Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider orders a medication dose three times higher than usual. What is the nurse's first step?

• A. Administer the medication but monitor the patient closely.
• B. Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider.
• C. Administer a lower dose to minimize the risk.
• D. Hold the medication and wait for further clarification.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Verify the dosage with the prescribing provider. When faced with an unusual medication dose, the nurse's initial action should be to confirm the order with the healthcare provider who prescribed it. This step is crucial to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because administering the medication without clarification, administering a lower dose without approval, or holding the medication without consulting the provider can all pose risks to the patient's well-being.

2. When a nurse is assigned to float to another unit and feels unprepared, what is the most appropriate course of action?

• A. Refusing to take the assignment.
• B. Requesting help and clarification from the charge nurse.
• C. Completing the assignment and documenting the concerns later.
• D. Filing a formal complaint with hospital administration.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a nurse is assigned to float to another unit and feels unprepared, the most appropriate course of action is to request help and clarification from the charge nurse. This allows the nurse to address any concerns, seek guidance, and ensure safe patient care. Refusing the assignment (Choice A) is not a constructive approach as it may leave the unit short-staffed and compromise patient safety. Completing the assignment and documenting concerns later (Choice C) is not recommended as it delays addressing the issues at hand. Filing a formal complaint with hospital administration (Choice D) should be considered only after attempting to resolve the issue at the unit level first.

3. A nurse is preparing to administer verapamil to a client who is 2 days postmyocardial infarction. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following outcomes as a therapeutic response to the medication?

• A. Decreased blood pressure
• B. Decreased anginal pain
• C. Decreased heart rate
• D. Decreased anxiety

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased anginal pain. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker used to relieve angina by reducing myocardial oxygen demand. Monitoring for decreased anginal pain is essential as it indicates a therapeutic response to the medication. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as verapamil's primary goal in this context is not to decrease blood pressure, heart rate, or anxiety.

4. A client who had a stroke is complaining of left-side weakness. What should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Initiate physical therapy immediately.
• B. Contact the physical therapy team.
• C. Reassess the client after administering pain medication.
• D. Start treatment immediately without consulting anyone.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to contact the physical therapy team. When a client who had a stroke presents with left-side weakness, the nurse should prioritize coordinating with the physical therapy team rather than immediately initiating physical therapy. The initial step should involve assessing the client's condition and involving the appropriate healthcare team for a comprehensive care plan. Administering pain medication or starting treatment without consulting others can delay or hinder the appropriate care needed for the client's recovery.

5. What should be done to ensure safety during the transfer of a patient with limited mobility?

• A. Have the patient use a gait belt for support.
• B. Encourage the patient to hold onto a walker.
• C. Lock the wheels on the bed and wheelchair.
• D. Ask the patient to transfer independently.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to lock the wheels on the bed and wheelchair. This action helps prevent accidents by stabilizing the equipment during the transfer process. Having the patient use a gait belt for support (choice A) can be helpful but is not directly related to equipment safety. Encouraging the patient to hold onto a walker (choice B) is beneficial for ambulation but does not address the safety of equipment. Asking the patient to transfer independently (choice D) can pose risks, especially for a patient with limited mobility, and may not ensure safety during the transfer.

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