Nursing Elites

1. A nurse has just inserted a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

• A. The client reports relief of nausea.
• B. The tube aspirate has a pH less than 5.
• C. Bowel sounds are present on auscultation.
• D. An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client reports relief of nausea. When the NG tube is correctly placed in the stomach, it can help alleviate feelings of nausea and discomfort. Choice B, a tube aspirate pH less than 5, is incorrect as it indicates gastric placement, not necessarily correct placement. Choice C, bowel sounds on auscultation, and Choice D, visualization of the tube on an x-ray above the pylorus, do not confirm correct NG tube placement; therefore, they are incorrect.

2. A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
• B. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
• C. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
• D. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who received an IV fluid bolus for dehydration. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of fluid volume excess?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Distended neck veins
• C. Slow capillary refill
• D. Weak, thready pulse

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Distended neck veins.' Distended neck veins are a sign of fluid volume excess, indicating an overload of fluids in the body. This can be caused by excessive fluid administration. Hypotension (choice A) is more commonly associated with fluid volume deficit. Slow capillary refill (choice C) and a weak, thready pulse (choice D) are also signs of decreased fluid volume, not fluid volume excess.

4. Politics is defined as the art of influencing the allocation of scarce resources. An example of a scarce resource allocated by the manager of a patient care unit is:

• A. Raises for the staff.
• B. Patient supplies in the utility room.
• C. Staffing that minimizes overtime.
• D. Paper for the printer.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a healthcare setting, scarce resources can include money, time, personnel, and materials. Staffing decisions directly impact the allocation of personnel resources and can affect overtime costs, making it a critical resource managed by the unit manager. Patient supplies in the utility room and paper for the printer are important, but staffing decisions have a more direct impact on resource allocation within the unit. Raises for staff are typically granted by the institution and are not directly controlled by the unit manager.

5. Characteristics that an interviewer will be most interested in when selecting a new staff will be: (EXCEPT)

• A. Your confidence in your clinical skills.
• B. How many hours of overtime you will work.
• C. Your ability to work as a team member.
• D. Your clinical competence.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When selecting new staff, interviewers are primarily interested in candidates' confidence in clinical skills, ability to work as a team member, and clinical competence. They are not concerned with how many hours of overtime a candidate is willing to work. Overtime hours may be important at times, but it is not a characteristic that an interviewer would prioritize when selecting new staff. Choices A, C, and D are essential qualities that interviewers look for in potential staff as they contribute to providing professional nursing care.

Similar Questions