Nursing Elites

1. In a community hospital, a nurse is employed as a staff nurse and is supervised by a nurse manager. The nurse understands that in this position, the term authority most appropriately refers to which description?

• A. Accepting responsibility for the actions of others
• B. The official power to ensure that an organizational decision is enforced
• C. Bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks
• D. Taking responsibility for what staff members do

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term authority refers to the official power of an individual to approve or command an action or to ensure that a decision is enforced. In the context of the nurse's position supervised by a nurse manager, having authority means having the official power to ensure that organizational decisions are carried out. Choice A, accepting responsibility for the actions of others, is more related to accountability rather than authority. Choice C, bearing the legal responsibility for others' performance of tasks, is more about legal liability rather than authority. Choice D, taking responsibility for what staff members do, is similar to choice A and is more about accountability rather than having the official power to enforce decisions. Therefore, the correct answer is B as it directly relates to the concept of authority in the context described.

2. When planning task assignments for five clients on the skilled nursing unit in a long-term care facility, which task should a licensed practical nurse (LPN) assign to another LPN?

• A. Bathing a client who is confused and requires assistance with a shower
• B. Administering regular insulin in accordance with a sliding-dosage scale every 4 hours to a client with diabetes mellitus
• C. Assisting a client requiring a bed bath and frequent ambulation with a cane
• D. Transporting a client who must be accompanied to physical therapy twice during the shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assigning tasks, the nurse must consider the skills and educational level of the nursing staff. The nursing assistant may be assigned tasks like caring for a confused client, assisting with a shower or a bed bath, ambulating a client with a cane, and accompanying a client to physical therapy. The LPN is educated to administer medications like regular insulin in accordance with a sliding scale. This task requires a higher level of training and knowledge than the tasks that can be delegated to a nursing assistant. Administering insulin involves assessing blood glucose levels, calculating dosages, and understanding the effects of insulin therapy on the client's condition. Therefore, the correct answer is administering regular insulin to a client with diabetes mellitus. Choices A, C, and D involve tasks that are within the scope of practice of a nursing assistant, not an LPN.

3. The graduate licensed practical nurse is assigned to care for the client on ventilator support, pending organ donation. Which goal should receive priority?

• A. Maintain the client's systolic blood pressure at 70mmHg or greater
• B. Maintain the client's urinary output greater than 300cc per hour
• C. Maintain the client's body temperature above 33°F rectal
• D. Maintain the client's hematocrit below 30%

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When caring for a client on ventilator support pending organ donation, maintaining the systolic blood pressure at 70mmHg or greater is crucial to ensure a proper blood supply to the donor organ. This goal is a priority to maintain the viability of the organ for donation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are unnecessary and not directly related to the immediate goal of organ donation. Maintaining urinary output, body temperature, or hematocrit levels are not the primary concerns in this situation.

4. When suctioning a client, what is the usual amount of time the nurse should spend for each suction pass?

• A. 2 seconds
• B. 10 seconds
• C. 20 seconds
• D. 30 seconds

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Ten seconds is the usual amount of time the nurse should spend for each suction pass. Two seconds is not enough time to effectively remove secretions, while 20 and 30 seconds are too long and could lead to hypoxia and tissue trauma. Therefore, the correct choice is 10 seconds, as it strikes a balance between removing secretions adequately and minimizing the risks associated with prolonged suctioning.

5. During surgery, it is found that a client with adenocarcinoma of the rectum has positive peritoneal lymph nodes. What is the next most likely site of metastasis?

• A. brain
• B. bone
• C. liver
• D. mediastinum

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases of adenocarcinoma of the rectum with positive peritoneal lymph nodes, the most likely site of metastasis is the liver. Colon tumors commonly spread through the lymphatics and portal vein to the liver. While metastasis to the brain, bone, or mediastinum is possible, the liver is typically the first to be affected due to the anatomical pathways involved in colorectal cancer metastasis. Therefore, the correct answer is the liver. Metastasis to the brain, bone, or mediastinum would be less likely at this stage of colorectal cancer progression.

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