel into surrounding tissues, not a cavity. An adhesion is a band of scar-like tissue that binds two parts together, not a cavity containing pus and inflamed tissue.

5. Which of the following healthcare providers can legally have access to all, or part, of a patient's medical record because they have a 'need to know'? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Student nurses caring for a particular patient
• B. Registered nurses when they are not caring for a particular patient
• C. The Vice President for nursing who is investigating a patient fall
• D. Licensed practical nurses caring for a particular patient

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Student nurses, licensed practical nurses, the Vice President for nursing investigating a fall, and quality assurance nurses have a 'need to know' basis to access patient records. Registered nurses who are not directly involved in the care of a patient do not have a legitimate reason or 'need to know' to access that patient's medical records, making choice B the correct answer. The Vice President for nursing investigating a specific incident and licensed practical nurses directly involved in a patient's care have legitimate reasons to access the medical records, ensuring continuity and quality of care.

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