Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has meningitis. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

• A. Generalized rash over trunk
• B. Increased temperature
• C. Decreased level of consciousness
• D. Report of photophobia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreased level of consciousness. In a client with meningitis, a decreased level of consciousness is a critical finding that should be reported immediately. This could indicate increased intracranial pressure or neurological deterioration, requiring prompt intervention. Choices A, B, and D are important in the assessment of meningitis but are not as immediately concerning as a decreased level of consciousness. A generalized rash over the trunk can be seen in meningococcal meningitis, an increased temperature is expected due to the inflammatory response, and photophobia is a common symptom due to meningeal irritation.

2. Nurses on an inpatient care unit are working to help reduce unit costs. Which of the following actions is appropriate to include in the cost-containment plan?

• A. Store opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
• B. Return unused supplies from the bedside to the unit's supply stock.
• C. Wait to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full.
• D. Use clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Using clean gloves rather than sterile gloves for colostomy care is a cost-effective measure without compromising care quality. This choice helps in reducing costs without compromising patient safety. Storing opened bottles of normal saline in a refrigerator for up to 48 hours (Choice A) may lead to contamination risks. Returning unused supplies to the unit's supply stock (Choice B) can be inefficient and lead to potential waste. Waiting to dispose of sharps containers until they are completely full (Choice C) may pose safety hazards and not directly impact cost savings.

3. A client with a tumor refuses surgery, but the client's partner wants it. Which is the deciding factor in determining if the surgery will be done?

• A. Whether the partner is the client's durable power of attorney for healthcare
• B. Whether the client understands the risk of refusing the procedure
• C. Whether the client's refusal is based on religious belief
• D. Whether the facility's ethical committee reaches a consensus on the case

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client's understanding of the risks involved in refusing the surgery is crucial in determining the course of action. In this scenario, the client's autonomy and decision-making capacity take precedence. Choice A is not directly relevant to the decision-making process regarding surgery. Choice C, religious beliefs, may influence the decision but should not be the determining factor in this case. Choice D involving the facility's ethical committee is not typically involved in individual patient care decisions.

4. Jansen is receiving metformin (Glucophage). What will be the best plan of the nurse with regard to patient education with this drug? Select one that does not apply.

• A. It stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin.
• B. It must be taken after meals.
• C. It decreases sugar production in the liver.
• D. It inhibits absorption of carbohydrates.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct choice that does not apply is A. Metformin does not stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin; instead, it works by decreasing sugar production in the liver, inhibiting carbohydrate absorption, and reducing insulin resistance. It is recommended to take metformin with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Option B is incorrect as metformin is usually taken with meals. Option D is also incorrect as metformin does not inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates.

5. Which of the following is the best argument for lower patient-to-nurse ratio?

• A. The more patients a nurse has, the better the nurse will be at catching early warning signs.
• B. Greater patient-to-nurse ratios decrease patient mortality.
• C. Adequate nurse levels do not impact the prevalence of urinary tract infections.
• D. Community nursing ratios do not impact Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best argument for lower patient-to-nurse ratios is that they decrease patient mortality. Choice A is incorrect because having more patients can lead to increased workload and decreased attention per patient. Choice C is incorrect as adequate nurse levels can indeed impact the prevalence of infections. Choice D is incorrect as community nursing ratios can impact MRSA rates due to potential transmission risks in healthcare settings.

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