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. The nurse is assessing a 22-year-old patient experiencing the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?

• A. "Are you anorexic?"
• B. "Is your urine dark colored?"
• C. "Have you lost weight lately?"
• D. "Do you crave sugary drinks?"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight loss is a common symptom in the onset of type 1 diabetes due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy. The lack of insulin leads the body to break down fat and muscle for fuel, causing unintentional weight loss. This is a more relevant question compared to the others, as it directly relates to the metabolic changes associated with type 1 diabetes.

3. By using ___________ in the workplace, nurses increase their professional influence.

• A. political skills
• B. reward power
• C. expert power
• D. power and politics

Correct answer: C

Rationale: By using expert power in the workplace, nurses increase their professional influence. Expert power is derived from an individual's knowledge, skills, or expertise in a particular area. This allows nurses to influence others based on their competence and credibility, rather than through political skills (choice A), reward power (choice B), or the combination of power and politics (choice D). While political skills and understanding power dynamics can be beneficial, expert power is particularly effective in enhancing a nurse's professional influence.

4. Which of the following is an example of voluntary absenteeism?

• A. Staying home for a sick child
• B. Staying home for a funeral
• C. Staying home to run errands or finish housework
• D. Staying home for sickness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Staying home to run errands or finish housework.' Voluntary absenteeism refers to absences that are within the employee's control. Running errands or completing housework are choices an employee makes, unlike being absent due to sickness or a funeral, which are events beyond the employee's control. Choices A, B, and D involve reasons for absence that are not voluntary as they are influenced by external circumstances, such as illness or family emergencies.

5. A recent ethical issue has resulted in uneasiness and discomfort for several nurses on a unit. The unit manager has decided to discuss the issues at the next team meeting. The situation has resulted in which of the following for some of the nurses?

• A. Moral suffering
• B. Moral distress
• C. Ethical dilemma
• D. Veracity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, moral distress. Moral distress occurs when one knows the ethically correct action to take but feels constrained in their ability to take that action due to institutional, hierarchical, or other constraints. In this scenario, the nurses are experiencing uneasiness and discomfort due to an ethical issue, which aligns with the definition of moral distress. Choice A, moral suffering, is not the most appropriate term in this context as moral distress better describes the situation. Choice C, ethical dilemma, refers to a situation where a person is faced with two equally undesirable alternatives, which does not fully capture the nurses' current experience. Choice D, veracity, is unrelated to the nurses' situation and does not fit the context of the scenario.

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