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. When a client who is in pain refuses to be repositioned, what should the nurse consider first in making a decision about what to do?

• A. Why a decision is needed.
• B. Who actually gets to make the decision?
• C. What are the alternatives?
• D. When a decision is needed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should first consider why a decision is needed. Understanding the underlying reason for the decision helps in selecting the best action to meet the desired goal. Who actually makes the decision is important but not the primary consideration. Exploring alternatives comes after determining the reason for the decision, who makes it, and when it is needed.

3. After working at your job for 10 months and feeling unable to tolerate the tension and stress between staff nurses and the laissez-faire nurse manager who is not a leader, what is the best course of action?

• A. Submit a resignation and leave within 30 days.
• B. Complain to staff about the nurse manager.
• C. Seek another position within the healthcare organization and apply for a transfer.
• D. Inform the chief nursing officer that you are leaving and explain your dissatisfaction with the lack of leadership.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, it is best to seek another position within the healthcare organization and apply for a transfer. Making professional decisions should involve careful evaluation and consideration. It is important to align personal values with the organizational culture. By seeking advice from a mentor or counselor, you can gain valuable insights and consider different perspectives. Resigning abruptly, complaining to staff, or informing the chief nursing officer without exploring other options may not be the most effective or professional approach in this scenario.

4. Recent polls have placed nursing as one of the most trusted professions because of which of the following?

• A. Nurses engage in lifelong learning.
• B. Nurses abide by a dress code.
• C. Nurses have the skills needed to care for diverse populations.
• D. Nurses must pass the NCLEX in order to obtain a license to practice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Recent polls have identified nursing as one of the most trusted professions due to nurses possessing the necessary skills to provide care for diverse populations. This includes understanding and addressing the unique needs of individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. Choice A is incorrect because while nurses do engage in lifelong learning, this is not the primary reason for their trustworthiness. Choice B is also incorrect as abiding by a dress code does not directly contribute to the trust placed in nurses. Choice D is incorrect because passing the NCLEX exam is a regulatory requirement for obtaining a license and does not solely determine the trustworthiness of nurses in the eyes of the public.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse that the client is ready to hear information regarding palliative care?

• A. "I am ready to learn about chemotherapy to help cure my cancer."
• B. "I just want you to give me something to get this over with soon."
• C. "I want you to tell me about measures available to keep me comfortable."
• D. "I know that many people have recovered fully from cancer, and so will I."

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is the correct answer because the client expressing a desire to know about measures available to keep comfortable indicates readiness for palliative care. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort, symptom management, and improving the quality of life for patients with serious illnesses such as terminal cancer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A indicates a desire for chemotherapy to cure the cancer, which does not align with palliative care goals. Choice B expresses a wish to end the situation quickly, which may not be in line with palliative care that focuses on comfort and quality of life. Choice D shows optimism about a full recovery, which may not be realistic for a client with terminal cancer who needs palliative care.

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