Nursing Elites

1. A patient who was admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis secondary to a urinary tract infection has been weaned off an insulin drip 30 minutes ago. The patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Infuse dextrose 50% by slow IV push.
• B. Administer 1 mg glucagon subcutaneously.
• C. Obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick.
• D. Have the patient drink 4 ounces of orange juice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first when a patient reports feeling lightheaded and sweaty after being weaned off an insulin drip is to obtain a glucose reading using a finger stick. This will provide crucial information on the patient's current blood glucose level, helping the nurse assess if the symptoms are due to hypoglycemia. Based on the glucose reading, appropriate interventions can be initiated, such as administering dextrose, glucagon, or oral sugars like orange juice if hypoglycemia is confirmed. However, verifying the blood glucose level is the initial step to guide subsequent actions and ensure patient safety.

2. A registered nurse (RN) who usually uses public transportation has not renewed her driver�s license. During a recent car trip with a friend, she took over driving when her friend became tired. Which of the following is true?

• A. She has acted in a professional manner.
• B. She may lose her RN license for driving without a license.
• C. She should renew her driver�s license as soon as possible.
• D. Under the circumstances, she will not be faulted for driving without a license.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Driving without a license is deemed an unprofessional and illegal behavior for which a nurse may lose his or her license.

3. A 48-year-old male patient screened for diabetes at a clinic has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L). The nurse will plan to teach the patient about

• A. self-monitoring of blood glucose
• B. using low doses of regular insulin
• C. lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose
• D. effects of oral hypoglycemic medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient has a fasting plasma glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L), indicating prediabetes, the initial approach is focused on lifestyle modifications to lower blood glucose levels. These changes may include dietary adjustments, increased physical activity, and weight management. Self-monitoring of blood glucose, insulin therapy, and oral hypoglycemic medications are not typically the first-line interventions for patients with prediabetes. Educating the patient about lifestyle changes to lower blood glucose is the most appropriate action at this stage.

4. The time period to give as notice for an appraisal is:

• A. One day.
• B. None.
• C. One week.
• D. Two days.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Two days.' It is preferable to give two days' notice for a performance appraisal. Giving only one day's notice (Choice A) might not provide sufficient time for the employee to prepare adequately for the appraisal. Choice B, 'None,' is incorrect because it is essential to give advance notice for an appraisal to allow the employee time to get ready. Choice C, 'One week,' is too long of a notice period for a standard performance appraisal and could lead to unnecessary delays.

5. Which of the following theories best describes current health care delivery systems?

• A. Open system theory
• B. Closed system theory
• C. Chaos theory
• D. Contingency theory

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The contingency theory best describes the current health care delivery systems. Contingency theory emphasizes that there is no one best way to organize or manage, and the effectiveness of an organization is contingent upon internal and external factors. In healthcare, the delivery systems must often adapt and be flexible in response to various factors like patient needs, technological advancements, and regulatory changes. Open system theory focuses on the interaction between a system and its environment, but it does not capture the dynamic and adaptive nature of current healthcare systems. Closed system theory suggests systems are self-contained and do not interact with the environment, which is not accurate for healthcare systems that constantly interact with patients, providers, and external factors. Chaos theory deals with complex systems and unpredictability, which while relevant to some aspects of healthcare, does not provide a comprehensive framework for understanding healthcare delivery systems.

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