Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is preparing to administer a high dose of morphine to a patient with terminal cancer. What is the nurse's primary consideration before administration?

• A. Ensure the family is aware of the dosage to be administered.
• B. Monitor the patient for respiratory depression.
• C. Administer the morphine in divided doses.
• D. Delay administration until the next assessment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Monitor the patient for respiratory depression. When administering a high dose of morphine, the nurse's primary consideration should be to monitor the patient for respiratory depression, as morphine can slow down breathing, especially in higher doses. Option A is incorrect because the primary focus should be on the patient's well-being and safety rather than family awareness at this point. Option C is not the best approach as the immediate concern is monitoring the patient closely for any adverse effects. Option D is not advisable as delaying administration without a valid reason can compromise pain management in a terminal cancer patient.

2. Which intervention should be prioritized for a client experiencing panic-level anxiety?

• A. Postpone health teaching until anxiety subsides
• B. Encourage participation in group therapy
• C. Monitor vital signs every 5 minutes
• D. Provide reassurance and remain with the client

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During panic-level anxiety, the priority is to provide reassurance and remain with the client. This intervention helps to offer immediate support, comfort, and a sense of safety to the client. Postponing health teaching until anxiety subsides (Choice A) is not appropriate as the client's immediate emotional needs are more critical. Encouraging participation in group therapy (Choice B) may be beneficial in the long term but is not the priority during a panic attack. While monitoring vital signs (Choice C) is important, providing reassurance and support take precedence in managing panic-level anxiety.

3. Which action should the nurse take to minimize the risk of medication errors?

• A. Prepare medications ahead of time to ensure they are ready.
• B. Ensure two nurses double-check medications before administration.
• C. Administer medications at the same time each day.
• D. Rely on memory to administer the correct medications.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because ensuring two nurses double-check medications before administration is a crucial step in minimizing the risk of medication errors. This practice helps in verifying the accuracy of medication orders and reducing the chances of mistakes. Choice A may not necessarily prevent errors as preparing medications ahead of time does not guarantee accuracy. Choice C, administering medications at the same time each day, is important for consistency but does not directly address the risk of errors. Choice D, relying on memory, is highly discouraged as it increases the likelihood of errors due to human forgetfulness.

4. While reviewing notes from a previous shift, a nurse finds incomplete documentation. What is the most appropriate action?

• A. Complete the missing documentation
• B. Notify the nurse manager of the issue
• C. Ask the nurse to complete the documentation
• D. Confront the nurse about the incomplete notes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate action when finding incomplete documentation is to notify the nurse manager of the issue. This ensures that accurate records are maintained and the situation can be addressed properly. Completing the missing documentation on behalf of someone else may lead to inaccuracies, asking the nurse to complete it may not guarantee timely correction, and confronting the nurse could create a confrontational situation that is not conducive to effective teamwork.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing a client's lab results. Which of the following lab values should the provider report?

• A. Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
• B. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L
• C. Sodium 126 mEq/L
• D. Chloride 99 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 126 mEq/L. A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is below the normal range, indicating hyponatremia, which can have serious health implications and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention. Choices A, B, and D are within or close to the normal ranges for magnesium, potassium, and chloride, respectively, and do not require immediate reporting as they are not significantly abnormal.

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