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. A nurse manager is presenting to a group of unit nurses the categories regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. Which of the following medications should the nurse include under Schedule II?

• A. Buprenorphine hydrochloride
• B. Hydrocodone bitartrate
• C. Diazepam
• D. Morphine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hydrocodone bitartrate. According to the Controlled Substances Act, hydrocodone bitartrate is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Diazepam (Choice C) and morphine (Choice D) are classified as Schedule IV and Schedule II controlled substances, respectively. Buprenorphine hydrochloride (Choice A) is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. Therefore, hydrocodone bitartrate should be included under Schedule II medications when discussing the categories regulated under the Controlled Substances Act.

3. A nurse is preparing to perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client?

• A. Remain still once the gel pads are attached
• B. I will be placing electrodes on your chest
• C. I will lower the head of your bed so you can sit up
• D. Breathe normally throughout the procedure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Instructing the client to remain still once the gel pads are attached is crucial to obtaining accurate ECG readings. Choice B is incorrect as electrodes are typically placed on the chest, not the breast. Choice C is incorrect because the client should lie flat during an ECG, not sit up. Choice D is incorrect because the client should breathe normally, rather than holding their breath, throughout the procedure.

4. A nurse is assessing a client with diabetes who reports frequent episodes of hypoglycemia. What should the nurse recommend to prevent these episodes?

• A. Increase protein intake
• B. Monitor blood glucose levels frequently
• C. Increase the dose of insulin
• D. Reduce carbohydrate intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct recommendation to prevent hypoglycemic episodes in a client with diabetes who reports frequent episodes is to monitor blood glucose levels frequently. By monitoring blood glucose levels, the nurse can make necessary adjustments to insulin dosage and diet to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range. Increasing protein intake (Choice A) is not directly related to preventing hypoglycemia; it is more important to focus on balancing carbohydrates and insulin. Increasing the dose of insulin (Choice C) without proper monitoring can lead to further hypoglycemic episodes. Similarly, reducing carbohydrate intake (Choice D) should be done cautiously as carbohydrates are a main source of energy and sudden reduction can cause hypoglycemia in diabetic patients.

5. The patient has the nursing diagnosis of Impaired physical mobility related to pain in the left shoulder. Which priority action will the nurse take?

• A. Assist the patient with comfort measures.
• B. Keep the patient as mobile as possible.
• C. Encourage the patient to perform ROM.
• D. Encourage the patient to do self-care.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Assist the patient with comfort measures.' When a patient is experiencing impaired physical mobility due to pain, the priority action is to provide comfort measures to help manage the pain. By addressing the pain, the patient may then feel more comfortable moving and engaging in mobility exercises. Option B, 'Keep the patient as mobile as possible,' could exacerbate the pain and should not be the initial action. While encouraging range of motion (ROM) exercises (Option C) and self-care (Option D) are important aspects of care, addressing pain and comfort should take precedence in this scenario.

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