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 statement about adjuvant medications is true and accurate?

• A. Licensed practical nurses can administer adjuvant medications.
• B. Adjuvant medications are schedule 2 narcotics.
• C. Adjuvant medications are schedule 1 narcotics.
• D. Adjuvant medications can be purchased over the counter.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because adjuvant medications are often available over the counter without a prescription. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because licensed practical nurses can administer adjuvant medications depending on their scope of practice. Choices B and C are incorrect because adjuvant medications are not classified as schedule 1 or schedule 2 narcotics.

3. A patient is admitted to the emergency department with hypovolemia. Which IV solution should the nurse anticipate administering?

• A. 3% sodium chloride
• B. 10% dextrose in water
• C. 0.45% sodium chloride
• D. Lactated Ringer's solution

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Lactated Ringer's solution is the most suitable IV solution for a patient with hypovolemia. It is a balanced crystalloid solution containing electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and lactate, which closely resemble the body's natural fluids. This solution helps to restore intravascular volume and electrolyte balance in hypovolemic patients. Choice A, 3% sodium chloride, is a hypertonic solution used for specific situations like severe hyponatremia or cerebral edema, not typically for hypovolemia. Choice B, 10% dextrose in water, is a hypertonic solution primarily used for providing calories and free water, not for volume expansion. Choice C, 0.45% sodium chloride, is a hypotonic solution used for conditions like hypernatremia or as maintenance fluid, not for hypovolemia.

4. A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for a client who reports the AP repositioned him in bed using excessive force. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Document in the client's chart that an incident report has been filed.
• B. Contact the nurse manager.
• C. Reassure the client that the staff is well trained.
• D. Call risk management to interview the client.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to contact the nurse manager. By doing so, the nurse can escalate the issue appropriately, ensuring that the incident is addressed and necessary actions are taken. Documenting in the client's chart that an incident report has been filed (Choice A) may be necessary but should not be the first step. Reassuring the client that the staff is well trained (Choice C) does not address the client's concern and the need for intervention. Calling risk management to interview the client (Choice D) may be premature at this stage and should be handled by the nurse manager first.

5. Which of the following actions can an individual nurse take to exert leadership in supporting the profession of nursing?

• A. Join a local professional organization.
• B. Talk about healthcare issues to everyone who will listen, including legislators.
• C. Register to vote.
• D. Learn about the healthcare system.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Engaging in conversations about healthcare issues with a wide audience, including legislators, is a powerful way for a nurse to exert leadership and support the nursing profession. This action helps raise awareness, advocate for nursing-related matters, and contribute to positive changes in healthcare policies. Choice A, joining a local professional organization, is beneficial but may not have the same broad impact as engaging in public discourse. Choice C, registering to vote, is important for civic engagement but does not directly relate to exerting leadership in supporting the nursing profession. Choice D, learning about the healthcare system, is valuable for personal development but does not directly address exerting leadership in supporting the nursing profession.

Similar Questions