Nursing Elites

1. A client on lithium has diarrhea and vomiting. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Recognize this as a drug interaction
• B. Give the client Cogentin
• C. Reassure the client that these are common side effects of lithium therapy
• D. Hold the next dose and obtain an order for a stat serum lithium level

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diarrhea and vomiting are manifestations of lithium toxicity. The priority action for the nurse is to hold the next dose of lithium and obtain an order for a stat serum lithium level to confirm toxicity. This ensures patient safety and prevents further harm. Recognizing it as a drug interaction is not the first step in this scenario. Cogentin is used to manage extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) associated with antipsychotics, not lithium toxicity. Reassuring the client about these symptoms as common side effects of lithium therapy is inappropriate as they indicate a more serious issue than typical side effects like hand tremors, nausea, polyuria, and polydipsia.

2. Which of the following is an example of restorative care?

• A. A nurse teaches a new mother how to breastfeed her infant
• B. A nurse helps a client with developing a bladder-retraining program
• C. A nurse places an allergy wristband on a client's wrist to notify other providers of potential reactions
• D. A nurse contacts the family of a client to tell them he will be out of surgery soon

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Restorative care involves assisting clients in regaining or maintaining their highest possible level of function. This type of care focuses on promoting self-care and independence by helping clients perform activities that enhance their functional abilities. In this scenario, a nurse who assists a client with developing a bladder-retraining program is engaging in restorative care by helping the client regain bladder function. Choices A, C, and D do not represent restorative care. Teaching a new mother how to breastfeed her infant (Choice A) is an example of educative care, placing an allergy wristband (Choice C) is a safety measure, and contacting a client's family to update them on surgery (Choice D) is related to communication and support, not restorative care.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing to insert an indwelling catheter in a female client. Which of the following positions of the client is most appropriate for this procedure?

• A. Lithotomy position
• B. Prone position
• C. Dorsal recumbent position
• D. High Fowler's position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When preparing to insert an indwelling catheter for a female client, the most appropriate position is the dorsal recumbent position. In this position, the client lies on their back with knees bent. This position allows for easy access to the urethral area for catheter insertion. The lithotomy position, with legs elevated and spread apart, is more invasive and typically used for gynecological exams. The prone position, lying face down, is not suitable for catheter insertion. High Fowler's position, sitting upright at a 90-degree angle, is not ideal for catheter insertion as it does not provide proper access to the perineal area.

4. Which example best describes a nurse who exhibits moral courage?

• A. A nurse feels angry when a parent refuses important treatment for his child.
• B. A nurse considers seeking help for depression when she feels she cannot meet the needs of her clients in the oncology unit.
• C. A nurse contacts a physician for further orders when he fails to order comfort measures for a client with a terminal illness.
• D. A nurse is frustrated when the laboratory is slow in responding to an order for a stat blood glucose.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Moral courage involves taking action to do what is right, even when there might be negative consequences. The nurse who contacted a physician for further orders acted as a client advocate to seek help, even though she may have faced consequences such as lost time, decreased productivity, or criticism from the physician. Choices A, B, and D do not directly involve advocating for a client's needs or challenging a situation that goes against ethical standards. Feeling angry, seeking help for personal issues, or being frustrated with work processes do not necessarily demonstrate moral courage in the context of nursing practice.

5. What is a key principle of patient teaching that must take place to ensure patient safety?

• A. Family members should be present
• B. Teaching must be documented
• C. Understanding must be confirmed
• D. Teaching should be provided by multiple staff members

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A key principle of patient teaching that ensures patient safety is the confirmation of understanding. To ensure patient safety, it is crucial to confirm that the patient comprehends the information provided. This confirmation can be achieved by having the patient repeat back the information or demonstrate understanding through return demonstration. Documenting the patient's understanding is essential to track the effectiveness of the teaching session and ensure that the patient is equipped with the necessary knowledge for their safety. Family members being present or having multiple staff members provide teaching may be beneficial in certain situations, but the primary focus should be on confirming the patient's understanding to enhance safety and promote effective learning.

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