Nursing Elites

1. An unresponsive patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department and diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). The nurse will anticipate the need to

• A. give a bolus of 50% dextrose.
• B. insert a large-bore IV catheter.
• C. initiate oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. administer glargine (Lantus) insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common. To address these issues, the priority intervention is to insert a large-bore IV catheter for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement. Giving a bolus of 50% dextrose would worsen the hyperglycemia. Initiating oxygen via nasal cannula may be beneficial for respiratory support but is not the priority in this scenario. Administering glargine (Lantus) insulin is not the initial treatment for HHS as it does not address the underlying severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

2. Which of the following strategies is most effective for improving staff morale?

• A. Increasing workload
• B. Increasing salaries
• C. Providing feedback
• D. Offering incentives

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Providing feedback is the most effective strategy for improving staff morale. Feedback helps employees understand their performance, areas of improvement, and areas of strength, fostering a sense of recognition and growth. Increasing workload (choice A) can lead to burnout and decreased morale. While increasing salaries (choice B) and offering incentives (choice D) can be motivating, they may not address underlying issues or provide the same level of personal development and recognition that feedback offers.

3. A nurse manager who tells the staff to 'come to me with any problem' but then keeps the office door closed is using what type of communication?

• A. Intrasender conflict
• B. Diagonal communication
• C. Metacommunication
• D. Upward communication

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intrasender conflict. Intrasender conflict happens when there is a discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal communication. In this scenario, the nurse manager's verbal message encourages staff to communicate openly, but the closed office door sends a conflicting nonverbal message, creating intrasender conflict. Metacommunication involves nonverbal behaviors like gestures or facial expressions that support or contradict verbal communication. Upward communication refers to the flow of information from staff to management or lower to upper management. Diagonal communication involves communication between individuals or departments at different hierarchical levels.

4. A nurse recognizes which of the following as a primary goal of nursing?

• A. Assist patients to achieve a peaceful death.
• B. Improve personal knowledge and skills to enhance patient outcomes.
• C. Advocate for quality of life over the quantity of life.
• D. Work to control costs to enhance patients' quality of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Assist patients to achieve a peaceful death.' One of the primary goals of nursing is to help patients experience a comfortable and peaceful passing when faced with terminal illness or at the end of life. This involves providing holistic care, managing symptoms, and ensuring that patients are as comfortable and pain-free as possible. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while improving knowledge and skills, advocating for quality of life, and controlling costs are important aspects of nursing care, they are not the primary goal related to end-of-life care.

5. A staff nurse describes the unit manager as 'a born leader.' The nurse ascribes to which theory of leadership?

• A. Trait theories
• B. Behavioral theories
• C. Formal leadership theories
• D. Democratic leadership theories

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Trait theories. The nurse describing the unit manager as 'a born leader' aligns with trait theories of leadership, which suggest that certain inborn characteristics or traits contribute to effective leadership. This theory emphasizes that leaders possess natural qualities that make them suitable for leadership roles. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Behavioral theories focus on the actions and behaviors of leaders, formal leadership theories emphasize organizational structure and roles, and democratic leadership theories pertain to a style of leadership that involves participative decision-making.

Similar Questions