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. Which of the following is an example of an ethical dilemma in nursing?

• A. Choosing between two equally undesirable alternatives
• B. Reporting a colleague's unethical behavior
• C. Balancing patient confidentiality with the need to disclose information
• D. Deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An ethical dilemma in nursing involves deciding whether to comply with a patient's request that conflicts with professional ethics, balancing competing values and principles. Choices A, B, and C do not directly represent ethical dilemmas in nursing. Choice A describes a general ethical dilemma, choice B involves professional conduct rather than a dilemma, and choice C refers to a confidentiality issue rather than conflicting ethical principles.

3. Monitoring the number of times a medication is given utilizing the 'five rights' is an example of which phase of the Six Sigma program?

• A. Measure
• B. Management
• C. Quantitative
• D. Goal

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the Six Sigma program, the 'Measure' phase focuses on monitoring and measuring processes to ensure they meet the desired standards. This includes tracking the number of times a medication is given correctly using the 'five rights' principle. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, 'Management,' does not specifically relate to monitoring processes or data collection, so it is not the correct answer. Choice C, 'Quantitative,' refers to the use of numerical data in decision-making, which is a broader concept and not specific to monitoring processes within the Six Sigma framework. Choice D, 'Goal,' is too general and does not capture the specific phase of Six Sigma that involves monitoring and measuring processes.

4. While caring for a client with tuberculosis, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Use antimicrobial sanitizer for hand hygiene.
• B. Wear a surgical mask when providing client care.
• C. Limit each visitor to 2-hour increments.
• D. Wear gloves when assisting the client with oral care.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with tuberculosis is to use antimicrobial sanitizer for hand hygiene. Tuberculosis is primarily spread through the air, so wearing a surgical mask when providing care (choice B) would be more appropriate for diseases transmitted via droplets. Limiting visitors (choice C) and wearing gloves for oral care (choice D) are important infection control measures but are not specifically tailored to tuberculosis transmission.

5. In the grievance process, a nurse disagrees with statements made by a physician about performance and talks to the nurse manager. Which step in the process is this?

• A. First
• B. Second
• C. Third
• D. Fourth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: First. In the grievance process, the initial step involves the nurse talking to the nurse manager to address the issue informally. Subsequently, step two entails filing a written appeal to the director of nursing or designee. Step three involves a formal meeting with the employee, agent, grievance chairperson, nursing administrator, and director of human resources. The final step, step four, is arbitration, which is initiated when no mutually acceptable solutions can be reached by the involved parties. Therefore, the nurse talking to the nurse manager about the disagreement is the first step in the grievance process.

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