Nursing Elites

1. A nurse manager is presenting to a group of unit nurses the categories regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. Which of the following medications should the nurse include under Schedule II?

• A. Buprenorphine hydrochloride
• B. Hydrocodone bitartrate
• C. Diazepam
• D. Morphine

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hydrocodone bitartrate. According to the Controlled Substances Act, hydrocodone bitartrate is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Diazepam (Choice C) and morphine (Choice D) are classified as Schedule IV and Schedule II controlled substances, respectively. Buprenorphine hydrochloride (Choice A) is classified as a Schedule III controlled substance. Therefore, hydrocodone bitartrate should be included under Schedule II medications when discussing the categories regulated under the Controlled Substances Act.

2. What is the most appropriate action for a healthcare provider to take when a patient refuses a prescribed medication?

• A. Document the refusal and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the medication at a later time.
• C. Explain the importance of the medication and its effects.
• D. Respect the patient's right to refuse the medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to respect the patient's right to refuse the medication. It is crucial to uphold the patient's autonomy and decision-making capacity when it comes to their treatment. Administering the medication later without the patient's consent (Choice B) disregards their autonomy and can lead to ethical issues. Documenting the refusal and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) is important for legal and continuity of care purposes but should come after respecting the patient's decision. While explaining the importance of the medication (Choice C) is valuable for promoting understanding and compliance, the immediate concern should be respecting the patient's refusal.

3. A nurse is monitoring a client following a thoracentesis. The nurse should identify which of the following manifestations as a complication and contact the provider immediately?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Decreased temperature
• C. Serosanguineous drainage from the puncture site
• D. Discomfort at the puncture site

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A nurse should identify an increased heart rate as a complication following a thoracentesis and contact the provider immediately. An increased heart rate may indicate a pneumothorax or other serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because decreased temperature, serosanguineous drainage, and discomfort at the puncture site are expected findings following a thoracentesis and do not indicate a significant complication requiring immediate provider notification.

4. How can a healthcare provider prevent pressure ulcers in an immobile patient?

• A. Turn the patient every 4 hours.
• B. Provide the patient with a special mattress.
• C. Elevate the patient's legs to reduce pressure.
• D. Limit the patient's movement to reduce friction.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing the immobile patient with a special mattress is an effective way to prevent pressure ulcers. Special mattresses help distribute pressure evenly and reduce the risk of developing pressure ulcers by relieving pressure on sensitive areas. Turning the patient every 4 hours (Choice A) is a standard practice to prevent pressure ulcers but may not be as effective as using a special mattress. Elevating the patient's legs (Choice C) can help with circulation but may not directly prevent pressure ulcers. Limiting the patient's movement (Choice D) can lead to other complications and is not a recommended method for preventing pressure ulcers.

5. Which action by the nurse demonstrates effective infection control measures?

• A. Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact.
• B. Wear gloves when administering medications.
• C. Dispose of used equipment in designated containers.
• D. Wear a mask when interacting with the patient.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact. Effective hand hygiene is a fundamental infection control measure that helps prevent the spread of pathogens. Wearing gloves when administering medications (choice B) is important for protecting both the patient and the nurse but is not a direct demonstration of infection control. Disposing of used equipment in designated containers (choice C) is more related to proper waste management than infection control. Wearing a mask when interacting with the patient (choice D) is essential in certain situations, but hand hygiene is a more universal and critical practice for infection control.

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