Nursing Elites

1. An RN�s current patient and family have presented her with an ethical dilemma. What is the first step the RN should take to find a workable solution to the problem?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The first step the RN should take to find a workable solution to the problem is assessment.

2. 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.

3. The nurse manager can use several strategies to improve communication when giving directions. Asking the subordinate to repeat the instructions would be which of the following strategies?

• A. Verifying through feedback
• B. Follow-up communication
• C. Getting positive attention
• D. Knowing the context of the instruction

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asking the subordinate to repeat the instructions is a strategy known as verifying through feedback. This approach ensures that the receiver has understood the request correctly. Choice B, 'Follow-up communication,' refers to checking in after the initial communication, not necessarily asking for repetition. Choice C, 'Getting positive attention,' is unrelated to confirming understanding. Choice D, 'Knowing the context of the instruction,' deals with understanding the background or reasons behind the instructions, not confirming comprehension.

4. A client is having difficulty breathing while receiving supplemental oxygen via a nasal cannula in a supine position. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take first?

• A. Suction the client's airway.
• B. Instruct the client to perform incentive spirometry every hour.
• C. Assist the client to an upright position.
• D. Humidify the client's supplemental oxygen.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is experiencing difficulty breathing, the priority intervention is to assist the client to an upright position. This position helps improve ventilation by maximizing lung expansion and promoting better oxygenation. Suctioning the airway may be necessary if there is an obstruction, but repositioning the client is the initial step. Instructing the client to perform incentive spirometry and humidifying oxygen are important interventions but not the first priority in this scenario.

5. Which of the following laws govern nursing practice?

• A. Statutory laws
• B. Common law
• C. Administrative laws
• D. Constitutional laws

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Statutory laws are laws created by legislative bodies, such as state legislatures. In the context of nursing practice, statutory laws govern areas like licensure requirements, scope of practice, and professional standards. Common law, choice B, is based on court decisions and precedents, not specifically related to nursing practice. Administrative laws, choice C, deal with regulations set by administrative agencies rather than governing nursing practice directly. Constitutional laws, choice D, pertain to the fundamental principles outlined in a country's constitution and are not specific to regulating nursing practice.

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