Nursing Elites

1. An RN is working through an ethical dilemma involving a patient on his unit. He has just identified the decision-makers involved. Which step best describes the current stage the RN is working through?

• A. Assessment
• B. Diagnosis
• C. Planning
• D. Implementation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Planning. In the ethical decision-making process, after identifying the decision-makers involved, the next step is typically planning. During the planning stage, the RN will consider the available options, weigh the ethical principles involved, and develop a course of action to address the ethical dilemma. Choice A, Assessment, involves gathering information and data about the situation. Choice B, Diagnosis, involves analyzing the gathered information to identify the ethical issue. Choice D, Implementation, comes after planning and involves putting the chosen course of action into practice.

2. Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit?

• A. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio
• B. Providing ongoing education on safe medication practices
• C. Using barcoding technology for medication administration
• D. Increasing the use of PRN medications

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most effective strategy for reducing medication errors on a nursing unit is using barcoding technology for medication administration. Barcoding technology helps to ensure the right medication is given to the right patient in the right dose at the right time. Increasing the nurse-to-patient ratio (choice A) may help in preventing errors due to workload, but it may not address the root cause of medication errors. Providing ongoing education (choice B) is important but may not be as effective as implementing technology to directly prevent errors during administration. Increasing the use of PRN medications (choice D) can actually increase the risk of errors if not carefully monitored and controlled.

3. When looking at the issue surrounding absenteeism, an innovative approach would be:

• A. Rewarding those who do not use days.
• B. Substituting personal days.
• C. Termination.
• D. Disciplinary actions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Substituting personal days for sick days can be considered an innovative approach to addressing absenteeism as it allows for proper planning by the nurse manager. This approach promotes a proactive and flexible solution that encourages employees to manage their time off more effectively. Choice A, rewarding those who do not use days, may not address the root causes of absenteeism and could create a culture of presenteeism. Choices C and D, termination and disciplinary actions, are punitive measures that do not focus on preventive strategies or address the underlying reasons for absenteeism.

4. After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a hemoglobin A1C of 12%
• B. 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL
• C. 40-year-old who is pregnant and has an oral glucose tolerance test result of 202 mg/dL
• D. 50-year-old who uses exenatide (Byetta) and is complaining of acute abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the patient with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) needs immediate attention. Hypoglycemia is an emergency situation that requires prompt intervention to prevent adverse effects such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Assessing and managing this patient first is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Choices A, C, and D do not present immediate life-threatening situations requiring urgent intervention like severe hypoglycemia does. While a high hemoglobin A1C level (choice A), an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result (choice C), and acute abdominal pain (choice D) are important issues, they do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypoglycemia.

5. What is the main focus of health literacy initiatives?

• A. To promote the use of medical jargon
• B. To improve patient communication skills
• C. To ensure that patients understand their health information
• D. To reduce the use of electronic health records

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main focus of health literacy initiatives is to ensure that patients understand their health information. By improving patient comprehension, individuals can make informed decisions about their health, leading to better health outcomes. Promoting the use of medical jargon would have the opposite effect, making health information less accessible. Improving patient communication skills is important but not the primary focus of health literacy initiatives. Electronic health records are tools for managing health information and not directly related to the main goal of health literacy initiatives.

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