Nursing Elites

1. Effective leaders must communicate a vision for the future. Which of the following is the best method for communicating a vision for the future?

• A. Involve others in creating the vision and connect daily work tasks to the vision.
• B. Encourage staff nurses to openly discuss practice and possible improvements.
• C. Critically analyze and discuss advances in practice with other nurses on staff.
• D. Actively listen to the recommendations of others.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best method for communicating a vision for the future is to involve others in creating the vision and connect daily work tasks to the vision. This approach fosters ownership and commitment among team members, as they feel part of the vision-building process and understand how their daily tasks contribute to achieving that vision. Choice B, encouraging staff nurses to openly discuss practice and possible improvements, is important for fostering communication but doesn't directly address creating and communicating a vision. Choice C, critically analyzing and discussing advances in practice with other nurses, focuses on professional development and knowledge sharing rather than specifically communicating a future vision. Choice D, actively listening to recommendations, is valuable for gathering input but may not be sufficient on its own for effectively communicating a future vision.

2. Early this morning, a female client had a subtotal thyroidectomy. During evening rounds, Nurse Tina assesses the client, who now has nausea, a temperature of 105°F (40.5°C), tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. What is the most likely cause of these signs?

• A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
• B. Thyroid crisis
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Tetany

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid crisis. Thyroid crisis, also known as thyroid storm, is a life-threatening condition that can occur after a thyroidectomy. Symptoms include high fever, tachycardia, extreme restlessness, and other signs of severe hyperthyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (choice A) is a complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis, not typically seen post-thyroidectomy. Hypoglycemia (choice C) is low blood sugar levels and would not present with the symptoms described. Tetany (choice D) is a condition of involuntary muscle spasms due to low calcium levels and is not directly related to the symptoms observed in this scenario.

3. A nurse manager is reviewing the nurse’s documentation on the unit. Which of the following best describes the importance of this review?

• A. The nurse manager’s review of documentation is crucial to ensure that it meets legal and ethical standards and accurately reflects the care provided to patients.
• B. The nurse manager’s review of documentation is important to ensure that it is thorough, accurate, and reflects the nurse’s accountability for patient care.
• C. The nurse manager’s review of documentation is necessary to ensure that it is consistent with the unit’s policies and procedures and that it accurately reflects the care provided.
• D. The nurse manager’s review of documentation is essential to ensure that it meets regulatory requirements and that it supports the delivery of safe and effective patient care.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse manager's review of documentation is a critical aspect of maintaining quality patient care. Choice D is the correct answer as it highlights the importance of ensuring that documentation meets regulatory requirements, supporting the delivery of safe and effective patient care. Regulatory requirements are established to ensure that healthcare facilities function within established guidelines and standards, promoting patient safety and quality of care. Choices A, B, and C, although important aspects of documentation review, do not fully encapsulate the significant role of regulatory compliance in ensuring the overall quality and safety of patient care.

4. Which of the following is a priority nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease?

• A. Fluid volume deficit
• B. Risk for infection
• C. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• D. Disturbed body image

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease is 'Fluid volume deficit.' Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, resulting in decreased aldosterone production. Aldosterone plays a key role in sodium and water retention in the body. With its deficiency, there is an increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, leading to fluid volume deficit. While infection risk, nutrition issues, and body image disturbances are also important considerations for holistic care, addressing the fluid volume deficit takes precedence due to the immediate physiological impact on the client's health and well-being.

5. A patient with acute congestive heart failure is receiving high doses of a diuretic. On assessment, the nurse notes flat neck veins, generalized muscle weakness, and diminished deep tendon reflexes. Suspecting hyponatremia, what additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this patient if hyponatremia were present?

• A. Dry skin
• B. Decreased urinary output
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Increased specific gravity of the urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with hyponatremia, hyperactive bowel sounds are expected due to increased gastrointestinal motility. Dry skin (Choice A) is not a typical sign of hyponatremia. Decreased urinary output (Choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration or renal issues, not specifically hyponatremia. Increased specific gravity of the urine (Choice D) is a sign of concentrated urine, which is not a characteristic finding in hyponatremia.

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