Nursing Elites

1. A hospice nurse is caring for a client who has a terminal illness and reports severe pain. After the nurse administers the prescribed opioid and benzodiazepine, the client becomes somnolent and difficult to arouse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Withhold the benzodiazepine but continue the opioid
• B. Contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID
• C. Administer the benzodiazepine but withhold the opioid
• D. Continue the medication dosages that relieve the client's pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to contact the provider about replacing the opioid with an NSAID. In this scenario, the client is experiencing excessive sedation after the administration of both opioid and benzodiazepine. Switching to a non-opioid analgesic like an NSAID can help manage pain effectively without causing additional sedation. Option A is incorrect because continuing the opioid may exacerbate sedation. Option C is incorrect as administering the benzodiazepine may further increase sedation. Option D is incorrect because maintaining the current medication dosages that are causing excessive sedation is not in the client's best interest.

2. Which of the following is expected to be most likely true in the near future?

• A. Quality improvement projects will decline due to cost-cutting measures.
• B. Alternative and complementary approaches will gain acceptance in medical practice.
• C. Care will primarily shift away from the hospital setting.
• D. Increased focus on care transitions will involve nursing.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the near future, there will be an increased focus on care transitions involving nursing. This means that nurses will play a crucial role in preparing patients for transitions between different care settings, ensuring continuity and quality of care. Choice A is incorrect because quality improvement projects are essential and are not expected to decline. Choice B is incorrect as alternative and complementary approaches are increasingly being integrated into medical practice. Choice C is incorrect as there is a growing trend towards providing care in community settings and homes, moving away from primarily hospital-based care.

3. A case manager is preparing a discharge plan for a client following coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Which of the following client issues should the nurse address first?

• A. Inadequate food supply
• B. Low pain tolerance
• C. Limited social support
• D. Decreased self-esteem

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should address the inadequate food supply first as it directly impacts the client's health post-discharge. Proper nutrition is crucial for recovery after surgery, especially such as coronary artery bypass grafting. While low pain tolerance, limited social support, and decreased self-esteem are all important issues to address, addressing the client's nutritional needs is the priority in this scenario to ensure optimal recovery and healing.

4. What is the role of a nurse in a multidisciplinary healthcare team?

• A. Working independently without consulting others
• B. Coordinating patient care with other team members
• C. Ignoring patient concerns
• D. Making all healthcare decisions alone

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Coordinating patient care with other team members.' In a multidisciplinary healthcare team, nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients. Working independently without consulting others (choice A) is not aligned with the collaborative nature of multidisciplinary teams. Ignoring patient concerns (choice C) goes against the core principles of patient-centered care. Making all healthcare decisions alone (choice D) contradicts the teamwork approach of a multidisciplinary team.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's laboratory report and notes that the serum calcium level is 4.0 mg/dL. The healthcare professional understands that which condition most likely caused this serum calcium level?

• A. Prolonged bed rest
• B. Renal insufficiency
• C. Hyperparathyroidism
• D. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Prolonged bed rest can lead to hypocalcemia due to decreased mobility and bone resorption. In this scenario, the low serum calcium level of 4.0 mg/dL is likely a result of decreased bone activity and calcium release due to prolonged bed rest. Renal insufficiency would more likely lead to hypercalcemia due to impaired excretion of calcium by the kidneys. Hyperparathyroidism is characterized by increased calcium levels as a result of excess parathyroid hormone. Excessive ingestion of vitamin D can cause hypercalcemia by increasing intestinal absorption of calcium.

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