Nursing Elites

1. A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who is unconscious following a motor-vehicle crash. The client requires immediate surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Transport the client to the operating room without verifying informed consent
• B. Ask the anesthesiologist to sign the consent
• C. Obtain telephone consent from the facility administrator before the surgery
• D. Delay the surgery until the nurse can obtain informed consent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery, implied consent applies. Implied consent allows healthcare providers, including nurses, to proceed with necessary treatment or surgery without formally verifying informed consent. Choice A is correct because the priority in this scenario is to ensure the client receives timely medical intervention to address life-threatening conditions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because in emergencies, waiting to obtain formal consent can delay critical treatment, risking the client's health and well-being.

2. You are caring for a patient with multiple trauma. Of all of these injuries and conditions, which is the most serious?

• A. A deviated trachea
• B. Gross deformity of a lower extremity
• C. Hematuria
• D. Decreased bowel sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A deviated trachea is the most serious condition among the choices provided. It can indicate a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent respiratory compromise. Choice B, a gross deformity of a lower extremity, while significant, is not as immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice C, hematuria, may indicate kidney injury but is not as acutely life-threatening as a deviated trachea. Choice D, decreased bowel sounds, could indicate abdominal issues, but it is not as urgent or immediately life-threatening as a deviated trachea.

3. A patient's serum potassium level is 2.2 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient?

• A. Start oxygen at 2 L/min
• B. Initiate cardiac monitoring
• C. Initiate seizure precautions
• D. Keep the patient on bed rest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate cardiac monitoring. Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring the priority to detect and manage any cardiac complications. Starting oxygen, seizure precautions, or bed rest are not the immediate priority actions for severe hypokalemia.

4. The doctor has ordered 500 mg of a medication PO once a day. The tablets on hand are labeled as 1 tablet = 250 mg. How many tablets will you administer to your patient?

• A. 1 Tablet
• B. 2 Tablets
• C. 3 Tablets
• D. 4 Tablets

Correct answer: B

Rationale: To calculate the number of tablets needed, divide the total dosage prescribed (500 mg) by the dosage per tablet (250 mg per tablet). 500 mg / 250 mg per tablet = 2 tablets. Therefore, the correct answer is 2 tablets. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the correct calculation based on the provided information.

5. To resolve a conflict between staff members regarding potential changes in policy, a nurse manager decides to implement the changes she prefers regardless of the feelings of those who oppose those changes. Which of the following conflict-resolution strategies is the nurse manager using?

• A. Competing
• B. Collaborating
• C. Compromising
• D. Cooperating

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager is utilizing the competing conflict-resolution strategy. Competing involves making decisions based on one's preferences without considering the opinions or feelings of others. In this scenario, the nurse manager is unilaterally implementing changes despite opposition, demonstrating a competitive approach. Collaborating involves working together to find a mutually beneficial solution, compromising involves finding a middle ground acceptable to both parties, and cooperating involves working together towards a shared goal. These options are not applicable in this situation as the nurse manager is imposing her preferred changes without regard for others' input.

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