Nursing Elites

1. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the emergency department with confusion, sweating, and a blood sugar level of 45 mg/dL. What is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Administer 50% dextrose IV push
• B. Provide a carbohydrate snack
• C. Check the client's urine for ketones
• D. Start an insulin drip

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A blood sugar level of 45 mg/dL indicates severe hypoglycemia, which can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated immediately. The priority is to administer IV dextrose to rapidly increase the blood sugar level. Administering 50% dextrose IV push will provide a quick source of glucose to raise the blood sugar. Providing a carbohydrate snack is not the immediate priority in this critical situation. Checking the client's urine for ketones is important in diabetic ketoacidosis, not for hypoglycemia. Starting an insulin drip would further lower the blood sugar and worsen the client's condition.

2. The nurse is taking the blood pressure measurement of a client with Parkinson's disease. Which information in the client's admission assessment is relevant to the nurse's plan for taking the blood pressure reading?

• A. Frequent syncope
• B. Muscle rigidity
• C. Gait instability
• D. Fine motor tremors

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Frequent syncope.' Orthostatic hypotension, common in Parkinson's disease, often causes syncope (fainting) when blood pressure drops upon standing. This information is critical for planning safe blood pressure measurements, ensuring readings are taken in both lying and standing positions to assess for sudden drops in pressure. Muscle rigidity, tremors, or gait instability are important symptoms in Parkinson's disease but are not directly related to blood pressure assessment.

3. A nurse from the maternity unit is floated to the critical care unit because of staff shortage on the evening shift. Which client would be appropriate to assign to this nurse?

• A. A client with a Dopamine drip IV with vital signs monitored every 5 minutes
• B. A client with a myocardial infarction that is free from pain and dysrhythmias
• C. A client with a tracheotomy of 24 hours in some respiratory distress
• D. A client with a pacemaker inserted this morning with intermittent capture

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, it is more appropriate to assign a stable client, such as the one with a myocardial infarction who is free from pain and dysrhythmias, to a nurse who lacks specialized critical care experience. This client's condition is relatively stable and does not require immediate critical interventions. Choices A, C, and D involve clients with more complex and critical conditions that would be better managed by a nurse with specialized critical care training. Choice A involves a client on a Dopamine drip with frequent vital sign monitoring, Choice C has a client with a tracheotomy in respiratory distress, and Choice D describes a client with a pacemaker experiencing intermittent capture, all of which require a higher level of critical care expertise.

4. A client with antisocial personality disorder repeatedly requests a specific nurse be assigned to him and is belligerent when another nurse is assigned. What action should the charge nurse implement?

• A. Remind the client that nurse assignments are not based on patient requests
• B. Assign the nurse requested by the client to avoid further conflict
• C. Tell the client that he can request a different nurse if unhappy
• D. Explain the situation calmly and reinforce the rules regarding nurse assignments

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the charge nurse to implement is to remind the client that nurse assignments are not based on patient requests. In this situation, it is essential to establish boundaries and communicate that nurse assignments are made based on clinical decisions, not patient preferences. Option B is incorrect because it compromises the principle of fairness in nurse assignments. Option C is incorrect as it encourages the client's behavior by allowing him to request a different nurse based on personal preferences. Option D is also incorrect as it does not address the issue of patient manipulation and reinforces inappropriate behavior.

5. After completing her first chemotherapy treatment, what behavior indicates that a female client with breast cancer understands her discharge care needs?

• A. She refuses to take anti-nausea medication.
• B. She rents movies and borrows books to pass time at home.
• C. She plans to resume strenuous physical activity immediately.
• D. She reports severe fatigue and inability to perform daily activities.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Renting movies and borrowing books for use during recovery indicates the client is planning restful activities at home, which aligns with appropriate post-chemotherapy care. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because refusing anti-nausea medication can lead to complications, resuming strenuous physical activity immediately can be harmful, and reporting severe fatigue and inability to perform daily activities may indicate a need for medical attention rather than understanding discharge care needs.

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