Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional suspects a colleague of diverting narcotics. What is the first step the healthcare professional should take?

• A. Confront the colleague directly
• B. Report the suspicion to the supervisor
• C. Ignore the issue and continue working
• D. Notify the pharmacy about the colleague's behavior

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step for a healthcare professional who suspects a colleague of diverting narcotics is to report the suspicion to the supervisor. This action is essential to protect patient safety, uphold ethical standards, and comply with legal obligations. Confronting the colleague directly may not only escalate the situation but also jeopardize the investigation process. Ignoring the issue and continuing to work could potentially harm patients and violate professional responsibilities. Notifying the pharmacy, while important, should come after informing the appropriate supervisor or authority within the healthcare facility.

2. A nurse manager is teaching a group of employees about standards for Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN). Which of the following statements by an employee should the nurse manager identify as an example of the QSEN concept of quality improvement?

• A. We should start tracking how soon clients are discharged after laparoscopic versus open surgery.
• B. We should involve our clients' partners in care planning as much as possible.
• C. We should be sure to log out of the computers immediately following documentation.
• D. We should provide change-of-shift report as a team, including the assistive personnel who assisted with care.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Involving partners in care planning is a quality improvement strategy that aligns with QSEN principles. This choice reflects patient-centered care and collaboration, which are essential elements of quality improvement. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to quality improvement concepts. Tracking discharge times, logging out of computers, and providing change-of-shift reports are important practices but not specifically focused on quality improvement.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has an ethical conflict about the care she is receiving. Which of the following resources should the nurse consult about resolving the dilemma?

• A. Hospital ethics committee
• B. Quality improvement committee
• C. Chaplain
• D. Director of nursing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the hospital ethics committee. This committee is specifically designed to address and resolve ethical conflicts in patient care. It comprises professionals from various disciplines who can provide guidance and support in navigating ethical dilemmas. Choice B, the quality improvement committee, focuses on enhancing the quality of care provided but may not be equipped to handle ethical conflicts. Choice C, the chaplain, offers spiritual and emotional support but may not have the expertise to resolve ethical dilemmas. Choice D, the director of nursing, is responsible for nursing operations and may not be the appropriate resource for addressing ethical conflicts.

5. A healthcare provider gives a verbal order for a medication. The nurse is uncomfortable with the order and questions its appropriateness. What should the nurse do?

• A. Refuse to administer the medication and document the refusal.
• B. Clarify the order with the provider before proceeding.
• C. Administer the medication and monitor the patient.
• D. Call a pharmacy consult to discuss the medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when uncomfortable with a verbal order for medication is to clarify the order with the provider before proceeding. This ensures patient safety by confirming the appropriateness of the order and prevents any potential harm. Choice A is incorrect because refusing to administer the medication without clarification may delay necessary treatment for the patient. Choice C is incorrect as administering the medication without clarification could pose risks if the order is indeed inappropriate. Choice D is also incorrect as the first step should be direct clarification with the provider before involving others.

Similar Questions