Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a female client who has hypovolemia. Which of the following laboratory results would be a priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. BUN 21 mg/dL (10 to 20 mg/dL)
• B. Potassium 5.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L)
• C. Creatinine 1.4 mg/dL (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL)
• D. Sodium 132 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with hypovolemia, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L to the provider. Hypovolemia can lead to electrolyte imbalances, and hyperkalemia (potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L) is a serious condition that can result in cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate attention. The other laboratory results, BUN, creatinine, and sodium, are also important in assessing renal function and fluid balance, but the priority in this case is the elevated potassium level due to its potential life-threatening complications.

2. What is the primary purpose of clinical pathways in healthcare?

• A. Reduce hospital readmissions
• B. Standardize care
• C. Provide individualized care
• D. Streamline care processes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of clinical pathways in healthcare is to provide individualized care. While clinical pathways do involve standardizing treatment plans, their main goal is to tailor these plans to the individual needs of patients. This customization ensures that patients receive care that is specific to their condition and requirements, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because although reducing hospital readmissions, standardizing care, and streamlining care processes can be benefits of clinical pathways, they are not the primary purpose. The main focus is on delivering personalized treatment paths to enhance patient outcomes.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and is exhibiting signs of hemorrhagic shock. The nurse notifies the surgeon, who tells the nurse to continue to measure the client's vital signs every 15 min and to report back in 1 hour. Which of the following actions should the nurse take next?

• A. Document the surgeon's instructions in the client's medical record.
• B. Complete an incident report.
• C. Consult the charge nurse.
• D. Notify the nursing manager.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should notify the nursing manager next. The surgeon's instructions are related to the client's condition, and it is crucial to inform the nursing manager about the situation. Option A is incorrect because documenting the surgeon's instructions in the medical record is not the immediate next step. Option B is also incorrect as completing an incident report is not warranted in this situation. Option C is not the best choice as consulting the charge nurse may cause a delay in escalating the situation to higher management, which is necessary in cases of emergency like hemorrhagic shock.

4. A nurse has just inserted a nasogastric (NG) tube for a client. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect to confirm correct tube placement?

• A. The client reports relief of nausea.
• B. The tube aspirate has a pH less than 5.
• C. Bowel sounds are present on auscultation.
• D. An x-ray shows the end of the tube above the pylorus.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: The client reports relief of nausea. When the NG tube is correctly placed in the stomach, it can help alleviate feelings of nausea and discomfort. Choice B, a tube aspirate pH less than 5, is incorrect as it indicates gastric placement, not necessarily correct placement. Choice C, bowel sounds on auscultation, and Choice D, visualization of the tube on an x-ray above the pylorus, do not confirm correct NG tube placement; therefore, they are incorrect.

5. Your nurse manager talks with you once per week to determine how you are adjusting to your role as a new nurse. She asks if you feel that you are able to provide good care to your patients, whether you are becoming familiar with the electronic health record, and whether your preceptor is encouraging your independence. This manager is demonstrating:

• A. An intrusive style.
• B. An effort to understand if you are coping with the demands.
• C. An attempt to intimidate.
• D. An authoritarian style.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse manager is showing an effort to understand if you are coping with the demands of your new role as a nurse. This approach demonstrates empathy and concern for your well-being and professional development. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because there is no indication of intrusion, intimidation, or authoritarian behavior in the manager's actions. Instead, the manager is engaging in supportive and constructive communication to help you adjust and grow in your new position.

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