Nursing Elites

1. Integrated health care systems function in a variety of models. Which of the following is a common characteristic of all systems?

• A. Deliver selective care only
• B. Deliver a whole continuum of care
• C. Treat patients only in the hospital
• D. Provide care only in the primary care setting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Integrated health care systems are designed to provide a whole continuum of care, which includes preventive, primary, specialty, hospital, and long-term care services. This integration ensures that patients receive comprehensive and coordinated care across different healthcare settings. Choice A is incorrect because integrated systems aim to provide a wide range of services, not selective care only. Choice C is incorrect as integrated systems extend care beyond hospital settings. Choice D is incorrect as these systems offer care across various settings, not limited to primary care only.

2. Although technology has seen many advances, which two ethical principles may be in conflict because of technology?

• A. Beneficence and justice
• B. Beneficence and nonmaleficence
• C. Beneficence and veracity
• D. Beneficence and confidentiality

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Beneficence and nonmaleficence. Beneficence refers to the obligation to do good and act in the best interest of the patient, while nonmaleficence means to 'do no harm.' With advances in technology, there can be situations where the pursuit of benefit (beneficence) may inadvertently cause harm (nonmaleficence), leading to a conflict between these two ethical principles. Choice A, beneficence and justice, is incorrect because justice pertains to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources and treatments, not conflicting directly with beneficence. Choice C, beneficence and veracity, involves the obligation to tell the truth and is not in direct conflict with beneficence. Choice D, beneficence and confidentiality, relate to maintaining privacy and trust, which can complement rather than conflict with beneficence in most cases.

3. Which of the following best describes the concept of total quality management (TQM)?

• A. Top-down management
• B. Employee-centered approach
• C. Continuous improvement
• D. Quality control

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Continuous improvement. Total quality management (TQM) focuses on continuously improving all aspects of healthcare delivery to enhance patient care, safety, and overall quality. Choice A, 'Top-down management,' does not capture the essence of TQM, which involves involvement at all levels of an organization. Choice B, 'Employee-centered approach,' while important, is not the defining characteristic of TQM. Choice D, 'Quality control,' is a component of TQM but does not fully encompass its comprehensive approach to quality improvement.

4. A 26-year-old patient with diabetes rides a bicycle to and from work every day. Which site should the nurse teach the patient to administer the morning insulin?

• A. Thigh
• B. Buttock
• C. Abdomen
• D. Upper arm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the abdomen. When a patient engages in physical activities like riding a bicycle, the abdomen is a suitable site for insulin administration due to the consistent absorption rate. The subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen allows for more predictable insulin absorption compared to other sites. The thigh is also a common site for insulin injection but may not be ideal for this patient due to the physical activity involved. The buttock and upper arm are not preferred sites for insulin injection as they can have variable absorption rates and may not be as convenient for self-administration.

5. A 27-year-old patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) has a serum glucose level of 732 mg/dL and serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which action prescribed by the healthcare provider should the nurse take first?

• A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
• B. Administer IV potassium supplements
• C. Obtain urine glucose and ketone levels
• D. Start an insulin infusion at 0.1 units/kg/hr

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the initial priority is to assess for any cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalances. Since the patient has a low serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L, placing the patient on a cardiac monitor is crucial to monitor for any potential cardiac complications. Administering IV potassium supplements (Choice B) may be needed, but it is not the first action to take. Obtaining urine glucose and ketone levels (Choice C) and starting an insulin infusion (Choice D) are important interventions in managing DKA, but ensuring patient safety by monitoring for arrhythmias takes precedence.

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