Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative. When the nurse prepares to change the client's dressing, they say, 'Every time you change my bandage, it hurts so much.' Which of the following interventions is the nurse's priority action?

• A. Encourage the client to relax and take deep breaths during the dressing change
• B. Educate the client about the importance of the dressing change to prevent infection
• C. Administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client's dressing
• D. Assist the client to a comfortable position for the dressing change

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer pain medication 45 minutes before changing the client's dressing. This intervention is the priority action because the client is experiencing pain during the dressing change. Providing pain relief beforehand can help minimize the discomfort and improve the overall experience for the client. Encouraging relaxation techniques (choice A) or educating about dressing change importance (choice B) are valuable but addressing pain is the priority. Assisting the client to a comfortable position (choice D) is essential for the procedure but does not directly address the client's pain.

2. Which of the following best describes the concept of patient-centered care?

• A. Care that is directed solely by healthcare providers
• B. Care that involves coordination among multiple healthcare providers
• C. Care that prioritizes the patient's preferences, needs, and values
• D. Care that strictly adheres to the latest clinical guidelines

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Patient-centered care is a healthcare approach that places the patient at the center of decision-making, emphasizing their preferences, needs, and values. This approach ensures that care is tailored to individual patients, taking into account their unique circumstances and actively involving them in their own care. Choice A is incorrect because patient-centered care focuses on the patient's needs rather than being solely directed by healthcare providers. Choice B is incorrect as involving multiple healthcare providers doesn't necessarily mean care is patient-centered; instead, it's about tailoring care to the patient's individual needs. Choice D is also incorrect as patient-centered care goes beyond just following clinical guidelines to encompass individual patient preferences and values.

3. After discussing alternatives to dressing change procedures to minimize discomfort, the nursing staff accepted a new procedure. This is an example of which stage of Havelock's model of change?

• A. Moving
• B. Self-renewal
• C. Refreezing
• D. Unfreezing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Moving. In the moving stage of Havelock's model of change, the focus is on selecting a solution or alternative. In this scenario, the nursing staff accepting a new procedure after discussing alternatives aligns with the moving stage, where the decision to adopt a change is made. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Self-renewal refers to personal growth, refreezing involves stabilizing the change, and unfreezing is related to preparing for change, none of which directly correspond to the situation described in the question.

4. While interviewing for a position at City Hospital, the nurse asks about the organizational structure of the institution. She is told that the hospital is organized into departments based on specialty (e.g., nursing, dietary, pharmacy, etc.). Based on what you know about organizational structure, select the structure in this example.

• A. Parallel
• B. Functional
• C. Service-integrated
• D. Matrix

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Functional.' In a functional structure, organizations group employees into departments based on specialty, where similar tasks are performed by the same group. In this scenario, the hospital organizing its departments by specialty such as nursing, dietary, and pharmacy aligns with the characteristics of a functional structure. Choice A, 'Parallel,' does not fit the scenario described; parallel structures involve separate, independent units operating in parallel with little interaction. Choice C, 'Service-integrated,' does not align with the scenario either as it involves integrating services across departments. Choice D, 'Matrix,' is not the correct answer as it involves a complex organizational structure where employees report to multiple managers simultaneously, which is not the case in the scenario provided.

5. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

Similar Questions