Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is caring for a client who has a sodium level of 125 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L). Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional expect?

• A. Positive Chvostek's sign
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Numbness of the extremities
• D. Abdominal cramping

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A sodium level of 125 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which can lead to abdominal cramping. Abdominal cramping is a common symptom of hyponatremia due to an imbalance in electrolytes. While other options like Chvostek's sign, bradycardia, and numbness of the extremities can be associated with other electrolyte imbalances, they are not typically seen with low sodium levels. Chvostek's sign is related to hypocalcemia, bradycardia can be seen in hyperkalemia, and numbness of the extremities can be a symptom of hypocalcemia or hypokalemia, but not directly related to hyponatremia.

2. In dealing with a conflict on a unit, the nurse manager decides to ask one of the staff nurses, who is not moving towards resolution, to transfer to another unit. What tactic has the manager implemented?

• A. Avoidance
• B. Withdrawal
• C. Suppression
• D. Competition

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Suppression. In this scenario, the nurse manager has implemented a suppression tactic by asking the staff nurse to transfer to another unit, which eliminates one of the conflicting parties from the current unit. This technique aims to resolve the conflict by physically separating the individuals involved. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect: Avoidance involves ignoring the conflict, withdrawal is the act of pulling out or retreating, and competition refers to a situation where one party's gain is at the expense of the other.

3. What is the main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey?

• A. To improve patient outcomes
• B. To evaluate nursing performance
• C. To measure patient satisfaction
• D. To assess healthcare facilities

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main purpose of a patient satisfaction survey is to measure patient satisfaction. These surveys aim to gather feedback directly from patients regarding their experiences and perceptions of the healthcare services they have received. While patient satisfaction may impact outcomes indirectly, the primary goal of the survey is not to directly improve patient outcomes, making choice A incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because patient satisfaction surveys are not primarily focused on evaluating nursing performance specifically. Choice D is also incorrect because the main focus of the survey is on the satisfaction of patients rather than assessing healthcare facilities.

4. What is the main purpose of the NCLEX examination?

• A. Ensure that individuals have passed nursing classes.
• B. Provide assurance that nursing schools are part of the service agency.
• C. Enable potential students to determine the best nursing schools.
• D. Ensure the safety of the public.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main purpose of the NCLEX examination is to ensure the safety of the public by determining if candidates have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective nursing care. Choice A is incorrect as the exam evaluates if individuals are ready to begin nursing practice, not just passed classes. Choice B is incorrect as the exam is not related to the affiliation of nursing schools with service agencies. Choice C is incorrect as the exam is not designed to help potential students choose the best nursing schools, but rather to assess individual readiness for nursing practice to protect public safety.

5. During a staffing crisis, managers may need to use nurse extenders. These individuals are better known as:

• A. Float RNs.
• B. Unlicensed assistive personnel.
• C. LPNs.
• D. Agency nurses.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a staffing crisis, managers may need to utilize unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs) as nurse extenders. UAPs help free up nurses' time, enabling them to focus more on direct client care. Float RNs (Choice A) refer to registered nurses who work in various units as needed, not specifically as nurse extenders during crises. LPNs (Choice C) are licensed practical nurses, not typically used as nurse extenders. Agency nurses (Choice D) are temporary nurses hired from external agencies, not necessarily designated as nurse extenders.

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