Nursing Elites

1. A newly graduated nurse in the hospital states that, since she is so new, she cannot participate in quality improvement (QI) projects. What response by the precepting nurse is best?

• A. All staff nurses are required to participate in quality improvement projects.
• B. Even as a new nurse, you can implement activities designed to improve care.
• C. It's easy to identify which indicators should be used to measure quality improvement.
• D. You should ask to be assigned to the research and quality committee.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response is to encourage the newly graduated nurse to actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Being new does not preclude one from contributing to improving care processes and outcomes. By engaging in small activities focused on quality improvement, the new nurse can start making a positive impact and learn valuable skills early in their career.

2. A client is moving to a new state and needs to find a new doctor and hospital there. What advice by the nurse is best?

• A. Ask the hospitals there about standard nurse-client ratios.
• B. Choose the hospital that has the newest technology.
• C. Find a hospital that is accredited by The Joint Commission.
• D. Use a facility affiliated with a medical or nursing school.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choosing a hospital accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) or another accrediting body is the best advice as it ensures a focus on safety and quality standards.

3. A healthcare professional is caring for four clients on intravenous heparin therapy. Which lab value possibly indicates a serious side effect has occurred?

• A. Hemoglobin: 14.2 g/dL
• B. Platelet count: 82,000/µL
• C. RBC count: 4.8 x 10^6/µL
• D. WBC count: 8.7 x 10^3/µL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A low platelet count, as seen in choice B, is concerning as it could indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a serious side effect of heparin therapy. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia can lead to an increased risk of blood clotting, potentially causing severe complications. Monitoring platelet counts is crucial during heparin therapy to promptly identify and manage this adverse effect.

4. A nurse is observing the closed chest drainage system of a client who is 24 hr post thoracotomy. The nurse notes slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Check the tubing connections for leaks.
• B. Check the suction control outlet on the wall.
• C. Clamp the chest tube.
• D. Continue to monitor the client's respiratory status.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a closed chest drainage system, slow, steady bubbling in the suction control chamber is an expected finding, indicating proper functioning of the system. There is no immediate need for intervention as this indicates the system is working as intended. The nurse should continue to monitor the client's respiratory status for any signs of distress or changes. Checking tubing connections for leaks or clamping the chest tube are unnecessary actions based on the information provided. Checking the suction control outlet on the wall is also not indicated in this scenario.

5. When a client develops an airway obstruction from a foreign body but remains conscious, which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Insert an oral airway
• B. Administer the abdominal thrust maneuver
• C. Turn the client to the side
• D. Perform a blind finger sweep

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops an airway obstruction and remains conscious, the nurse's initial action should be to administer the abdominal thrust maneuver. This technique, also known as the Heimlich maneuver, can help dislodge the obstructing object and clear the airway. Inserting an oral airway, turning the client to the side, or performing a blind finger sweep are not recommended as the first interventions for a conscious individual with an airway obstruction.

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