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. Which patient is exercising their right to autonomy in the context of patient rights?

• A. An 86-year-old female who remains independent in terms of the activities of daily living.
• B. An unemancipated 16-year-old who chooses to not have an intravenous line.
• C. A 32-year-old who does not need the help of the nurse to bathe and groom themselves.
• D. A 99-year-old who wants CPR despite the fact that the nurse and doctor do not think that it would be successful.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. A 99-year-old exercising their right to autonomy in the context of patient rights by choosing CPR. Autonomy in healthcare refers to the patient's right to make their own decisions about their care, even if healthcare providers may disagree. In this scenario, the 99-year-old patient is exercising autonomy by making an informed choice about their medical treatment, despite healthcare professionals having a different opinion. Choices A, B, and C do not directly demonstrate the exercise of autonomy in decision-making regarding medical treatment, making them incorrect.

3. What is a cavity containing pus surrounded by inflamed tissue?

• A. Cellulitis.
• B. An abscess.
• C. Extravasation.
• D. An adhesion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An abscess is defined as a cavity containing pus surrounded by inflamed tissue. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection causing redness and swelling, not a cavity. Extravasation is the leakage of fluid from a vessel into surrounding tissues, not a cavity. An adhesion is a band of scar-like tissue that binds two parts together, not a cavity containing pus and inflamed tissue.

4. A charge nurse making rounds observes that an assistive personnel (AP) has applied wrist restraints to a client who is agitated and does not have a prescription for restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Remove the restraints from the client's wrists
• B. Review the chart for nonrestraint alternatives for agitation
• C. Speak with the AP about the incident
• D. Inform the unit manager of the incident

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to remove the restraints from the client's wrists. Restraints should not be applied without a prescription due to the risk of harm to the client. Removing the restraints promptly is a priority to ensure the client's safety. Reviewing nonrestraint alternatives, speaking with the AP, and informing the unit manager can follow after ensuring the client's immediate safety by removing the restraints.

5. Dr. Shrunk orders intravenous (IV) insulin for Rita, a client with a blood sugar of 563. Nurse AJ administers insulin lispro (Humalog) intravenously (IV). What does the best evaluation of the nurse reveal? Select one that does not apply.

• A. The nurse could have given the insulin subcutaneously.
• B. The nurse did not have to contact the physician.
• C. The nurse should have used regular insulin (Humulin R).
• D. The nurse used the correct insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best evaluation of the nurse reveals that she should have used regular insulin (Humulin R) for IV administration. Regular insulin is the only insulin approved for intravenous administration due to its pharmacokinetic properties. Insulin lispro (Humalog) is not suitable for IV use. Choice A is incorrect because giving insulin intravenously is necessary in this case of high blood sugar. Choice B is incorrect because administering a different insulin without consulting the physician is not appropriate. Choice D is incorrect because the nurse used the incorrect insulin, which could pose risks to the client's health.

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