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. In developing a disaster management plan for a hospital, which resource should be the highest priority to have available in response to a bioterrorism event?

• A. A mental health specialist on the response team
• B. A sufficient supply of PPE
• C. A system for tracking client information
• D. A network for communication between staff members and families

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During a bioterrorism event, the highest priority resource to have available is a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is crucial in protecting healthcare workers and other responders from exposure to biological agents. While mental health support, client information tracking systems, and communication networks are important components of disaster management, in the context of a bioterrorism event, ensuring the safety of staff through adequate PPE takes precedence over other resources.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who wanders through the halls yelling obscenities at staff, other clients, and visitors. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Keep the client in their room with the door closed
• B. Contact a family member to come and sit with the client
• C. Place the client in a wheelchair with a lap tray
• D. Administer a sedative to the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When dealing with a client exhibiting disruptive behavior like yelling obscenities, involving a family member can provide emotional support and help in de-escalating the situation. Keeping the client isolated in their room (Choice A) may lead to further agitation. Placing the client in a wheelchair (Choice C) or administering a sedative (Choice D) should not be the first interventions for managing behavioral issues.

4. A nurse manager is receiving report and is faced with the following situations that require intervention. Which of the following should the nurse manager address first?

• A. No transport assistance is available to take the client to PT.
• B. A client is refusing care from an AP of the opposite gender.
• C. Three staff members have called to say they will be absent.
• D. Two nurses had a heated disagreement about a scheduling issue.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Addressing the absence of three staff members should be the nurse manager's priority as it directly impacts staffing levels and patient care. This situation can lead to staffing shortages, affecting patient safety and workload distribution. Option A, lack of transport assistance, although important, can be addressed after ensuring adequate staffing. Option B involves a client's preference and can be addressed by assigning care appropriately. Option D, a disagreement between two nurses, is important but can be addressed after ensuring adequate staffing and patient care.

5. Steven John has type 1 diabetes mellitus and receives insulin. Which laboratory test will the nurse assess?

• A. Potassium
• B. AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
• C. Serum amylase
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. Patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to insulin's effects on potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because AST, serum amylase, and sodium levels are not directly impacted by insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and are not the primary concern that needs monitoring in this scenario.

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