Nursing Elites

1. A nursing student needs to administer potassium chloride intravenously as prescribed to a client with hypokalemia. The nursing instructor determines that the student is unprepared for this procedure if the student states that which of the following is part of the plan for preparation and administration of the potassium?

• A. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump
• B. Monitoring urine output during administration
• C. Diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline
• D. Preparing the medication for bolus administration

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is preparing the medication for bolus administration (Choice D). Potassium should never be administered as a bolus because it can cause cardiac arrest. It must always be diluted and given slowly. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump (Choice A) is essential for accurate delivery, monitoring urine output during administration (Choice B) helps assess the client's response, and diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline (Choice C) is necessary to prevent irritation and ensure safe administration.

2. When implementing a new policy on the unit, what process should a nurse manager follow?

• A. The nurse manager should involve staff members in the decision-making process, gather input, and communicate the reasons for the policy change to ensure buy-in from the team.
• B. The nurse manager should implement the policy change immediately and monitor staff compliance to ensure that the new policy is being followed.
• C. The nurse manager should delegate the implementation of the policy change to a staff member and provide support as needed to ensure that the change is successful.
• D. The nurse manager should communicate the policy change to staff members, provide training as needed, and monitor the implementation process to ensure that the change is effective.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When introducing a new policy on the unit, it is essential for the nurse manager to involve staff members in the decision-making process. This approach helps in gathering input and insights from the team, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment. By communicating the reasons behind the policy change, the nurse manager ensures transparency and promotes understanding among the staff, leading to buy-in and acceptance of the new policy. Choice B is incorrect because implementing a policy change without involving staff and explaining the rationale may lead to resistance or lack of understanding. Choice C is not ideal as delegation without active involvement and communication with the team may result in misunderstandings or incomplete implementation. Choice D lacks the crucial step of involving staff in the decision-making process, which is important for successful policy implementation and team engagement.

3. A healthcare professional is focusing on improving the ability to multitask without losing focus and to turn problems into opportunities. Which of the following leadership theories describes the professional's focus?

• A. Emotional intelligence
• B. Motivation theory
• C. Situational leadership theory
• D. Transformational leadership theory

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Motivation theory explains that individuals act based on what they want to achieve, focusing on goals and desires. In this scenario, the healthcare professional's emphasis on improving multitasking skills and problem-solving aligns with the essence of motivation theory. Emotional intelligence primarily pertains to understanding and managing emotions, not specifically related to multitasking and problem-solving. Situational leadership theory emphasizes adapting leadership styles based on the situation and followers, not directly related to individual focus improvement. Transformational leadership theory focuses on inspiring and motivating followers to achieve common goals rather than individual task management and problem-solving skills.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with Addison's disease. The client exhibits signs of hypotension, dehydration, and confusion. The nurse should anticipate administering which of the following medications?

• A. Insulin
• B. Hydrocortisone
• C. Levothyroxine
• D. Methimazole

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid medication that is used to replace deficient cortisol levels in patients with Addison's disease. It helps stabilize blood pressure and fluid balance. Insulin (Choice A) is used to manage diabetes, not Addison's disease. Levothyroxine (Choice C) is a thyroid hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism, not Addison's disease. Methimazole (Choice D) is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, not Addison's disease.

5. A healthcare professional reviews a client's electrolyte laboratory report and notes that the potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following would the healthcare professional note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?

• A. U waves
• B. Absent P waves
• C. Elevated T waves
• D. Elevated ST segment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: U waves. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can manifest as U waves on an ECG. U waves are small, extra deflections seen after the T wave and may indicate cardiac irritability. Absent P waves (Choice B) are associated with conditions like atrial fibrillation. Elevated T waves (Choice C) can be seen in hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Elevated ST segment (Choice D) is not typically associated with low potassium levels but can be seen in conditions like myocardial infarction.

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