Nursing Elites

1. A patient's serum potassium level is 2.2 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the highest priority for this patient?

• A. Start oxygen at 2 L/min
• B. Initiate cardiac monitoring
• C. Initiate seizure precautions
• D. Keep the patient on bed rest

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate cardiac monitoring. Severe hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring the priority to detect and manage any cardiac complications. Starting oxygen, seizure precautions, or bed rest are not the immediate priority actions for severe hypokalemia.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who reports acute pain but refuses IM medication. The nurse distracts the client and quickly administers the injection. This illustrates which of the following?

• A. Assault
• B. False imprisonment
• C. Battery
• D. Libel

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Battery.' Administering the injection without the client's consent constitutes battery. Assault involves the threat of harm, not the actual act. False imprisonment is restraining a client against their will, which does not apply here. Libel refers to a false written statement, which is not relevant in this scenario.

3. A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who is unconscious following a motor-vehicle crash. The client requires immediate surgery. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Transport the client to the operating room without verifying informed consent
• B. Ask the anesthesiologist to sign the consent
• C. Obtain telephone consent from the facility administrator before the surgery
• D. Delay the surgery until the nurse can obtain informed consent

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In emergency situations where a client is unconscious and requires immediate surgery, implied consent applies. Implied consent allows healthcare providers, including nurses, to proceed with necessary treatment or surgery without formally verifying informed consent. Choice A is correct because the priority in this scenario is to ensure the client receives timely medical intervention to address life-threatening conditions. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because in emergencies, waiting to obtain formal consent can delay critical treatment, risking the client's health and well-being.

4. What is the purpose of a healthcare audit?

• A. To increase paperwork
• B. To assess and improve quality of care
• C. To reduce patient satisfaction
• D. To limit healthcare services

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To assess and improve quality of care.' Healthcare audits are conducted to evaluate the quality and efficiency of healthcare services provided. Choice A, 'To increase paperwork,' is incorrect as audits aim to streamline processes and reduce unnecessary paperwork. Choice C, 'To reduce patient satisfaction,' is incorrect as audits are meant to identify areas for improvement to enhance patient satisfaction. Choice D, 'To limit healthcare services,' is also incorrect as audits help in optimizing healthcare services rather than limiting them.

5. The nurse is planning care for a patient with acute hypernatremia. What should the nurse include in this patient's plan of care? (select one that does not apply)

• A. Reduce IV access
• B. Limit length of visits
• C. Restrict fluids to 1500 mL per day
• D. Conduct frequent neurologic checks

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For a patient with acute hypernatremia, the nurse should include interventions like reducing free water losses, correcting sodium levels slowly, monitoring neurologic status, and ensuring adequate fluid intake. Conducting frequent neurologic checks is essential in assessing the patient's neurological status and detecting any changes promptly. Therefore, this action should not be excluded from the plan of care. Choices A, B, and C are not directly related to managing acute hypernatremia and can be safely excluded from the plan of care. Reducing IV access, limiting length of visits, and restricting fluids to 1500 mL per day are not appropriate actions for managing acute hypernatremia.

Similar Questions